What can I do about kidney stones in dogs?

Kidney stones are more common in dogs than most owners expect. They form when mineral deposits build up in the kidneys, and when that happens, dogs are often in real pain. In more severe cases the stone grows large enough to block the flow of urine entirely. Left untreated, kidney stones in dogs can turn life-threatening, so knowing what to do (and how to prevent a repeat) matters.

What should I do if my dog has kidney stones?

If the stones are still small, vets can often dissolve them with special medication. Once they've grown past a certain size, surgical removal becomes the only option.

How do I treat kidney stones in my dog?

If a stone is causing symptoms, or there's a risk it could block a ureter, treatment shouldn't wait. The right approach depends heavily on the size of the stone. Some dogs do well on a dissolving diet [5]; others need surgical removal, a stent placed in the ureter to bypass a stone that's stuck, or lithotripsy, a procedure that breaks up large stones so they can pass through the ureter in the urine.

What can a dog with kidney stones eat?

Dogs prone to kidney stones, or with a history of them, generally do best on nutrition that's low in salt and high in water content. There's also purpose-built nutrition for urinary tract problems: diets to prevent struvite stones, and separate formulas to stop calcium oxalate from reforming. A 2021 study on struvite cystoliths found that roughly 58% of dogs on a dissolution diet achieved full dissolution of the stones [6], which is a solid case for taking the food side seriously.

Can a dog live with kidney stones?

Surgery isn't always necessary. In some cases, simply monitoring the stone to make sure it isn't growing or worsening is enough. In others, medical treatment resolves the problem without ever reaching for a scalpel.

Can dogs get kidney stones from tap water?

The mineral content of tap water may play a role. Water high in calcium and magnesium, often called hard water, can contribute to certain kidney and bladder stones, particularly in dogs already predisposed to them. The evidence here is thinner than for diet or hydration generally, so treat it as a secondary factor rather than the main one.

Factors that play a major role in kidney stones in dogs

Dogs that don't drink enough are more likely to develop stones, since their urine becomes more concentrated and minerals have an easier time crystallising [5]. Genetics matters too: Dalmatians carry a well-documented, breed-wide mutation that causes hyperuricosuria (excess uric acid in the urine), which puts them at much higher risk of urate stones [1][2]. Small breeds aren't off the hook either. Shih Tzus, along with Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frises, Lhasa Apsos and Yorkshire Terriers, show up consistently as high-risk breeds for calcium oxalate stones in breed surveys of hundreds of thousands of urolith submissions [3].

Diet plays a role as well. Too much dietary calcium, oxalate or purines can tip the balance toward stone formation. And the pH of your dog's urine, whether it runs too acidic or too alkaline, can also be a contributing factor.

Medication or supplements for kidney stones in dogs

Several medicines and supplements can help, though which one makes sense depends entirely on the type of stone. It's always worth checking with a vet before starting anything.

Medication your vet may prescribe:

• Potassium citrate, which helps dissolve and prevent calcium oxalate and urate stones.
• Allopurinol, commonly used for urate stones, particularly in Dalmatians, where it reduces uric acid production [1][4].
• Antibiotics, used when struvite stones are caused by an underlying infection.
• Painkillers, to manage pain and inflammation.

Supplements and dietary options:

• Vitamin B6, which may help reduce calcium oxalate stones.
• Cranberry extract, which supports urinary tract health and can help lower urine pH.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and support kidney function.
• D-mannose, which helps prevent bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract.
• A special diet, which can prevent and dissolve certain types of stones [5].

Prevention and management of kidney stones in dogs

Nobody wants their dog to develop stones, or to go through a recurrence, so it's worth paying attention to nutrition, hydration, check-ups and daily habits.

Fresh drinking water should always be available. It dilutes the urine and keeps minerals from concentrating into stones [5]. If your dog isn't a big drinker, a fountain can help since some dogs drink more when the water is moving, or you can moisten their kibble slightly to boost hydration without much fuss.

Regular vet visits matter too. Urine and blood tests catch abnormalities, like crystals or bacteria, before they become a bigger problem. Dogs with a history of stones should generally be checked every six months.

A healthy, active lifestyle helps as well. Exercise supports a good fluid balance, and giving your dog enough chances to urinate (rather than holding it for hours) reduces the time minerals have to concentrate. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight matters here too, since excess weight raises the risk of kidney problems generally.

Conclusion: What can I do about kidney stones in dogs?

Kidney stones in dogs are serious, and symptoms like abdominal pain or trouble urinating shouldn't be ignored. Acting quickly matters. Treatment ranges from medication and diet to surgery or lithotripsy, depending on the size and severity of the stone. Nutrition and hydration do a lot of the preventive work, and regular vet check-ups catch problems early. None of this guarantees a stone-free dog, but together it meaningfully lowers the odds.

FAQs

Are kidney stones in dogs life-threatening?

They can be, if left untreated. A stone that blocks the urinary tract can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage or infection. Early detection and treatment are what keep this from becoming an emergency.

How can I quickly tell if my dog has kidney stones?

Watch for abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, frequent urination, or a complete inability to urinate. Any of these warrants a prompt trip to the vet for diagnosis.

How much does treatment for kidney stones in dogs cost?

It varies a lot, depending on the size and location of the stone and the treatment chosen. Medication alone can be relatively affordable; surgery pushes costs into the hundreds of euros. Your vet can give you a realistic estimate once they know what you're dealing with.

Can my dog get rid of kidney stones without surgery?

Often, yes. Small stones can dissolve with medication or a special diet. Larger or more serious cases may still need surgery.

Is tap water bad for dogs with kidney stones?

Tap water with a high mineral content can contribute to stone formation, especially in dogs that are sensitive to hard water. Filtering the water, or otherwise ensuring good hydration, is a reasonable precaution.