Dog food for oxalate stones

How to choose?

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the quality of the product. The best option would be to find a reliable supplier of meat products who can confirm safety and quality with documents

Usually, in large chain stores and on the market, all meat products undergo sanitary inspection before going on sale. Or take it from familiar farmers who can guarantee the health of the cow at the time of slaughter, and will tell you whether it is dairy or dry.

The dried fruit can be boiled and added to porridge or vegetables. And only milk udder can be given raw, as it is less fatty. In appearance - in the shape of a small ball of pinkish-yellow color.

You can determine the milkiness by cutting - milk will flow, or by smell - there should be a distinct smell of fresh milk. If the smell is sour, this may indicate that the product is stale. Having purchased a high-quality and fresh udder, all that remains is to remove excess fat and treat your pet with a healthy treat.

Inclusion in the diet

If a dog’s body tolerates lactose well, then there is no need to deny the dog the pleasure. Periodically treat your pet with it, diluted a little with water. This mixing greatly reduces the likelihood of intestinal upset.

Goats give the healthiest milk

The main problem is one of preference. Which is better - cow or goat? Cow contains more fat than protein. It is less digestible, so it is not advisable to choose it.

Products from cows are also prohibited for a number of other reasons.

First, sick farm animals are treated with antibiotics.

Secondly, during pregnancy, the female produces the hormone estrogen.

And thirdly, farm animals eat feed containing pesticides. Therefore, the beneficial component goes together with the harmful one.

The best option is goat milk - it is less fatty and contains more proteins.

It is recommended to give it in the form of yogurt. For better absorption, also add 1 whipped yolk and cream (1 spoon per 500 ml). This dish is most often fed to newborn puppies.

What kind of milk can be given to dogs?

In composition, all types of milk differ from dog milk. But the safest is goat, which contains less lactose. It is better to give not fresh milk, but already standing milk, in the form of curdled milk. To make it better absorbed, add raw whipped yolk and 1 tablespoon of cream (per 500 ml of milk).

Cow's milk, although less fatty, is less digestible, so it should not be given to pets.

Mare's meat is the leanest, 90% consists of water, and its calorie content is significantly lower than that of goat and cow. However, it contains more lactose than cow and goat milk. Therefore, mare's milk should not be given to dogs.

If your animal loves milk, then it is better to purchase something special for dogs that does not contain lactose. This is sold in pet stores in large cities, some replace it with baby food, low in lactose. In general, it is better to replace milk with fermented milk products, in particular low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, low-fat yogurt without additives, which have a positive effect on the intestinal microflora.

If we are talking about such a controversial product for dogs, then it is interesting to learn about the benefits of milk of plant origin. People who eat only plant foods are looking for various food replacement options, for example, replacing cow's milk with soy and almond milk.

It should immediately be noted that soy milk is contraindicated for animals. Firstly, because soy is on the list of foods prohibited for dogs, it contains a large amount of protein to which the animal may be allergic, and secondly, soy in large quantities is harmful to humans, it is reasonable to assume that dogs , even in small quantities, it will not bring any benefit.

Almond milk is safe for your dog to drink, as long as it is consumed in limited quantities and as long as there are no additional toxic additives such as chocolate or raisins, and no artificial sweeteners. It is allowed to give up to two glasses per day, depending on the size of the pet. Large amounts will cause diarrhea.

Coconut milk is also safe, but in large quantities it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in some dogs. In general, there is no need for such a product; dogs rather drink it because of its sweetness, so it is better not to include it in the diet. In addition, you should not allow your pet to become spoiled in terms of food.

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Dairy

Giving dogs kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese and unsweetened yoghurts is not only possible, but also necessary ! In fermented milk products, bacteria and yeast have already converted lactose into lactic acid and made the product safe for the animal.

Fermented milk products saturate the dog’s body with the necessary amount of calcium, protein, as well as beneficial vitamins and minerals. The most important thing is that it contains probiotic cultures, which are necessary for proper intestinal function.

Important! Sour cream, cheese and cream are too fatty foods that are harmful to dogs. And fermented baked milk can cause fermentation.

Special for animals

If your dog really loves fresh milk, you can give him special milk instead of regular milk from the store or homemade milk . It is sold in veterinary pharmacies and does not contain lactose. You can give it to your four-legged friend without fear - it will definitely not cause diarrhea and vomiting.

The most famous and trusted manufacturers of lactose-free milk for dogs:

Royal Canin;
Canina;
Brit Kea;
Nutri-Vet;
Trixie.

All milk is mostly dry: it needs to be diluted in water, but this does not affect the consistency and taste. In terms of cost, the most budget products are produced by the Trixie brand.

What are the benefits and harms

A dog is a mammal, just like a person. Therefore, milk is good for her, it contains nutrients: calcium, potassium, amino acids, vitamins, protein, which are so necessary for a growing body. Milk can quickly saturate, has medicinal qualities, gives energy, and helps with colds. But there is still controversy surrounding the question of whether milk is good for four-legged friends. Some dog breeders argue that their pet should be given it, others are categorically against it.

Puppies on a natural diet benefit from milk. The product contains lactose, i.e. milk sugar, and puppies' intestines contain lactase, which helps digest lactose. That’s why puppies love milk and slurp it with pleasure. With age, lactase becomes less and less, the digestive organs become unable to digest milk, so it causes harm: indigestion, bloating.

Some adults do not drink milk. But there are those who do this without harming themselves, if they are accustomed from a young age, such food does not cause diarrhea, bloating, or allergies. In addition to milk, dogs should be offered kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, and sour cream.

Dog breeders are wondering whether goat milk can be given to dogs? Yes, this product is the most useful and safe for animals. Goat milk is easily digestible, contains a small percentage of lactose, but is rich in nutrients and vitamins.

Experts do not recommend giving mare's milk to dogs. It contains little protein and fat, but the lactose content is much higher than that of cow or goat milk. Kumis is also not allowed due to the presence of ethyl alcohol in it. It is recommended to give puppies cottage cheese; you can completely replace one feeding with it. Curd food is easily digestible and has a good effect on the functioning of the digestive system.

Cheese can be given as a treat during training or as a reward for correctly following commands. These must be low-fat cheeses, without added aromatic additives, not smoked, and without mold. You should monitor whether your friend is allergic to this product. If it is, you should not give cheese.

It is useful to give your puppy yogurt. Its composition is characterized by the presence of magnesium, calcium, proteins, phosphorus, bacteria that are beneficial to the digestive organs. Yogurt helps reduce gas formation, ensure normal intestinal function, and remove waste and toxins from the body. The beneficial substances of the dairy product affect the growth of microorganisms for digestion.

It is useful to give puppies low-fat sour cream, but not as a separate dish, but as an additive to the main food. A pregnant bitch can also enjoy sour cream; it has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract. Dairy and fermented milk products can benefit a puppy or adult dog if they are high-quality and low-fat.

Arguments and facts against milk

Heated debates flare up against the backdrop of a negative experience experienced by one of the opponents. That is, the reaction of one dog’s body is taken as the basis for statements. Next, following logic, a person selects arguments that support his opinion; most often they relate to research or the “natural” state of affairs. Let's look at the arguments and facts against milk in a dog's diet.

Only puppies can have milk

The argument is that in nature an adult wolf does not suckle milk.

Fact - wild animals only suckle from their mother when they are puppies, until they are about one year old, or until the mother has milk. However, a dog is not a wolf; our tailed friends have come a long way, evolved and adapted to a more varied diet.

Cow/goat milk is not a natural food for dogs

Argument - and again, in nature, a puppy can only receive mother's milk.

It is a fact that dogs evolved alongside humans. Humanity “began” raising livestock before our era, and if milk were truly harmful, there would already be a lot of indisputable facts proving damage to health.

Adult dogs are lactose intolerant/not digestible.

The argument is that adult canines eat only meat mixed with plant foods. Many dogs experience diarrhea after drinking milk.

Fact - in fact, approximately 40% of adult dogs, this statistical data (with no scientific basis), are lactose intolerant. Intestinal disorders and even allergies are the result of the body being unable to absorb food. An animal with lactose intolerance refuses a harmful product on its own, but if the tailed one asks for milk, there is no talk of intolerance. Most dogs consume milk without any consequences.

Scientists have found that milk is harmful to dogs

Argument - an opinion is supported by reading material that was found in the media or on the Internet.

Fact - research on the dangers of milk for dogs has not been conducted and will not be conducted, since it is a waste of time and money. However, milk has been repeatedly studied for allergenicity and digestibility (for humans).

The benefits of milk are very doubtful, because dogs do not have intestinal dysbiosis and do not need lactobacilli.

Argument – This statement is widely accepted among veterinarians.

Fact: many people, including doctors, forget that this statement applies only to wild carnivores. Dogs have not been wild for a long time, and who examined a wolf for dysbacteriosis at the age of 10–12 years? That's right, no one, since a wild animal lives 6–7 years and dies, giving way to young ones. Are stray dogs treated with antibiotics or other medications? Why do stray animals rarely live more than 5 years? – Poor nutrition, dysbacteriosis, decreased level of immune defense, contracted virus and death.

The conclusion is quite obvious, dogs cannot have milk if they are lactose intolerant, but before you “veto”, make sure of the diagnosis! Perhaps your ward has a lack of lactobacilli (dysbacteriosis) and milk causes an acute reaction precisely against this background. The intestinal microflora can be restored by introducing concentrated probiotics into the diet. You can use powdered milk for animals, a substitute made taking into account the composition of the bitch's colostrum.

Milk in dog nutrition: pros and cons

Animals that eat natural food need dairy products. Puppies need them especially acutely. The nutrient liquid saturates growing organisms with a complex of microelements that are directly involved in the formation of the musculoskeletal framework. The task of any owner is not to harm the pet. Therefore, when creating a diet for him, one should take into account not only the properties of the product, but also the individual characteristics of the body.

Opinions differ regarding the question of whether an adult dog can be given milk. The reason lies in the composition of the product. Cow's milk contains large quantities of lactose - milk sugar. The enzyme lactase is involved in its processing.

If there is an excess of lactase in a “children’s” body, then as the animal develops, its amount is reduced to nothing. The biocatalyst level begins to decrease when the puppy reaches 3-4 months of age. Therefore, adult dogs often experience intestinal upset when consuming milk.

One of the reasons why dogs should not have milk is that this product can cause allergic reactions.

Usually, animals, having reached adulthood, refuse this product themselves. But there are options when four-legged pets remain addicted to it. What to do in this case? You can solve the problem as follows:

Reduce the fat content of the product. To do this, milk should be diluted with boiled water. This drink can be given to those animals in which its use does not cause diarrhea, and no more than once every 2-3 days.
Replace cow's milk with goat's milk. This will reduce the risk of allergies, since goat milk has a lower concentration of lactose. If the owner is a fan of plant foods, you can try replacing the milk with almond, coconut or soy milk.
Pamper your pet with lactose-free milk - a product in which this component is hydrolyzed or removed. You can buy it at pet stores or baby food stores.

Veterinarians recommend using healthier and safer fermented milk analogues as a source of calcium and protein.

Diet for dogs with oxalate-type urolithiasis

Oxalates are now almost as common in dogs as struvite uroliths. In the 80s, of all uroliths studied, struvite was found in 80% of cases, oxalates were much less common. Now oxalates occur in 40-50% of all cases. One of the reasons for this change in the ratio is attempts to use acidifying diets to prevent struvite-type urolithiasis, which as a result leads to the appearance of completely different uroliths.

Oxalates are salts of oxalic acid and calcium; calcium oxalate monohydrate is more common, and dihydrate is less common. Chemical formula CaC2O4*H2O. Uroliths of the oxalate type are twice as common in males than in females. The dissolution of oxalates does not depend on urine pH, but an acidic environment increases the risk of their occurrence.

Connection with diseases

People use dairy products for various diseases. For example, when you have a cold, you drink milk with honey. Therefore, there is an opinion among owners that in case of poisoning or other diseases, it can be used as a medicine for a pet:

If your friend is poisoned, he needs light food that will not put additional stress on the stomach and intestines. Milk should not be given under any circumstances.

Often, owners, trying to cure various diseases, try to strengthen the dog’s body with milk. For example, this mistake is often made with enteritis. This is a very rapid disease accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting. And introducing a dairy product into a dog’s diet during illness will only add problems. In this case, you can use whey, which contains more calcium, but is a product with less fat content;
Due to the high calcium content, calcium oxalate crystals can form in the dog's body, which are a type of urolithiasis. Such stones grow very quickly, have different shapes and are difficult to treat. This does not mean that any dog cannot have milk. However, there are breeds that have a predisposition to the formation of oxalates: miniature poodles, Yorkies, Shih Tzus, miniature schnauzers, Bichon Frize.

We can say that milk is a heavy product that is not recommended to be given to your pet, especially during periods of illness accompanied by gastrointestinal disorders.

However, it will be useful to include it in the diet of a nursing bitch. The lactation period of a dog lasts about 4-6 weeks, during this period it is necessary to replenish all useful substances. For this purpose, a special diet is used, which includes milk.

But the owner should strictly monitor the condition of the mother dog. If her condition deviates from the norm, her diet should be revised towards safer foods, and you should seek advice from a doctor.

Medicinal dog food

Food has been developed for dogs with urolithiasis. Their composition is selected to prevent the development of an alkaline environment in the body. A specialist may advise switching the dog completely to medicated food.

Purina;
Royal Canin;
Hills;
Eukanuba.

The first time after switching to feed, you will need to take a urine test every month. This is done to check the dynamics of changes. In the future, analyzes are carried out once a year, and this is enough.

How to choose?

If you notice your pet has a desire to drink fresh milk, you can treat him with a special lactose-free product. You can purchase such milk at special veterinary pharmacies or pet stores. This product will not harm an adult animal; it can be safely given to a dog as food without fear of causing vomiting, diarrhea or food allergies.

The line of lactose-free milk is produced by food manufacturers familiar to all dog breeders: Canina, Royal Canin, Nutri-Vet, Brit Kea, Trixie. This product is produced in freeze-dried form. Before giving it to your dog, it should be slightly diluted with warm boiled water. The manufacturer indicates the dilution proportions for each product on the packaging. Diluting the freeze-dried powder with water does not in any way impair the taste and aroma of the milk obtained from it, and dogs willingly drink such a drink at almost any age.

If you cannot find lactose-free products, then when choosing natural milk, make sure the product is fresh before giving it to your pet. It is best to purchase whole goat or cow's milk from trusted suppliers to be sure that their animals do not have mastitis, brucellosis or other serious diseases. Ideally, for the safety of your dog's health, the milk he will drink should be pasteurized or boiled.

Next, watch a video with veterinarian advice on the possibility of feeding your dog milk.

What to feed after childbirth

Feeding a dog that has given birth is an extremely serious matter. This is due to the fact that they are polyploid animals, which can have up to 15 puppies in a litter during one birth. This is a colossal burden for the mother’s body.

Mother's milk for puppies is the only food for the next 1-1.5 months. In addition, during the first day or two, the mammary glands of all mammals, including dogs, secrete not milk, but colostrum.

This exceptional substance contains a concentrate of vitamins, microelements, nutrients and, most importantly and uniquely, ready-made antibodies to those infectious diseases that the mother herself has. These are the infections that the dog has either been vaccinated for or that the dog has had.

Therefore, with a large litter, it is very important to feed the dog correctly, because its colostrum, and subsequently milk, should be enough for all puppies in sufficient quantities. In order for milk to be nutritious and provide energy in the required amount to all puppies, the mother’s diet must also be high in calories, but at the same time, it is desirable that the food does not take up large volumes because

a dog, getting used to a large amount of food, undergoes inevitable stretching of the stomach walls, which ultimately leads to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system

In order for milk to be nutritious and provide energy in the required amount to all puppies, the mother’s diet must also be high in calories, but at the same time, it is desirable that the food does not take up large volumes because a dog, getting used to a large amount of food, undergoes inevitable stretching of the stomach walls, which ultimately leads to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system.

If before the onset of labor the dog usually refuses to eat, then after the birth it must be given a drink and offered to eat in order to regain strength.

After childbirth is over, the young mother’s appetite will increase for the first 3-4 weeks. Depending on the number of puppies in the litter, you need to increase the daily ration and, accordingly, the frequency of feeding.

Natural type

The quality of the diet also changes slightly in a more “intensive” direction. This means that caloric intake must be significantly increased. A veterinarian or an experienced breeder who specializes in the specific breed of interest will help you calculate the diet in more detail. So, for example, a German Shepherd weighing 32-35 kg and nursing a litter of 8 puppies will require a diet with a calorie content of 4500 kcal/kg, and it will need to contain approximately 30% protein and 20-25% fat in relation to dry matter volume.

The products used to create a natural diet are the same as for a pregnant dog, but mineral complexes (mineral-vitamin) and supplements in the form of meat-and-bone or fish meal are necessarily added.

Vitamin and mineral complexes for dogs nursing puppies are the same ones that were used during the gestation period.

Dry food

This option is much simpler. It does not require additional sources of vitamins and minerals and has clear dosing instructions from the manufacturer. In addition, there is no need to change food after birth because the food that was used at the last stage during gestation of puppies is quite suitable for the lactation period.

Manifestation of the disease - what to look for

Depending on the severity of the disease, clinical manifestations can be divided into several degrees of manifestation:

Subclinical form or asymptomatic. This is the period of the disease when there are no outward manifestations, and stones and sand can only be detected using X-rays or ultrasound. And these studies are prompted by a urine test, where a change in the pH of the urine (in any direction) and the deposition of crystals are noted.

Mild form of the disease. Outwardly, it often manifests itself as a minor malaise and classic signs of general malaise: the number of times the pet asks to go to the toilet increases;
minor hematuria - the appearance of droplets of blood in the urine, which slightly change its color to pink;
the dog pees longer than usual, may whine during the process, take unnatural poses, and mark time in the process;
licks the genitals for a long time and thoroughly;
a slight increase in body temperature is possible if infectious inflammation develops.

Severe manifestations follow mild ones: the dog constantly has traces of urine droplets in the perineum, which indicates constant involuntary urination. Also, traces of urine are found throughout the home where the pet lives;
there is obvious blood in the urine;
the pet constantly whines, especially when he tries to go “small”, you can see how he strains for this;
you can feel an enlarged (full) bladder, because urine flow is difficult;
the animal looks depressed, emaciated, there is no appetite, and even its favorite treat is not attractive;
Thirst may be present;
The temperature may rise if there are signs of infection.

See a doctor immediately if the following signs (threatening symptoms): urine does not pass at all;
signs of dehydration, general exhaustion;
weakness, comatose state (the animal lies almost constantly, reacts poorly to its name or does not react at all);
when palpating the abdominal wall, the bladder may be full, large, tense and painful, or may not be palpable at all if it has ruptured;
general signs of intoxication from the entry of uric substances into the blood (vomiting, nausea, convulsions);
the pet may fall into a coma in a particularly serious condition;
body temperature usually drops below 37.5°C.

We recommend reading: Vetsynthesis
Competent treatment directly depends on how correctly the veterinarian assesses the degree of manifestation of urolithiasis in a dog based on symptoms.

Dairy products

In products obtained as a result of lactic acid fermentation, lactose is broken down by bacteria. The lactic acid released during this process provokes the coagulation of casein. Therefore, the hypoallergenicity of lactic acid products is several times higher compared to unfermented milk.

Kefir

Giving kefir to a four-legged pet is not only desirable, but also necessary. The drink can be safely introduced into the diet of puppies and given daily to adult dogs, because... it has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract.

The only drawback of a fermented milk product is its ability not only to stimulate peristalsis, but also to completely relax the intestines. Therefore, it is worth being aware that with frequent consumption of kefir, some dogs may experience diarrhea.

The easiest way to minimize this deficiency is by treating your pet with kefir, which contains a minimal amount of fat, or by giving preference to low-fat drinks.

Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is rightfully considered a milk concentrate containing a large amount of calcium salts. Therefore, this product must be present in the daily diet of puppies. Veterinarians even recommend completely replacing one meal with cottage cheese.

In order to prevent the development of rickets and maintain the muscle tone of your pet, it is better to choose calcined cottage cheese. The product is prepared at home by mixing powdered calcium lactate or calcium chloride produced in the form of a solution into regular cottage cheese, or it is purchased ready-made in pet stores.

As for adult dogs, when deciding to give cottage cheese instead of milk, only 1-2 doses per week are enough. In addition to its main function - enriching the body with calcium, it, like any other fermented milk product, activates the normal functioning of the digestive tract.

Cheese

Cheese is a favorite treat for many animals. It is successfully used as a reward during training. For dogs, it is better to use varieties that are free of artificial components and do not contain aromatic additives. Preference should be given to low-fat varieties.

When pampering your pet with this delicacy, the main thing is not to overdo it. The daily portion of the product should be no more than 100-150 grams. Exceeding this dose can lead to disruption of bowel movements and provoke allergic reactions in the form of redness of the mucous membrane and itching.

Yogurt

A fermented milk product obtained as a result of fermentation of milk by yogurt bacteria, the taste and consistency is similar to low-fat sour cream. The lactobacilli present in its composition are valuable because they produce niacin and folic acid. These components create optimal conditions for normal digestion of the animal.

When deciding to give your dogs yogurt instead of milk, you can solve several problems at once:

normalize intestinal disorders, especially during the recovery period after infection;
saturate the body with protein, calcium and B vitamins;
reduce gas formation in the intestines;
remove toxins and waste from the body.

To improve digestion, a daily dose of 2-3 tbsp is sufficient.

Sour cream

The fat content of a product made from sour cream limits its frequency of use. To aggravate your pet’s health, it is better to use sour cream with a fat content of 10-15%.

Puppies include sour cream in their diet as an addition to portions, but not as a complete meal. For adult dogs, sour cream is used to “flavor” cottage cheese.

Obviously, the role of fermented milk products in a pet’s diet can hardly be overestimated. They create a healthy prebiotic environment, which is a necessary condition for the development of natural microflora. The main thing is to competently approach the choice of products and the preparation of a diet.

Natural dog food
Lactobifid for dogs
Lactobifadol for dogs

Interaction of dairy products with the dog's body

Milk is a storehouse of nutrients and mineral compounds. One of the most useful components of milk is calcium, which has a positive effect on the condition of bone structures, teeth and coat.

Lactose or milk sugar present in milk has a pronounced property that helps normalize the functioning of the stomach and intestines. Milk contains a high percentage of high-quality protein, which has a beneficial effect on the development and growth of a young body. These statements are appropriate when referring to milk intake by a small puppy. In relation to adult dogs, everything is a little different.

The enzyme lactase, present in the body to break down milk sugar, begins to be produced in smaller quantities over time. Some pets develop intolerance to milk sugar, characterized by the development of allergic reactions, abdominal pain and disruption of the pancreas.

When choosing a diet for your pet, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the body, the tendency to develop allergies, and chronic pathologies of internal organs. If the dog does not have a tendency to allergies and other dyspeptic disorders while taking milk, then in such cases, you can give it to your pet. At the same time, the dosage of the healthy dairy product must be adjusted. In the absence of contraindications, it is recommended to select low-fat milk.

Properly formulated diet and dissolution of stones

The dog will become healthy much faster if its diet helps dissolve stones (uroliths). Proper feeding is the most important part of therapy, even if the dog had to undergo surgery, since a weakened body can lead to a relapse of the disease.

Rocks and sand never just form, and as you can imagine, they won't magically dissolve. The diet is designed in such a way as to create a deficiency of certain mineral compounds that the body will take from the stones. Simply put, the urine should not have enough of the substance that makes up sand or stones. If there are errors in choosing a diet and the urine is oversaturated with components, the stones will grow and the disease will progress.

In addition to diet, the composition of urine is changed using drug therapy. Dissolution of the stone will not occur if measures are applied temporarily, the diet is disrupted or treatment is interrupted. According to the experience of doctors, stones in the bladder are eliminated faster because they are constantly in a deficient environment. Kidney stones and sand can also be dissolved if the kidneys are functioning at a normal pace, but it will take longer.

With proper treatment and strict adherence to the diet, bladder stones dissolve in 2–6 months.

Regarding stones that are located in the ureters or urethra, there are several nuances. They will not dissolve, but with the right diet they will not increase. The best option is if the stones descend into the bladder under the stimulation of drugs or naturally. When in the urethra, the stone seems to be pushed up into the bladder, but it can descend again, having only partially dissolved.

In addition to the natural dissolution of urates, struvites, oxalates and sand, there are medical techniques that include a wide range of techniques. Before starting treatment, a urine test is required, because if the doctor does not know which element is the basis of stones or sand, he will not be able to select an adequate treatment.

Experience shows that random treatment leads to loss of precious time and sometimes to larger stones. By the way, the stone does not necessarily consist of only one main trace element, that is, the diet is selected to create a deficiency of several minerals.

During treatment, the dog is regularly examined to track the dynamics. If the stones do not decrease within 2 months, another attempt is made to correct the diet. The third attempt was not given and the quadruped was operated on. In acute conditions, when the dog is unable to urinate or is in serious condition, surgery is performed immediately.

Every 1–3 weeks or as determined by the attending physician, the dog must visit the clinic for the following procedures:

General blood test with biochemistry.
General analysis and urine culture.
If available at the clinic, an x-ray or ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity.

It is worth understanding that methods for the treatment and prevention of urolithiasis are strictly individual for each dog. If there is a need for surgery, the doctor must take into account the animal's age, gender, body type, size and location of the bladder, type of urolithiasis and severity of the condition. Since the pathology affects the kidneys , that is, the filtering organ, anesthesia drugs are selected after preliminary sensitivity tests.

If a dog has been diagnosed and treated for urolithiasis, there is always a risk of relapse if prevention is not carried out.

Diet for struvite

Struvite stones are almost always accompanied by infectious inflammation of the bladder, ureters or urethra. The infection is eliminated with antimicrobial and broad-spectrum drugs. The best option for selecting medications is urine culture to identify the type of pathogen.

Treatment and prevention are similar: eliminate the infection and make sure it really isn't there. The tests are repeated until the picture becomes clear, since symptomatic treatment can lead to relief and incomplete elimination of the infection. After the stones have dissolved, active treatment continues for 7–10 days, during which urine alkalinity is monitored several times a day.

Struvite can be sterile, meaning the disease is not accompanied by infection. In this case, treatment is carried out only on the basis of diet. By the way, sterile struvite dissolves faster.

Recurrence of the formation of struvite stones, the treatment of which was not complicated by infection, is very difficult to predict, since there will be no obvious symptoms. In this case, the emphasis is on diet. For prevention purposes, the dog is fed products with the effect of urine oxidation or special veterinary supplements (with natural feeding).

The diet for urolithiasis is selected to increase the deficiency of phosphates, magnesium and ammonium. If you buy dry food, it should be a good quality product, marked S/D and with a reduced protein content. Some medicinal foods deliberately increase the salt content and special attention should be paid to this. The option is acceptable because the dog drinks more, and the urine becomes less concentrated, that is, stones dissolve in it faster. On the other hand, with urolithiasis, most dogs are prescribed a strictly salt-free diet.

Important! If a dog has kidney ailments, except for urolithiasis, the therapeutic diet is introduced step by step, by substitution, and over a period of 1.5–2 weeks.

With a natural diet, the dog's food is hydrated as much as possible. It is advisable not to give tap water, but to use purified, bottled water. The diet is designed with an emphasis on increasing calcium and phosphorus deficiency. It is important not to lead the animal’s body to a deficiency of microelements and, at the same time, to provoke the dissolution of stones. To make the task easier, special mineral supplements and urine oxidizers are used. When treating urolithiasis on a natural diet, strictly prevent overeating. Meals should be small meals, without additional snacks.

Benefits of milk for dogs

Rightly believing that milk is a source of essential vitamins and minerals, owners are trying to accustom their pets to it. It is worth figuring out whether milk and dairy products are necessary in the diet of animals and how often they can be given to a dog.

Milk for puppies

If for some reason the babies are left without a mother, the question arises whether it is possible to feed the puppies dairy products. There are features to consider:

Beginning at 20 days of age, the digestive tract produces enough lactase, a special intestinal enzyme, to digest milk sugar, or lactose. Until this time, the body adapts, and the ideal food is breast milk. If the baby loses it, then it is better to feed the newborn puppy with a bitch’s milk substitute, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy or pet store.
If it is impossible to find a special composition, it is better to drink it not with whole cow’s milk, but with heated pasteurized cream. It should be taken into account that natural bitch milk is quite fatty (almost 9.5%), cream takes 10% fat content, diluting it quite a bit with boiled water.
Starting from 20 days of age, whole milk with 2.5% fat content is gradually added to the diet. Well-beaten chicken eggs are used for enrichment. If the puppy does not refuse the formula, it is offered until 3-4 months.
The milk intake rate for puppies is calculated based on age, weight and breed. So, a husky puppy will drink 200 ml of milk at a time, and, for example, 70 ml will be enough for a 3-month-old Yorkie puppy.

If your pet really loves the drink and does not refuse it as an adult, you can sometimes give milk to dogs, but not more than 1-2 times a week. Consuming too frequently and in large quantities will cause indigestion, bowel problems or allergies.

When bringing a small pet into your life, you should first find out what you can feed a month-old puppy. How to keep him, in what conditions he will spend his leisure time. How often to feed him and what foods. If the animal eats industrial food, then consult when the puppy can be given dry food.

Treatment

It should be noted right away: there is no universal treatment for urolithiasis for all dogs!!! There are certain schemes that are formed from generally accepted drugs, but strictly individually, depending on what type of stones the course of the pathology was complicated by.

Important: treatment is carried out until it is canceled by a specialist based on the results of tests and examination. It is forbidden to stop treatment on your own against the background of visible improvement!

The main treatment measures include:

Maintaining cardiac activity in a critical condition:
sulfocamphocaine: 0.5-2 ml of solution by any injection method up to 2 times a day. Do not exceed the dosage of 2 ml!
Catheterization, which restores the flow of urine by pushing stones back into the bladder or retrograde lavage of the urethral canal;
Use of antispasmodic drugs:
no-spa, papaverine hydrochloride: 0.5 ml 2-3 times a day intramuscularly.
Anesthesia:
analgin: 0.1 ml of solution per kg of body weight up to 2 times a day (no more than every 10-12 hours) and no longer than 3 days;
pentalgin: ¼ tablet/10 kg weight symptomatically;
novocaine blockade in the lumbar region to relieve pain from renal colic (carried out only by a specialist).
Hemostatic therapy:
Antibiotic therapy (the use of Gentamicin is prohibited!):
furadonin: daily dose of 5-10 mg of active substance per kg of weight, which is divided into 2-4 doses per day, course 7-10 days;
neopen (if pus is detected in the urine): 1 ml/10 kg of weight into the muscle or subcutaneously once a day for a course of 3-4 days.
Detoxification (infusion) therapy restores the body’s condition against the background of dehydration and promotes the elimination of toxic substances against the background of stagnation of urine:
a mixture of 100-200 ml of Ringer-Locke and 5-10 ml of 40% glucose subcutaneously or intravenously as a dropper;
Nelit: per 1 kg of weight, take 50 ml of solution twice a day, in critical condition 8-10 ml/kg every 4 hours.
Elimination of the general inflammatory process with complex drugs for urolithiasis:
Stop cystitis (up to 165 rub./pack): 1 tablet. or 2 ml of solution orally for a dog weighing up to 5 kg, 2 tablets. or 3 ml - if more. Give within a week. Then reduce it to a single dose also during the week.
Uro-ursi (up to 180 rubles/pack of 14 capsules): 1 capsule if the dog’s weight does not exceed 10 kg and 2 capsules if more than 10 kg. Course – 14 days, one dose per day.
Cystokur forte (up to 1000 rub./30 g): twice a day, 2 scoops/10 kg of weight for at least 15 days.
Urotropine (up to 35 rubles/vial): 2-5 ml orally diluted with water twice a day for 1-1.5 weeks.
Healthy kidneys “Fitoelita” (100 rub./50 tablets): adult dogs 1 tablet/10 kg body weight, puppies – ½ tablet. In the first day or two, give the indicated dose every 2 hours, then switch to a three-time dose and remain at this dosage until the symptoms pass + another 1 week to consolidate the result.
Ipakitine (1250-1500 rubles): duration of use is from 3 to 6 months. 1 measuring spoon goes for every 5 kg of weight along with water or food twice a day.
Kantaren (150-180 rubles): the dosage depends on the size of the animal and varies between 1-3 tablets. orally or 0.5-4 ml as an injection once a day for 2-4 weeks (but not longer). You can increase the frequency of administration to 2-3 times a day in severe conditions.
Urinari Tract Support (800 rubles): give a dog up to 10 kg 2 tablets, up to 30 kg - 3 tablets, over 30 kg - 4 tablets. with your dog’s favorite treat or food. Monitor symptoms - after persistent disappearance, stop taking (on average 1-2 weeks).
Renal-advance (RUB 1,250/pack of 40 g): thoroughly mix into the food over the course of a month according to the following scheme: up to 2.5 kg – 1 small scoop, up to 5 kg – 2, up to 7.5 kg – 3, up to 10 kg – 4, up to 15 kg – 2 large measured portions, up to 25 kg – 3. In some cases, the veterinarian may increase the duration of administration at his discretion.
Urolex (up to 260 rubles): three drops/kg three times a day, an hour before feeding, onto the tongue. You can dilute it a little with water and add it. Use no longer than 30 days.
Diet therapy, depending on the type of stones identified:
If the urethra is completely blocked and the natural flow of urine cannot be restored, surgical intervention is recommended. Surgical treatment of urolithiasis is also indicated when stones are detected on ultrasound or x-ray before blockage of the urethral canal. After any operation, the dog continues to be treated by a veterinary therapist, because... removing stones is not a cure!

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Kidney stones are extremely difficult to remove surgically. One way out of the situation may be to remove the affected kidney, provided that the remaining one can subsequently cope with its functions for two. Otherwise, the animal is doomed to lifelong maintenance therapy and early death.