Urinary Tract Infections – Crystals – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The most basic question is, how can I tell if my dog ​​has a UTI? What should I look for?
The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:[5]

– frequent urination

– dribbling of urine

– blood in the urine

– squatting frequently to urinate

– straining to urinate odor of urine

– inappropriate urination (like at home)

– incontinence

– an increase in thirst and drinking.

Ok, if I know my pet has a UTI, what can I do? Tell me more about it, how does it affect my dog’s diet?

We have many customers who come into our store and tell us that my cat or dog has UTI Crystals and the vet put them on a C/D, U/D, K/D or NF formula. As everyone knows, prescription diets are far from optimal nutrition for your dog or cat, they exist to treat a specific food, but continuation of these diets can lead to other serious problems.[1]Prescription diets are made to treat specific conditions; As with most prescription diets intended for us in the short term, long-term use of these diets has the potential to cause adverse side effects.[6]

These are some of the possible side effects of long-term use of U/D, K/D, and NF formula feeds.[6]

• heart failure
• failure live
• Renal insufficiency
• pancreatitis
• Hypertension
• Hypoalbuminemia

Did I get your attention? Good. Now, before we delve into UTI Crystals, we need to understand the pH of urine. The pH is a scale that goes from 0 to 14, which measures the acid bases. A score of 7.0 is considered neutral. The PH of most dogs ranges between 5.0 and 9.0.

I understand? Ok, now let’s talk about UTI Crystals.

UTI develops in about 14% of dogs.[2] That’s a pretty big number, there are two main forms of UTI Crystals (etruvite and calcium oxalate).

struvite crystals

It forms when there is a bacterial infection that is capable of breaking down urea that will otherwise be eliminated in the urine. Urea is a waste product produced from protein metabolism. This reaction of breaking down urea into ammonia only occurs in alkaline PH.[3]

Struvite crystals are more common in female dogs, and there are a few breeds that are considered to be at higher risk, including Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Scottish Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Beagles, Miniature Schnauzers, Pekingese, Basset Hounds, Springer Spaniels, and German shepherd. and bichon frize.

calcium oxalate crystals

They are formed in urine of acidic to neutral pH, it is said that some things cause the formation of these stones, the most common is hereditary. The defective nephrocalin product is usually the culprit.[4]

Unlike struvite crystals, calcium oxalate crystals cannot be dissolved by a change in diet; they need to be surgically removed. However, a proper diet can help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate crystals.

Calcium oxalate crystals are more common in male dogs and in some of the breeds that are considered to be at higher risk including; Miniature Schnauzers, Lhasa Apsos, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus and Bichon Frises.

Ok, now that you know the basics, let’s talk about nutrition!

We learned that you can dissolve struvite crystals with more acidic foods, so dogs that are prone to struvite crystals will naturally want to eat a more acidic diet.

Fortunately, most of the good ingredients that dogs and cats should eat are acidic in nature, for example, chicken, beef, eggs, fish, pork, cottage cheese, yogurt, rice (brown and white), beans, nuts, and all shellfish. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect kibble or raw food diet?

The berries are acidic in nature and the lower pH levels prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. Solid Gold Berry Balance is a supplement that is commonly used to lower urine pH levels.

What about the calcium oxalate crystals?

The opposite is true alkaline, to raise the pH score you should feed more natural foods, to include some squash, beet greens, rhubarb, spinach, beets, raw escarole, dandelion greens, okra, kale and sweet potatoes.

It has been recommended that diets be low in protein and oxalates and high in magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. Here is a list of foods and there is level of oxalates[http://www.branwen.com/rowan/oxalate.htm]. Beef and lamb cuts tend to have lower protein levels than other types of meat (venison, pheasant, etc.)

A commonly used supplement to raise the pH level of urine is potassium citrate.

Okay Enough talking. How do I know if I’m doing the right thing?

Talk to your vet, ask what the target urine pH should be for your dog. Every dog ​​is different; some dogs may have severe cases, others mild. Dog breeds will take into account the decision.

OK, I know my target PH level. How do I know I am achieving it?

Urine pH test strips, you should be able to get these from your vet or a local retailer, or even buy them online.

WELL. That sounds simple. Anything else I should know?

Yes, consumption of water, sweets, etc. All factor in urine pH levels. You will notice that, throughout the day, the levels will change. Take multiple urine PH samples to ensure you achieve your goal. Always keep checking back.

Sure, it listed the ingredients, but I don’t cook for my dog, I just buy kibble or raw, how do I know what the PH levels are?

Here is a list of some great brands and their pH levels for dogs and cats. We call these companies and speak to a representative to get the levels.

canine dog– Croquettes – pH 7.0

canine dog– Canned – pH 6.0

felidae cat– Croquettes – pH 6.0

felidae cat– Canned – pH 5.5

Fromm 4 Star Dog– Croquettes – pH 6.2 – 6.4

Fromm 4 Star Cat– Croquettes – pH 6.5 – 6.8

honest cooking-pH 7.0

Merrick before grain(Dogs and Cats) – pH 6.8

Merrick 5 star dry(Dogs and Cats) – pH 6.5 – pH 6.8

Merrick 5 star canned(Dogs and Cats) – pH 6.3 – pH 6.5

Orijén(cat and dog) – pH of 5.5

Primitive dog and cat– pH 6.0 – 7.0

Nature (Evo, Innova, California Natural)(Dogs and Cats) – pH 6.2 – 6.8

Solid gold – Dog– Dry – pH 6.4 – 6.6

Solid gold – Dog– Canned – pH 6.0

Solid gold – Cat– Dry – pH 6.2 – 6.4

Solid gold – Cat– Canned – pH 6.2

welfare dog(Croquettes and Canned) – pH 6.5 – 7.5

welfare cat– Dry – pH 6.2 – 6.6

welfare cat– Canned – pH 6.1 – 6.6

Sources:

1-Wikipedia

2- UTI in dogs

3- Veterinary partners

4- Veterinary partners

5- B Naturals

6- Veterinary Medicine

Researched by: Luke’s All Natural