Bladder Stones in Dogs: Signs, Types & Treatment
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Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form in a dog's bladder. They cause straining to urinate, blood in the urine, frequent small urinations and accidents. Some stones can be dissolved with a special diet, while others need surgery. A stone that blocks the urethra is a life-threatening emergency — if your dog is straining but producing little or no urine, call your vet immediately.
When it's an emergency
A urinary blockage is an emergency. If your dog is straining and passing little or no urine, crying, restless, vomiting or has a painful, firm belly, go to a vet or emergency clinic now. A blocked urethra can cause the bladder to overfill and lead to kidney failure or a ruptured bladder within a day or two. Male dogs are at higher risk of blockage because of their narrower urethra.
Even without a full blockage, the discomfort of bladder stones is real, and stones tend to grow and multiply over time — so signs are always worth a prompt vet visit.
Signs of bladder stones
Stones irritate and inflame the bladder wall, so the signs overlap with a urinary infection:
- Straining to urinate or taking a long time in position
- Blood in the urine (pink, red or cloudy)
- Frequent urination of small amounts
- Accidents in a previously house-trained dog
- Licking at the genitals and signs of discomfort
Some dogs show almost no signs, and stones are found by chance on an X-ray or during a workup for something else. That's why any recurring urinary sign deserves testing rather than repeated guesses.
The main types of stones
Not all stones are the same, and the type determines whether diet can dissolve them:
| Type | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Struvite | Often linked to urinary infections; frequently can be dissolved with a therapeutic diet. |
| Calcium oxalate | Common; cannot be dissolved by diet and usually needs removal, then diet to prevent recurrence. |
| Urate | Seen in Dalmatians and dogs with certain liver shunts; managed with diet and sometimes medication. |
| Cystine | Linked to an inherited defect; more common in certain breeds and intact males. |
Your vet identifies the type from urine testing and, most reliably, by analyzing a stone after it's passed or removed.
How bladder stones are treated
Treatment depends on the stone type, size and whether there's a blockage:
- Dietary dissolution: some struvite stones dissolve over weeks on a therapeutic diet, avoiding surgery.
- Surgery (cystotomy): the most reliable way to remove stones, especially calcium oxalate or a blockage.
- Non-surgical removal: techniques like urohydropropulsion or minimally invasive methods for small stones in some patients.
- Emergency care to relieve a blockage, followed by stone removal.
After treatment, the removed stone is analyzed so your vet can build a targeted prevention plan.
Preventing stones from coming back
Bladder stones commonly recur, so prevention is a long-term project:
- Prescription diet matched to the stone type
- More water intake — wet food, water fountains and multiple water stations dilute the urine
- Frequent potty breaks so urine isn't held for long stretches
- Follow-up urine tests and X-rays to catch new stones while they're tiny
Practical take: Logging your dog's urinary signs, diet and recheck results turns "I think it's happening again" into a clear timeline your vet can act on — often before a small stone becomes a big one.
Catch a urinary flare-up before it blocks
Tavi lets you log straining, accidents and blood in the urine, track your dog's prescription diet, and keep recheck results in one place — so recurring bladder stones surface early. Free for your first pet.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of bladder stones in dogs?
The most common signs are straining to urinate, blood in the urine, frequent small urinations and accidents in the house. Some dogs show no signs and stones are found on an X-ray. A dog straining but producing little or no urine may be blocked, which is an emergency.
Can bladder stones in dogs dissolve on their own?
Some struvite stones can be dissolved over several weeks with a veterinary therapeutic diet, which avoids surgery. Other types, such as calcium oxalate, cannot be dissolved and usually need to be removed. Only your vet can tell which type your dog has and the right approach.
How much does bladder stone surgery cost for a dog?
Cost varies widely by region, the dog's size, and whether it's an emergency, so ask your clinic for an estimate. Because stones often recur, budget for follow-up urine tests and a prescription diet as part of long-term care, not just the one-time surgery.
What causes bladder stones in dogs?
Stones form when minerals in the urine become concentrated and crystallize. Contributing factors include urinary infections (for struvite), urine pH, breed and genetics, low water intake, and certain diets. Identifying the stone type is key to preventing more from forming.
How can I prevent bladder stones in my dog?
The best prevention is matched to the stone type, but general steps include feeding a vet-recommended diet, encouraging more water intake with wet food and multiple water stations, offering frequent potty breaks, and doing follow-up urine tests to catch new stones early.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC); VCA Animal Hospitals; Merck Veterinary Manual; American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)