What are the common symptoms of urinary stones in dogs?

Common symptoms include blood in the urine, frequent urination, straining or dribbling when urinating, excessive licking of the genital area, and changes in behaviour or appetite. If you have any concerns, consult your vet for further evaluation.

What tests are usually done at the vet?

Vets commonly perform a physical examination, urine microscopy and culture, X-rays or CT if needed, and blood biochemistry panels to confirm stone location and check for concurrent infection.

Can urinary stones be dissolved with a special diet?

Some stone types — including struvite — can be gradually dissolved using a prescription diet under veterinary supervision, but the stone composition must first be confirmed and imaging and urinalysis results monitored regularly.

How can I reduce the risk of stones recurring in my dog?

Ensure your dog drinks plenty of water, schedule regular urine checks, follow your vet's dietary recommendations, and treat any urinary tract infections promptly to reduce the risk of recurrence.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Struvite Urinary Stones in Dogs: Blood in Urine, Difficulty Urinating & Care Guide [2025]

Struvite stones in dogs are commonly caused by urinary tract infections, occur more often in female dogs, and can be dissolved with antibiotics and a prescription diet.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek immediate veterinary care (emergency)

•Completely unable to urinate or straining to urinate with no output
•Large amounts of bright red blood in the urine, with weakness or rapid breathing
•Persistent vomiting, drowsiness, or altered consciousness

Arrange a clinic visit as soon as possible (within 24-72 hours)

•Frequent urge to urinate but only a small amount each time
•Abnormal or bloody urine color, but still alert
•Excessive licking of the genitals or restlessness after urinating

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Urinary stones often cause pain and changes in urination behaviour, including blood in the urine and frequent attempts to pass only small amounts.

Restlessness or inability to get comfortable; whimpering or flinching when touched
Blood in the urine, red-coloured urine, or visible blood clots
Frequent urge to urinate but producing only small amounts each time
Straining to urinate, dribbling, or appearing to urinate but producing little to no urine
Excessive licking of the genital area, or continued restlessness after attempting to urinate

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Complete inability to urinate (anuria) — seek emergency care immediately
⚠️ Heavy blood in the urine accompanied by weakness or rapid breathing
⚠️ Persistent vomiting, confusion, or extreme lethargy

02How to assess the situation at home: key observations and emergency criteria

Observing and recording key information at home helps your vet quickly assess the situation and arrange appropriate tests.

Note when symptoms started, how often they occur, and whether they are worsening each day
Record the urination process or any unusual movements and expressions on your phone
Photograph or note the colour of the urine, whether it contains blood, or has an unusual odour
Measure and record daily water intake and any changes in appetite
If symptoms worsen or any emergency signs appear, seek veterinary care promptly

03How will the vet diagnose this? Common examination steps

Common tests at the clinic help confirm the location of stones, any concurrent infection, and organ function status.

Physical examination

abdominal and bladder palpation to assess pain and bladder size

Urinalysis

urine sediment microscopy, specific gravity measurement, and blood detection

Urine bacterial culture and sensitivity testing to identify the type of infection

X-ray imaging

to assess stone size, number, and location within the urinary tract

CT scan

used for complex cases or when X-rays are inconclusive

Blood and biochemistry panels

to evaluate kidney and liver function and overall health to guide treatment decisions

04Treatment and aftercare: medications, dietary adjustments, and nursing guidance

Treatment options depend on the stone type and degree of obstruction, and must be combined with follow-up monitoring and long-term preventive measures.

Antibiotics are required when a urinary tract infection is present, with follow-up urine cultures to confirm resolution
Certain stone types may be dissolved and prevented with a prescription diet and increased water intake, under veterinary supervision
Dogs with a urethral obstruction may require catheterisation or surgery to relieve the blockage, followed by hospitalisation for monitoring
During hospitalisation, urine output is monitored, pain relief is provided, and supportive care is given
Regular follow-up appointments for imaging and urinalysis are needed after treatment to confirm recovery
Discuss a long-term prevention plan with your vet, including dietary management and periodic screening

05What to prepare before the vet visit: key information to speed up diagnosis

Record when symptoms began and how they have progressed, noting key time points

Prepare a log of daily urination frequency, urine colour, and whether blood was observed

Bring recent records of food intake, water consumption, and any recent weight changes

Prepare a list of all current medications, supplements, and any known allergies

Bring any videos of urination or previous imaging reports if available, for the vet's reference

Consider finding a clinic with X-ray and urine culture capabilities in advance to streamline your appointment

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.