Can urate stones in dogs and cats be dissolved through diet?

Some stone types can be reduced or dissolved through prescription diets or urinary pH modification once the composition is confirmed, but feasibility must be assessed by your vet after testing the stone or urine. Always follow your vet's guidance.

How do I collect a urine sample at home for the vet?

Catch the mid-stream urine in a clean container as your pet urinates naturally, avoiding contact with the floor or litter. If this is difficult, ask your vet whether a sterile sample needs to be collected at the clinic.

How can I reduce the risk of urinary stones recurring after treatment?

Common recommendations include keeping your pet well-hydrated, using the prescription diet advised by your vet, and scheduling regular check-ups for urinalysis and imaging. Discuss a specific plan with your vet.

My pet has blood in the urine but seems fine otherwise — is a vet visit still necessary?

Blood in the urine indicates an abnormality in the urinary tract. A vet check-up is recommended soon to identify the cause and rule out infection or stones, as delaying can worsen the condition.

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

Urate Urolithiasis in Dogs & Cats: Blood in Urine, Straining & Care Guide [2025]

Urate stones are often linked to hepatic portosystemic shunts or genetic mutations; Dalmatians are predisposed, and management typically involves dietary and medical control.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, AVMA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Complete inability to urinate with prolonged straining for several hours
•Frequent appearance of large amounts of bright blood or blood clots in the urine
•Lethargy accompanied by persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration

Schedule a Vet Visit Soon (Within 24–72 Hours)

•Frequent urination attempts with noticeably small output each time
•Bloody or significantly discolored urine
•Frequent licking of the genital area or obvious signs of discomfort

01What Symptoms Indicate a Problem?

Urate urolithiasis in dogs and cats commonly causes visible blood in the urine, painful urination, or frequent attempts to urinate; be extra alert if lethargy or dehydration are also present.

Blood in the urine, dark-coloured urine, or visible blood clots
Straining to urinate, obvious discomfort, or crying out in pain
Frequent attempts to urinate but passing only small amounts each time
Urinating in unusual places or episodes of urinary incontinence
Repeatedly licking the genital area or adopting a persistently uncomfortable posture
Reduced appetite and decreased activity alongside abnormal urination

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Complete inability to urinate with persistent straining for several hours
⚠️ Heavy fresh blood or frequent blood clots in the urine
⚠️ Severe lethargy accompanied by persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration

02How to Monitor at Home: Observation Tips and Emergency Warning Signs

Keeping detailed records at home helps your vet quickly assess the situation and determine the right timing for tests and treatment.

Note the date and time when symptoms were first noticed
Observe and record daily water intake and how often your pet drinks
Track daily urination frequency, volume, urine colour, and presence of blood
Use your phone to record short videos of urination or abnormal behaviour for reference
Weigh your pet daily and note any changes in appetite or energy level
Bring all observation notes and videos to the vet appointment for the doctor's reference

03How Will the Vet Diagnose This? Common Diagnostic Tests

Upon arrival at the clinic, standard tests are carried out to confirm the presence of stones, infection, or impaired kidney function, and to guide further management.

Physical examination

palpating the bladder to assess for tenderness or distension

Urinalysis and urine culture

to confirm haematuria, crystals, or bacterial infection

Blood and biochemistry panel

to evaluate kidney function and electrolyte status

Ultrasound

to identify stone location and size, and assess kidney changes

Advanced imaging (CT scan)

used for complex cases or when stone location is unclear

Crystal analysis or stone composition analysis to determine the underlying cause

04Post-Diagnosis Treatment and Care: Medications, Diet, and Home Management

Treatment is tailored to the severity of each case, ranging from supportive care to intervention or surgery, and follow-up visits are needed to track imaging and urinalysis results.

IV fluids and electrolyte support to correct dehydration and stabilise the patient
Medication or prescription diet adjustments to reduce the risk of stone recurrence
Catheterisation or surgical stone removal when necessary, at the vet's discretion
Regular follow-up visits after treatment or surgery for imaging and urinalysis monitoring
Key home care includes encouraging water intake and following the prescribed diet
Referral to a specialist hospital with urological expertise is recommended when needed

05What to Prepare Before the Vet Visit: Key Information to Help Your Vet

Written or phone notes on when symptoms started and how they have progressed

A list of the food, treats, and prescription diets your pet has been eating recently

A record of current medications or supplements

A small fresh urine sample in a clean container, kept chilled

Videos or photos of abnormal urination to show your vet

Bring any previous imaging reports and choose a clinic equipped to perform ultrasound

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.