When your dog starts having trouble urinating or seems uncomfortable, bladder stones are probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But they should be—especially if your dog belongs to one of the breeds that’s genetically more prone to developing them.
At Alta Vista Animal Hospital, we regularly treat dogs with urinary issues that turn out to be caused by bladder stones. And in many of those cases, the dogs’ breed plays a bigger role than most pet parents realize.
Understanding the link between breed and bladder stone formation can help you prevent painful episodes and even avoid emergency surgery.
The Science Behind the Stones
Bladder stones, or uroliths, are hard mineral formations that develop in the bladder. They can vary in size—from sand-like crystals to large stones that block the urinary tract.
The most common types of stones in dogs include:
- Struvite stones, often caused by chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Calcium oxalate stones, which are more diet- and genetics-driven
- Urate stones, frequently linked to liver or metabolic issues
Some stones form due to dietary imbalances, while others are influenced by urinary pH, hydration levels, or underlying health problems. But here’s the catch: even with a perfect diet and good hydration, some dogs are simply more genetically predisposed to forming stones.
Is Your Dog On The High-Risk List?
Some breeds have a higher risk of developing bladder stones due to genetic factors, urinary tract anatomy, or metabolic quirks. If your dog belongs to one of these breeds, bladder stone prevention should be on your radar:
- Miniature Schnauzers – One of the most commonly affected breeds, especially prone to calcium oxalate stones.
- Dalmatians – They often form urate stones due to a unique way they metabolize purines.
- Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos – Known for forming struvite and calcium oxalate stones.
- Bichon Frises – Prone to recurrent bladder infections and stones.
- Yorkshire Terriers – Frequently diagnosed with both struvite and calcium oxalate types.
- Bulldogs – Especially English Bulldogs, who may have trouble expressing their bladder fully, which can contribute to stone formation.
At Alta Vista Animal Hospital, we see a lot of cases from these breeds—and early awareness makes a big difference.
What Symptoms Should You Watch For?
Bladder stones can cause mild discomfort or become a full-blown emergency if they block urine flow. The most common symptoms include:
- Straining to urinate or painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Accidents in the house
- Licking the genital area frequently
- Attempting to urinate but producing only small amounts (or none at all)
These symptoms can mimic other urinary issues, which is why proper diagnosis—often through X-rays or ultrasound—is key. We have both imaging and in-house lab testing at Alta Vista Animal Hospital to quickly get to the root of the problem.
Prevention Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All, but It’s Possible
If your dog’s breed is on the high-risk list, prevention starts with regular monitoring. That includes:
- Routine urinalysis to check for infection or crystals
- Dietary modifications tailored to your dog’s stone type risk
- Encouraging hydration to keep urine dilute
- Regular bladder imaging in recurrent cases
We don’t recommend the same prevention plan for every dog. At Alta Vista Animal Hospital, we create a strategy based on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and health history. If your pet has already had bladder stones once, they’re significantly more likely to develop them again—so staying proactive matters.
When Something Seems Off, We’re Here to Help
Bladder stones don’t always announce themselves loudly. But discomfort, urinary changes, or even slight behavioral shifts may be your dog’s way of telling you something’s wrong.
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms mentioned—or if your dog’s breed is known for urinary problems—it’s a good time to have a conversation with your vet.
Call Alta Vista Animal Hospital at 604-221-5858 to book a visit or ask us about preventive care options for your dog. The sooner we catch a potential issue, the more likely we can manage it without surgery—and keep those tails wagging.
