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Categories
Pets

Urinary Tract Infections – Crystals – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The most basic question is, how do I know if my dog ​​has a UTI? What should i look for?

The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:[5]

– frequent urination

– urine dripping

– blood in the urine

– squatting frequently to urinate

– straining to urinate smell of urine

– inadequate urination (as in the house)

– incontinence

– increased thirst and drinking.

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

We have many customers who come to our store and tell us that my cat or dog has UTI Crystals and the vet put them in 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 ailment, but continuing these diets can lead to other serious problems.[1]Prescription diets are made to treat specific conditions; As with most prescription diets, they are 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 foods.[6]

  • Heart failure
  • Liver failure
  • Renal insufficiency
  • Pancreatitis
  • Hypertension
  • Hypoalbuminemia

Did I get your attention? Well. Now before we delve into UTI crystals, we need to understand urine pH. PH is a scale from 0 to 14 that measures acidic bases. A score of 7.0 is considered neutral. Most dogs have a pH range of 5.0 to 9.0.

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

UTI develops in approximately 14% of dogs.[2] That’s quite a large number, there are two main forms of UTI crystals (struvite and calcium oxalate).

Struvite crystals

It is formed when there is a bacterial infection that is capable of breaking down urea that would otherwise be passed into the urine. Urea is a waste product that is 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 some breeds that are believed to be at higher risk, such as Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Scottish Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Beagles, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Basset Hounds, Springer Spaniels, and German Shepherds. and Bichon Frises.

Calcium oxalate crystals

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

Unlike struvite crystals, calcium oxalate crystals cannot dissolve with 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 believed to be at higher risk, which includes; Miniature Schnauzers, Lhasa Apsos, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises.

Okay, now that you know the basics, let’s talk 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 maintain 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 seafood. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect kibble or raw food diet?

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 calcium oxalate crystals?

The reverse is true, to raise the pH score, you should feed foods of a more alkaline nature, including some pumpkins, beet greens, rhubarb, spinach, beets, raw endive, dandelion greens, okra, kale, and sweet potatoes. .

Diets have been recommended to be low in protein and oxalates and high in magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. Here is a list of foods and the level of oxalates.[http://www.branwen.com/rowan/oxalate.htm]. Cuts of beef and lamb tend to have lower protein levels among other types of meat (venison, feasent, etc.)

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

Okay, enough talking. How do I know if I am doing the right thing?

Talk to your vet, ask him 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 influence the decision.

Well, I know my target PH level. How do I know I’m doing it?

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

OK. That sounds simple, is there anything else I need to 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 several urine pH samples to make sure you achieve your goal. Always keep checking.

Sure, you listed the ingredients, but I don’t cook for my dog, I only 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 with a representative to obtain the levels.

Cani-dae dog– I think – pH 7.0

Cani-dae dog– Canned – pH 6.0

Feli-dae cat– I think – pH 6.0

Feli-dae cat– Canned – pH 5.5

Fromm 4 star dog– I think – pH 6.2 – 6.4

Fromm 4 star cat– I think – pH 6.5 – 6.8

Honest cooking– pH 7.0

Merrick before the 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

Orijen(cat and dog) – pH 5.5

Primitive Dog and cat– pH 6.0 – 7.0

Natura (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

Wellness dog(I think and can) – pH 6.5 – 7.5

Cat welfare– Dry – pH 6.2 – 6.6

Cat welfare– Canned – pH 6.1 – 6.6

Sources:

1- Wikipedia

2- UTI in dogs

3- Veteran members

4- Veteran members

5- natural B

6- Veterinary medicine

Researched by: Luke’s All Natural

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