Preventing Struvite Crystals in Your Dog Or Cat

Depending on the size, bladder stones or struvite crystals can be removed surgically or dissolved by the use of diet.  Struvite crystals are common in normal urine and can cause infections. When the crystals are present in large amounts, they can form stones.

The struvite crystals or stones can have a recurrence, so after they are removed your thoughts need to turn to prevention.  Some pets are inclined to recurring bladder infections and may form new struvite stones over and over again.  Stones can form as rapidly as two weeks, so finding ways to prevent struvite crystals are necessary for the health of your dog or cat.

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You should discuss long term follow-up exams with your vet to avoid further infections and surgery.  The diet should be as natural as possible preventing struvite crystals from forming again.  Dogs and cats are carnivores and designed to eat meat.  Protein creates more acidic urine which can prevent the formation of struvite crystals and bladder stones.  High meat protein, raw rather than processed, is similar to the natural canine and feline diet.  Canines and felines in the wild that consume a natural raw diet do not develop struvite crystals.  Commercial pet food is loaded with carbohydrates, starch and cereal fillers which in turn creates a more alkaline urine and the development of struvite crystals and bladder stones.

Overfeeding can also contribute, since obese animals eating a processed diet do not get the exercise they need, causing disease to take over in their weakened state.  There are many pet food stores which carry raw unprocessed food for dogs and cats.  Preventing struvite crystals can be as easy as making your own pet food, which isn't difficult.  In preparing your pet's food you will know that they are eating healthy and as close to how they were meant to eat.

There are many natural recipes for cats and dogs online.  You may want to do a little research depending if you have a cat or dog or both since there are some nutritional additions that vary from canine to feline. 

Another item you may want to add to your pet's diet to keep his bladder and kidney healthy is a holistic supplement that supports the function of the bladder and urinary tract. It can be used by both dogs and cats, for both prevention and treatment.

Preventing Struvite Crystals in Your Dog Or Cat

Rebecca Shelly has been studying alternative health conditions for pets for many years. She is a regular contributor to Pet Natural Cures a site discussing some of the most promising natural treatments for pet health on the market today. If you're looking for an alternative to help prevent struvite crystals for your pet, visit the site to learn more.

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