Bladder Stones

[thebondwithpets]

Hi, I have a question about bladder stones. My pup is prone to them. I was wondering if cranberries can help prevent them. I know cranberries change the acidity of the urine. Would this reduce/prevent the occurence of bladder stones. I was going to give my pup "Craisins"- sweetened dried cranberries.
He seems to like them. I know dogs should not have grapes/raisins. Do
cranberries fall in this category. I definitely won't try this if it is not good for
him.

[Maya]

I googled it and looks like lots of people give cranberry supplements, it is also in some brands of food. I'd stay away from the sweetened ones though, it wouldn't be very good for teeth and the extra sugar isn't healthy. You can get them in bulk unsweetened at most health food stores. Maybe someone else here has some actual experience with dosage and results.

[edit] You may also want to check with the vet and see if it depends on what type of crystals he is prone to. Good luck.

[TeriM]

There is a cranberry supplement that can usually be found at good "natural" type pet stores. Also, can I ask what you are feeding as possibly a change in diet might be helpful.

[Maya]

Originally Posted by TeriM

Also, can I ask what you are feeding as possibly a change in diet might be helpful.

Good suggestion/question.

[thebondwithpets]

Thanks for the info Maya and TeriM. Brodie is on Iams Dry (Chicken & Rice).
He doesn't like it that much. I even tried adding "people food". He gobbled it up for two meals and then turned his nose up at it. Fussy?? Spoiled is more like it. He has not had any symptoms of bladder stones, I was just thinking of prevention. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention. The
vet won't know what type stones they are until he actually has them. I
don't want that to happen. My friends dog had to go through this and it was hard on the dog and the owner. I'll look for the unsweetened stuff for sure.
Thanks again....Regards

[LittleMissLevi]

there are some dog foods that have cranberries in them such as Orijen. This might be something to think about.

[Maya]

Yes thats a good idea to look into Orijen or some of the other good quality foods out there, to put it mildly Iams is one of the least healthy you can buy. I'd take a peek at the food forum too, there is a lot of info about better diets. Its really good you are looking into this now.