In many cases, a common term for crystals in urine of a dog is bladder stones. Veterinarians might also refer to these crystals as urinary calculi and the condition which brings this on goes by the name of urolithiasis.

A dog's entire urinary tract is susceptible to the formation of these stones or crystals. They might also be discovered in its bladder, urethra (the tube that runs from the dog's bladder to the outside world), kidneys or ureters, which are very small tubes responsible for the carrying of urine to the bladder from the kidneys. But by far - more than 85 percent, in fact - crystals in urine of dog are uncovered inside the bladder.

Treatment for dog with crystals in urine will vary depending on the location, type and size of the crystals inside the dog.

One of the main symptoms of crystals in urine of dog or bladder stones is bloody urine. Some others are that the dog might urinate frequently, but only a minute amount will come out each time it goes potty, so to speak. The owner might also notice that his or her dog will sort of freeze in the posture in which it urinates, straining excessively and/or showing signs of experiencing pain.

There also is a chance that bladder stones or crystals in urine of dog might not bring about any of the aforementioned signs or symptoms in the pet. In these cases, if stones do indeed exist in the dog, it is most likely that they will be uncovered through abdominal X-rays or a routine palpating of the pet's abdomen during a physical exam.

Treatment approaches for crystals in a dogs urine vary based on the type of stones that are forming. The two most common types are struvite and oxalate. Struvite stones can often be dissolved with a change in diet, or flushed from the dog's system. Oxalate stones either need to be flushed or surgically removed.

Once the condition is under control, future formation of either kind of stone may be able to be controlled with a switch to a prescription diet that was formulated for this purpose. Additional change in the dog's routine may also help, including encouraging a dog to drink more water (try providing an extra water bowel in another location of the home) and 1 additional walk per day.

Other supportive therapies include the addition of a homeopathic product made to support urinary health and consider adding a small amount of cranberry juice mixed with water in the morning. Note that some dog's resist the flavor. Berries have properties which help to keep bacteria from forming in the urinary tract. Infection causes inflammation which can help to trap calculi, the building blocks of bladder stones.

Homeopathic remedies for crystals in urine are cantharis, which has the ability to bring about and maintain a healthy flow of urine; berberis vulg, which is widely used for its positive effect on the urinary tract and its benefits to a pet's immune system; and staphysagris, which is also recommended for urogenital health and as a well known prostate tonic.

As always, remember to not contradict or ignore the advice and prescriptions given to them by your veterinarian, as any obstruction in the bladder or urinary tract requires medical attention.