If an owner notices that his or her dog has blood in its urine, there is an excellent chance that the dog has crystals in urine or is suffering from bladder stones. A veterinarian might also refer to these crystals as urinary calculi and the condition which brings this on goes by the name of urolithiasis.

There are some other common symptoms a dog with crystals in urine might display. The dog might urinate frequently with only a minute amount coming out each time. 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.

A dog with crystals in urine or bladder stones might not show any of the aforementioned signs or symptoms. 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.

There are other regions within a dog in which they might also be discovered. In fact, a dog's entire urinary tract is susceptible to the formation of these stones or crystals. Vets have found crystals or stones in dogs' bladder, urethra (the tube that runs from the dog's bladder to the outside world), kidneys or ureters (minute tubes that are responsible for the carrying of urine to the bladder from the kidneys). But by far - more than 85 percent - a dog with crystals in urine uncovered inside the bladder.

Treatment for a dog with crystals in urine will vary depending on where they are located and how big they are. Usually, the dog's owner will have to discuss with his or her veterinarian the best treatment protocol. Treatment will depend on the crystal type. Struvite crystals or stones, can often be dissolved with dietary chagne. Oxalate on the other hand would require surgery, if the stones are large and causing a urinary obstruction.

Homeopathic products can be used as a supportive therapy in addition to an increase in water consumption and dietary change. Increased water consumption and urination is natures way of moving crystals out of a dog's system. Homeopathic approaches seek to correct the PH of the urine to optimal levels to keep infection from forming. Infection causes inflammation, which is a narrowing of the urinary tract. A narrow tract could trap stone causing crystals.

Perhaps the best treatment for a pet owner whose dog has crystals in urine is to try and prevent their development though the use of a prescription diet formulated for this purpose, exercise, water and the addition of a supportive natural remedy.

Some of these tips and suggestions include making sure that the dog does not have to hold its urine for long periods of time by giving it outdoor breaks as often as possible. Flush out toxins that might exist in the pet's water dish by simply changing out its water every day.

Take care of the pet's hygiene by washing it on a regular basis. This is most important in female pets because bacteria can infect their bladder quicker than in male pets due to the female's relatively shorter urethra. Give the pet as much bladder-stimulating exercise as is possible.