Your pet may need to stay at the hospital during this process. In the past, urinary bladder stones have been surgically removed and for some stones, surgery may be the only effective treatment. But for most stones, there is an alternative. In most cases, stones may be dissolved by feeding a special diet with reduced amounts of certain minerals and protein, or a special diet plus medication. If an infection is present, antibiotics are also necessary.
Special diets work by reducing the mineral building blocks or urinary stones in the urine.
These diets affect the urine pH and increase urination to help flush the urinary tract. To completely dissolve the stones takes 4-16 weeks, depending on the size and number of stones present. Otherwise, the diet will not work properly and your pet will be plagued with this condition longer than necessary. Follow your veterinarian's directions when feeding the prescribed food, whether for treatment or prevention. Although these foods may not look like your typical dog food, most dogs readily eat these diets and find them palatable.