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  • Bladder Stones in Dogs: What You Need to Know

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    Just like humans, dogs can develop stones in their bladders. This can give them trouble urinating. It can even become life-threatening if the stones obstruct the bladder, and your dog is unable to urinate at all.

    So, what exactly are bladder stones?

    Stones can form in your dog’s bladder. These stones can be small like sand, though they can also become quite large. Some dogs have both small and large stones in their bladder.

    What are the symptoms of bladder stones?

    The most common signs that you may notice include:

    Trouble urinating. Your dog may be acting like he or she has to go to the bathroom, but not much may be coming out. He or she may be asking to go out more often. You may notice that, when he or she does urinate, it isn’t always a very large amount.

    Unable to urinate at all. If your dog is unable to urinate, this is an emergency. The stone could be obstructing urine flow.

    Blood in the urine. The stones can irritate and damage the bladder wall, which could be causing the blood in your dog’s urine.

    How are bladder stones diagnosed?

    Most of the time, dogs are diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. They may have blood in their urine. However, after being given antibiotics, it comes back. If your dog has had multiple urinary tract infections, the veterinarian may decide to investigate the reason why.

    The veterinarian may be able to feel them through the bladder wall. 

    If your dog has a large stone, the veterinarian may actually be able to feel them. If not, he or she might recommend more testing.

    Larger stones are often visible on radiographs. 

    This simple test can be done in the office, and you will see white spots in your dog’s bladder.

    However, if they are small, you may need an ultrasound to diagnose bladder stones fully.

    So, what can you do to help your dog?

    There are three options for owners.

    You may decide to do nothing. 

    This isn’t the best choice because bladder stones can be quite painful for dogs. You will also need to keep an eye on your dog to make sure they can urinate. You don’t want your dog to become obstructed and unable to urinate.

    This is life-threatening because the toxins can accumulate quickly. At this point, you would have to hospitalize your dog on intravenous fluids. He or she would need to be unblocked, and blood work will need to be run regularly to ensure that there is no kidney damage after. The bladder could also burst, and there would be nothing that you could do for it.

    Surgical removal is the most common option. 

    Your veterinarian would put your dog under anesthesia. After opening up the abdomen, your veterinarian would open the bladder and remove the stones. He or she would flush the bladder out and then stitch everything back up.

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    However, many people start with prescription diets and antibiotics. 

    Some stones will dissolve when the dog is fed a specific diet. If you go this route, you will have to feed this diet to your dog for several weeks. At that point, you may repeat the X-rays or ultrasound to see if any progress has been made. There are several types of stones, so you might try several different foods until you find the one that is right for your dog. However, when going this route, you also need to make sure that your dog doesn’t obstruct.

    What is the prognosis?

    If your dog goes through surgery, the prognosis is usually good. That said, they can come back, so you need to keep an eye on your dog. Your veterinarian may recommend X-rays regularly to ensure that no stones are forming in the bladder.

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    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • 5 Signs Your Dog Might Be in Pain (and When to Call the Vet)

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    One of the hardest parts of being a pet parent is that our dogs can’t tell us when they’re hurting. 🐾 As a certified veterinary technician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen countless loving owners miss the signs that their dog was in pain — not because they didn’t care, but because dogs are masters at hiding discomfort.

    Knowing what to watch for can make all the difference. The sooner you spot the warning signs, the sooner you can help your pup get the care they need.

    Here are five common signs your dog might be in pain, plus when it’s time to call your veterinarian.

    🦴 Changes in Behavior or Mood

    If your usually happy dog suddenly seems grumpy, anxious, or withdrawn, pain could be the cause. Dogs often react to discomfort by becoming quieter or avoiding touch. Some might even growl or snap when you go near the sore area.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip:
     Behavioral changes are one of the first signs we notice in the clinic. If your dog seems “off” for more than a day or two — especially if paired with other symptoms — schedule an exam.

    🐾 Limping, Stiffness, or Difficulty Moving

    Limping or favoring one leg is an obvious sign of pain, but sometimes the signs are subtle — like hesitation to climb stairs, jump into the car, or get up from bed. These can point to arthritis, injury, or sore muscles.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip:
     Watch how your dog moves first thing in the morning or after rest. Stiffness that improves as they move often points to arthritis. Sudden, sharp limping could mean a strain or injury that needs prompt attention.

    🐕 Changes in Eating, Drinking, or Sleeping Habits

    Pain often affects appetite and rest. A dog who’s hurting might skip meals, refuse treats, or seem restless at night. Others may sleep more than usual to cope.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip:
    If your dog’s eating habits change suddenly — or if they skip food for more than 24 hours — it’s time to call your vet. Pain from dental disease, joint issues, or internal problems can all cause changes in appetite.

    🧼 Panting, Shaking, or Restlessness

    Panting when it’s not hot outside can be a subtle sign of discomfort, especially if it’s paired with trembling or pacing. Dogs in pain often can’t get comfortable — they’ll shift positions or keep changing spots to try to find relief.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip:
     If your dog is panting heavily at rest, shaking, or seems unusually restless, monitor them closely. Combine this with other symptoms (like vomiting or loss of appetite), and it’s definitely time to call the vet.

    🐾 Changes in Posture or Grooming

    Dogs often show pain through their body language. They might hunch their back, tuck their tail, or hold their head low. Some lick or chew at one spot repeatedly — sometimes even causing hair loss or redness.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip:
     Excessive licking isn’t “just a habit.” It often means your dog is trying to soothe a painful area, whether it’s from arthritis, allergies, or an injury. If you can’t find a reason, your vet can.

    🩺 When to Call the Vet

    Call your vet if your dog:

    • Refuses food or water for more than 24 hours
    • Has persistent limping or mobility issues
    • Cries or growls when touched
    • Pants or trembles for no reason
    • Shows any sudden, severe behavior change

    If your gut says something’s wrong — trust it. You know your dog best, and early action can make all the difference.

    🐶 Final Thoughts

    Pain in dogs isn’t always obvious, but it’s never something to ignore. Subtle changes in movement, mood, or appetite often tell you your pup needs help.

    By staying observant and acting early, you can help your dog live a longer, more comfortable, and pain-free life. 💙

    And remember — it’s always better to call your vet and be told “everything’s fine” than to wait and wish you hadn’t. 🐾

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.