Keep in mind that the greatest risk factor for developing struvite bladder stones in the dog is a urinary tract infection.
Struvite urinary crystals in dogs.
The crystals themselves are nearly identical.
Crystals in cat urine vs.
If left untreated struvite crystals can form stones that can make it impossible for your dog to urinate which can become a life threatening condition.
Dogs and cats are different in many ways but both seem predisposed to urine crystal formation.
However according to veterinarians at the marva vista animal clinic in los angeles struvite crystals require an alkaline ph in order to form.
They typically form because of urinary changes that happen when bladder infections occur.
They cannot form in acidic urine.
The difference lies in the kind of crystals that form in dogs or cats and how they can adversely affect these pets.
Dogs displaying any clinical signs of urinary tract infections such as frequent urination urinating in unusual places painful urination or the presence of blood in the urine should be evaluated immediately.