Urinary blockages are relatively common in pets. This is a very painful condition where the urethra is blocked by sand or stones. Animals are therefore unable to urinate and show the following signs: difficulty or inability to urinate, turning in circles, licking their genitals and/or vocalizing, and more! Male cats are predisposed to this condition. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of urinary blockage in your pets:
Drink a Lot of Water
Water must always be available at all times. It is important that it is fresh to make it more attractive. Change the water every day and put several bowls around the house. You can encourage your pet to drink water by making sure the bowls are always clean, offering filtered or bottled water when needed, having large water bowls, or even providing water fountains. For cats, place the bowls away from the litter box.
Frequent Urination
It is important for your pet to have access to a place to urinate as often as possible. Cats need a clean litter box at all times; dogs need to go outside several times a day.
Canned Food
Water can be consumed through food. Canned food contains a lot of water and is a great way to encourage your pet to consume water. Canned food has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of urinary blockages in cats.
Medication
Consult your veterinarian to find out about the possibilities of prevention through medication.
Urinary Diet
Some kibble and canned foods are specifically designed for animals at risk of urinary blockages. Consult your veterinary team to choose the best food for your animal.
Several Meals a Day
To avoid urinary blockages related to stones, the ideal is to feed cats at will. If this is not possible (for example, to avoid overconsumption), it is best to ration food in several small meals. This keeps the urinary pH as stable as possible and thus prevents the formation of crystals.
Reducing Stress
Pets that live in a stressful environment may be predisposed to urinary blockages. For example, 1 litter box for 2 cats in the same household can increase stress related to urination. It is important that cats each have access to a litter box in a quiet corner of the house.