Are recurring urinary tract problems bothering you? Can nutrition be a lifesaver for your cat or dog?
Why does it always “relapse after being cured”?
You're woken up in the wee hours by the dripping sound in the litter box; your dog squats for ages on a walk without urinating – urinary tract problems are so troublesome: pain, blood in the urine, recurring blockages, and not only do they feel uncomfortable for their pets, but their owners feel helpless too.
Pettington tells you that nutritional management is actually one of the easiest weapons for pet owners to master and one of the most influential weapons for preventing recurrence.
Why are urinary tract diseases particularly prone to recurrence?
Urinary stones and cystitis are often caused by a combination of factors. When concentrations of minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium are too high, crystals precipitate in the urine. If you don't drink enough water, your urine is too concentrated, or your pH is imbalanced, these crystals are more likely to form difficult-to-pass stones.
Chronic inflammation or bacterial infection of the bladder lining can cause urination to become painful, creating a vicious cycle. Add to this environmental stress, obesity, and lifestyle factors like lack of physical activity, and urinary tract problems continue to arise.
How can nutritional management assist with urethritis?
By changing your diet, you can simultaneously influence urine concentration, pH, and mineral composition—three key factors in the formation of crystals.
High-water-content foods or slightly increased sodium levels can stimulate water intake, diluting urine. Strictly controlling the total amount of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium can reduce the raw materials for crystallization. Appropriate acidifying or alkalinizing factors in the formula can stabilize the urine pH in the range where crystals are least likely to settle. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can soothe inflammation of the bladder mucosa, and maintaining an ideal body shape can also reduce the burden on the urinary system.
Pettington teaches you | Three-step self-examination
1️⃣ Observation: Record your water intake and urination frequency for one week.
2️⃣ Compare: Check the mineral content of canned/dry food and pay attention to low magnesium and low phosphorus labels.
3️⃣ Consultation: Bring the urine test report and discuss with your veterinarian whether a prescription formula is needed.
Nutritional strategies for managing urethritis
- Precise mineral control: Choose formulas labeled low in magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium to fundamentally reduce the occurrence of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
- Target urine pH 6.2–6.4: This helps maintain a balanced acid-base balance, making it difficult for crystals to precipitate while avoiding excessive acidification or alkalinity that can cause other problems.
- Omega-3 EPA/DHA: Omega-3 can inhibit inflammation, protect the bladder mucosa, and reduce pain and discomfort.
- Antioxidant complex: Vitamin E, beta-carotene and trace elements help fight free radicals and accelerate the repair of urinary epithelium.
Clinical studies consistently indicate that a urinary prescription diet designed specifically for urinary problems is currently the most direct and effective nutritional approach .
⚠️ Pettington Reminder <br>If you suspect your pet is showing signs of urethritis, the first step is to take him to the veterinarian immediately . A veterinarian will examine a urine sample, imaging, or blood work before determining whether medication, catheterization, or other treatment is necessary. Prescription urinary formulas must be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan after a diagnosis has been confirmed and acute risks have been ruled out. Purchasing prescription food without seeking medical attention can delay optimal treatment.
Why can prescription urology formulas “cure both the symptoms and the root cause”?
When designing urinary prescription food, the "relative supersaturation" (RSS) of urine is first calculated to ensure that minerals will not crystallize even in urine, and the efficacy is repeatedly verified through clinical trials.
Most importantly, prescription diets address kidney health, weight management, and antioxidant needs simultaneously, avoiding focusing on one without ignoring other physiological burdens. If your veterinarian recommends a prescription diet, follow the instructions and review the diet regularly. Never mix in high-mineral treats on your own, as this can disrupt the balanced diet.
🎁 Hill's New Customer Offer <br>Purchase Hill's™ Prescription Diet™ c/d Urology Series and related urology health products at Pettington for the first time. Enter the promotional code HILLSURINARY20 at checkout for a HK$20 discount when you spend HK$199 or more!
The 3 most frequently asked questions by pet owners
Q: Do I need to take prescription food for the rest of my life?
Most cases require a stabilization period of at least six months, after which urine test results and veterinary evaluation will determine whether a different formula can be used.
Q: Can homemade fresh food completely replace prescription food?
Without a customized formula from a veterinary nutritionist, it is difficult to precisely control minerals and pH. Therefore, it is recommended to use a urology-specific formula.
Q: How to increase water intake?
Use a water dispenser, place bowls of water in different rooms, or even make small soups by adding warm water to cans.
Pettington teaches you | Regular check-ups are crucial <br>Schedule a urine test and ultrasound every six months to track urine status and bladder health, and adjust your diet early for peace of mind.
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Urinary Tract Prescription Food Formula
Clinical evidence: Clinical follow-up shows that continuous feeding c/d helps reduce the risk of recurrence.
S+OXSHIELD™ Technology: Bidirectionally controls urine pH and relative supersaturation (RSS) to simultaneously combat both major stone types.
Multiple flavors/textures: Dry food, stew jars, and sauce jars are available to help picky eaters or pets who need to increase their water intake accept them more easily.
Kidney-friendly: Moderate protein and low phosphorus design take into account the health of the urinary tract and kidneys.
First-time purchasers of Hill's Prescription Diet™ c/d Urology Series at Pettington receive HK$20 off when spending HK$199 or more by entering the promotional code HILLSURINARY20 at checkout !
View all Hill's Prescription Diet c/d urology products now.