pH value

pH value in urine

The pH value in your dog's urine indicates how acidic or alkaline his urine is. It can fluctuate depending on food, amount drunk, time of day and state of health. The normal pH value in a dog's urine is between 5.5 and 7.5. A pH value that is too high or too low can indicate various illnesses, for example cystitis, urinary stones or diabetes.

How do you measure the pH value in your dog's urine?

To measure the pH value in your dog's urine, all you need is pH test strips, which you can buy at the pharmacy, drugstore or online. Simply collect some of your dog's urine in a clean container and briefly dip a test strip into it. Then compare the color of the test strip with the scale on the packaging and read the pH value. It is best to do this in the morning before feeding, as this is when the urine is most concentrated.

What does a high or low pH value in your dog's urine mean?

A high pH value in your dog's urine means that his urine is alkaline. This can have various causes, for example

• A bacterial bladder infection, which alkalizes the urine
• Renal insufficiency, which reduces the excretion of acids
• A vegetarian or cereal-rich diet that forms alkaline metabolic products
• A high stress level that accelerates breathing and exhales carbon dioxide

A low pH value in your dog's urine means that his urine is acidic. This can also have various causes, for example

• Over-acidification of the body due to poor diet or chronic illnesses
• Diabetes mellitus, which leads to increased excretion of ketone bodies
• A diet rich in meat, which forms acidic metabolic products
• A low stress level that slows down breathing and accumulates carbon dioxide

pH value in the blood

The pH value in your dog's blood indicates how acidic or alkaline his blood is. It is much more important than the pH value in the urine, as it must be kept within a very narrow range to ensure the function of all organs. The normal pH value in a dog's blood is between 7.36 and 7.44. A pH value that is too high or too low can be life-threatening.

How do you measure the pH value in your dog's blood?

To measure the pH value in your dog's blood, you need to have a blood sample taken. You can have this done by a vet or veterinary practitioner. The blood sample is then analyzed in a laboratory and the pH value is determined.

What does a high or low pH value in your dog's blood mean?

A high pH value in your dog's blood means that his blood is alkaline. This is called alkalosis. This can have various causes, for example

• Pneumonia or poisoning that hinders breathing and accumulates carbon dioxide
• Vomiting or diarrhea that eliminates acids from the body
• An overdose of alkaline medication such as antacids or bicarbonate

A low pH level in your dog's blood means that his blood is acidic. This is called acidosis. This can also have various causes, for example:

• Renal insufficiency or poisoning that prevents the excretion of acids
• Diabetes mellitus or starvation, which lead to an increased formation of ketone bodies
• An overdose of acidic medications such as acetylsalicylic acid or paracetamol

How can you influence your dog's pH value?

Your dog's pH level depends primarily on his diet. To keep his acid-base balance in equilibrium, you should offer him a species-appropriate and balanced diet that meets his needs. This means:

• Avoid too much grain, sugar and artificial additives in his food, as these promote acidosis
• Offer him enough fresh water, as this helps him to eliminate acids
• Give him regular fruit and vegetables as a snack or supplement, as these provide him with alkaline minerals and vitamins
• Make sure he has a high-quality source of protein in his food, as this provides him with essential amino acids and avoids waste products