Home

>

Dog

>

Health & Wellbeing

>

Methionine: Urinary Acidifiers for Dogs and Cats 

Methionine: Urinary Acidifiers for Dogs and Cats

Updated on February 03, 2023
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Dr. Elyse Macartney
DVM

Usage | How does it work? | How is it given? | Side Effects | Dosage & adminstration tips | Possible drug interactions

cat being held by a veterinarian

If your pet’s urine is too alkaline—or has a high pH level—they may develop painful crystals and urinary stones. Fortunately, there are ways to treat this condition and eliminate the related symptoms. Methionine for cats and dogs is one of the most useful urinary acidifiers for pets.  

Your vet may prescribe it to eliminate existing crystals in your pet’s urine or prevent the future formation of struvite crystals and urinary stones. Read on to learn more about DL-methionine. Consult our guide to Bladder Stones in Dogs and Cats for additional information. 

Methionine usage 

Methionine is an amino acid that balances your pet’s urine when it becomes too alkaline. Dogs and cats with alkaline urine often develop struvite crystals and urinary stones, and these growths can be quite painful, sometimes even preventing your pet from urinating. Acidifying your pet’s urine may help dissolve existing crystals and stones and prevent these growths from forming again.  

This drug is typically available only via prescription. Although there are some over-the-counter supplements that contain methionine, they should never be administered without the approval of your vet following an accurate diagnosis of alkaline urine, crystalluria and/or struvite stones.   

 How does methionine work? 

When used correctly, methionine for dogs and cats works simply and quickly. Once your pet takes this drug, it’s metabolized into sulfuric acid, which changes the pH balance of the urine in the bladder before its ultimately expelled from the body through urination.

 Note that sulfuric acid is a strong acid. Even a small amount can dramatically change the acidification of a pet’s urine, so overdosing is possible.  

How is methionine given? 

Methionine is available over the counter as a gel, usually sold under the brand Methigel. As already mentioned, however, you should never administer it without the approval of your vet following a diagnosis of alkaline urine, crystalluria and/or struvite stones. You can also administer the drug via tablets or capsules prescribed by your veterinarian. When given in tablet form, the medication may be sold as DL-methionine, M-Caps or Pedameth. Some pharmacies also turn this drug into a capsule or chew treat. The gel can be licked easily by your pet, and tablets or capsules may be hidden in a pill pocket to entice your pet to take it.  

Side effects 

There are a few DL-methionine side effects to look out for, including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale or blue mucous membranes, incoordination, staggering and loss of appetite. These symptoms should subside once your pet stops taking the medication. Keep your cat or dog hydrated and call your veterinarian with any questions or concerns about your pet’s behavior while on methionine. Your vet may recommend smaller doses given more frequently if your pet experiences too many side effects.  

Methionine dosage and administration tips 

The correct dose for urinary acidifiers like methionine is based on a variety of factors, including your pet’s breed, size, age and the severity of their condition. Your veterinarian may also adjust the dose based on whether you are treating existing crystals or trying to prevent them.  

Your veterinarian will instruct you on how to give the medication to your pet. Administering the drug with food is usually recommended to help prevent stomach upset. If you're using capsules of methionine for cats and dogs, ask about mixing the medication with your pet’s soft food. Methionine is typically safe when administered at the prescribed dose—150 to 300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight every eight hours is standard, but you should always follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully.

Call your vet immediately if you notice serious side effects such as vomiting that won’t stop. When pets overdose on methionine, their entire body can become acidified; this is called metabolic acidosis and is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Use methionine with caution if your pet has liver or kidney disease, problems with their pancreas, diabetes or urinary obstruction. Be sure to tell your vet about your pet’s current conditions so they can determine if your cat or dog needs to be on a short- or long-term methionine supplement.  

Possible drug interactions 

If your pet is already on a dog bladder control medication or cat urinary care drug, they may not be a good candidate for methionine. Veterinarians are unlikely to recommend this drug if your pet is already taking other urinary acidifiers. This drug may also reduce the effectiveness of other medications that depend on an alkaline environment, including some antibiotics.  

image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Filed Under

Sponsored