An enlarged prostate in a dog can present with many symptoms. If your dog seems to have trouble defecating or is constipated, this may indicate a swollen prostate. The condition, known medically as benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia (Bph), may also cause the dog to walk unusually. Blood or pus may also seep from the dog's penis when the prostate is enlarged. Good veterinary treatment is essential to treating the enlarged prostate and relieving the dog's pain, but there are a number of things dog-owners can do to lessen the chances of swollen prostates developing.
Instructions
Take your dog to the vet immediately if you suspect a swollen prostate. Besides being very painful for the dog, it is essential to eliminate any other potential prostate conditions which may be more serious than Bph. It is possible that your dog has a bacterial infection or in rare cases, cancer of the prostate. These must be eliminated as a possibility.
Finish all antibiotic treatments. It is important to give the dog the whole prescription even if the dog appears to be better before the treatment has ended. Incomplete antibiotic treatments are one of the reasons why dogs may suffer from chronic recurrence of swelling in the prostate.
Neuter your dog. Neutering your dog as a puppy or young adult will prevent development of a swollen prostate. By the time a dog reaches eight-years of age, it has an 80% chance of developing a prostate disease if it is not neutered. Neutering a dog after it has been treated for a swollen prostate will also reduce the chances of the prostate swelling again.
Treat the dog with herbal remedies if you do not wish to neuter it. If you are hoping to breed the dog, neutering will not be an option. There are several herbal remedies which have been shown to reduce the chances of the prostate swelling. These are sabal serrulata (saw palmetto), galium aperine (cleavers) and echinacea purpurea and baryta carb. A homeopath can advise on the best course of treatment.
Take the dog for regular check-ups after treatment. A swollen prostate is prone to reoccur, and the dog must be checked regularly, especially if you choose not to have the dog neutered. Watch out for any symptoms which may indicate that the prostate has swollen again.