Herbal Remedies for Urinary Incontinence in Dogs

There are several different potential causes for urinary incontinence in dogs. Many veterinarians will prescribe antibiotics in case a urinary tract infection is the issue. There may also be birth defects, a neurological disorder or estrogen deficiency in the dog. If you have tried medicine for your dog's incontinence problem to no avail, you can try some herbal remedies under the guidance of a holistic veterinarian. Keep in mind, many herbal remedies have not been proven to be effective by clinical trials. All herbs can be purchased at natural food stores or at natural pet stores.

  1. Corn Silk

    • An herb that has been used in both humans and dogs for urinary problems is corn silk. In humans it has been used for prostatitis and bladder infections and to relieve bed wetting. In animals, corn silk may support the normal flow of urine and may increase the strength of the bladder's emptying action, according to Bright Hub. Corn silk contains the compound mucilage, which is a gel-like substance that has the ability to soothe inflamed membranes. Corn silk has properties to reduce inflammation and also has been used externally as an application to bruises in humans, according to Herbs2000.com. You can administer this herb by adding it to the dog's food.

    Saw Palmetto

    • Another herb that has had human and dog use, saw palmetto acts as an anti-inflammatory on irritated mucous membranes. According to Medline Plus, saw palmetto may improve muscle tone and bladder control. Also, the herb can strengthen the prostate and regulate a dog's sex hormone levels. As a hormone irregularity can sometimes cause urinary problems for a dog, this herb may be helpful, according to Natural-Dog-Health-Remedies.com. To give this herb to a dog, add it to his food.

    Oatstraw

    • Oatstraw is an herb that contains several nutrients like protein and calcium and it has the ability to improve the nerve function in a dog's urinary tract. The herb can also decrease inflammation and have a calming effect on a dog, according to Bright Hub. Oatstraw has estrogenic compounds, which may improve hormone regulation that often can be impacted by spaying a female dog. Oatstraw may also help with other kinds of incontinence, as it can be used for irritable bowels as well. The most effective way to incorporate this herb in a dog's diet is by adding it to his food.

    Wild Yam

    • One potential cause of incontinence in dogs is arthritis, as it may impair the functioning of nerves and the tone of muscles in the urinary tract. Wild yam is an herb that works well on arthritis inflammation, which may help to relieve the incontinence-related complications as well. Wild yam is also a diuretic, which helps to make urine flow. Lastly, wild yam has estrogenic compounds similar to oatstraw, which can aid with any hormone-related causes of urinary incontinence problems. Add this herb to the dog's food.

    Other Herbs

    • There are multiple other herbs that may help with a dog's incontinence problems. The herb plantain has been thought to help with the swelling of the prostate, with irritable bowel syndrome and with bleeding in the urinary tract, according to Herbs2000.com. Other herbs that may reduce a dog's symptoms of urinary incontinence are uva ursi, marshmellow, horsetail, yarrow and barberry. All these herbs can be added to the dog's food.