Dog owners often blame their pet's urinary accidents on behavioral issues. However, canine incontinence, the technical name for this common problem, is sometimes the result of health issues, especially in older dogs. Signs that your dog is suffering from incontinence include leaking or dribbling urine, wet spots in the dog's sleeping place and skin irritation around the genitals. If you notice incontinence in your pup, consult a vet right away, as there could be a more serious underlying health issue, like a urinary tract infection.
-
Phenylpropanolamine
-
This safe, non-hormonal drug is the most widely prescribed treatment for canine incontinence. Once prescribed for humans, the FDA outlawed phenylpropanolamine because of side effects like high blood pressure, but it does not appear to cause this problem in veterinary use. Both male and female dogs may take phenylpropanolamine, more commonly known under the brand names Propalin or Proin. The drug works by tightening the urinary sphincter to prevent leakage, which in turn reduces accidents.
Hormone Treatment
-
In some cases, a dog's incontinence may result from specific hormone defficiencies that are easy to treat. The treatment replaces missing hormones with other hormones or substitutes to restore balance in your dog's system. The chemical compound diethylstilbestrol, for example, often replaces estrogen. Your dog receives hormones in small daily doses at first, and then once a week after that. Because the dosages are so small, side effects are quite rare. Usually, dogs whose incontinence is hormone-related will need to remain on hormone treatment for the remainder of their lives. Female dogs receive hormone treatment more often than males.
Antibiotics
-
Sometimes incontinence is actually a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are infections caused by invasive bacteria that often create significant discomfort and pain for your pet, not to mention loss of bladder control. The good news is that UTIs are very easy to treat with antibiotics. Clear up the UTI and your dog's incontinence will disappear in most cases. Always use antibiotics with caution, however, as certain dogs may respond with side effects like diarrhea and vomiting. Check with your vet to see if this is the best option. You may also consider alternatives to antibiotics, such as homeopathic treatment.
-