A dog controls his urine through the use of the sphincter muscles at the base of his bladder. Incontinence results when the dog no longer can control those muscles. In older dogs, this usually is due to physical, not behavioral, problems. The two most common causes of incontinence in older dogs---lack of hormones, which is intensified in sexually altered dogs, and old age weakness of the sphincter---are treated easily. Treatment efficacy varies with other causes, but they usually can be controlled, if not overcome.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription medications
- Homeopathic remedies
- Herbal remedies
- Raw diet
- Home-cooked diet
- Natural kibble
Instructions
Take your older dog to the veterinarian to determine the cause of his incontinence. By attempting to treat his incontinence without a correct diagnosis, you could miss a serious condition such as diabetes, liver disease or kidney failure.
If your veterinarian determines your dog has a worn out sphincter, he likely will prescribe Phenylpropanolamine (PPA). The PPA increases his sphincter contractions. It works equally well for male and female dogs.
Your older female's dog's incontinence could result from low estrogen levels. If this is the case, your vet may prescribe Diethylstilbestrol (DES). It replaces the missing estrogen, which is important for sphincter control.
Your older male dog's problem could be caused by low testosterone levels. If this is the case, your vet may prescribe testosterone, which is important for sphincter control. Report any side effects, such as aggression and urine-marking territory, to your veterinarian.
Speak with your homeopathic veterinarian about your older dog's additional treatment options. There are many, including Bryonia (if your dog leaks urine while walking), Pulsatilla (if your dog piddles when excited) and Kreosotum (if your dog's leakage is stress or emotion related).
Give your older dog an herbal remedy if your veterinarian approves this treatment option. Saw Palmetto supports bladder control and muscle tone, strengthens the prostate and normalizes sex hormone levels. Oatstraw contains estrogen compounds that help your female dog stimulate hormonal production.
Change your older dog's diet. Ask a canine nutritionist to develop recipes tailored to your dog's needs. Try a raw and/or homemade diet. "When switching your dog's diet to whole food, whether raw or home cooked, there are necessary supplements that must be added back," according to the Old Dog Treats And Rawhide website. To simply change your dog's kibble and eliminate grains, choose an all-natural grain-free ultra premium dog food.
Change your lifestyle to accommodate your older dog's incontinence problem. Alternate family members' schedules so your dog gets outside more often. If that isn't possible, consider hiring a professional pet sitter or dog walker to take your dog out multiple times when no one else is home.