Incontinence is not uncommon in older dogs. The hormone estrogen in female dogs, and testosterone in male dogs, plays a large part in dogs' ability to control their bladders. As dogs age, these hormones decrease. In addition, when a pet is spayed or neutered, the organs that are the main producers of these hormones are removed. While spaying a female dog can slightly increase the likelihood that she may become incontinent, the risk does not outweigh the benefits of sterilization and there are medical methods of dealing with incontinence. Hormone-related incontinence is more common in female dogs.
-
Medication
-
The most common method for dealing with incontinence in any dog is the medication phenylpropanolamine. This is a non-hormonal drug. Known as PPA, this medication was banned for human use by the FDA in 1999. However, the problems seen in people using PPA have not been seen in canines and the medication is still approved for use in dogs. If the dog's incontinence responds to PPA, it will be necessary for the dog to remain on the medication for the remainder of her life. PPA works by causing the sphincter muscles to tighten.
Hormones
-
Because incontinence is often related to a hormone deficiency, diethylstilbestrol is often prescribed for female dogs as a replacement for estrogen. Side effects are rare because very small amounts are used. If the incontinence responds to hormones, it will be necessary for the dog to take this medication for the remainder of her life. In some instances, estradiol is used as the estrogen replacement.
Combinations
-
PPA is sometimes combined with diethylstilbestrol in treating especially difficult cases of incontinence. In addition, Imipramine, which is a tricyclic antidepressant, is also sometimes combined with PPA. Imipramine causes urine retention in some dogs.
Herbs
-
There are several herbal treatments that may help to treat incontinence in dogs. Corn silk is used in the form of capsules, tea, and tincture. Other herbs used include raspberry leaf, horsetail, saw palmetto, couch grass, nettle root, agrimony, uva ursi, marshmallow, and plantain.
Holistic
-
Other holistic treatment options include changes in diet. Some dog guardians report that removing grain from their pet's diet helped incontinence related to the animal being spayed. Others report success moving the animal to a homemade diet. Some holistic veterinarians sometimes use acupuncture and chiropractic adjustment to treat incontinence in dogs.
-