Incontinence in dogs occurs when there is involuntary or uncontrollable leaking from the bladder. Incontinence in dogs can have several causes and each cause must be treated differently. However, some natural therapies are likely to prove helpful, along with additional treatment for the specific cause, no matter the reason for your pet's incontinence. It is best to take your pet to a veterinarian before trying any treatment. The doctor can provide a definite diagnosis and direct your toward the therapies that are most likely to be effective.
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Veterinarian
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Before beginning natural treatment for your dog's incontinence, you should consider consulting a holistic veterinarian who will direct you toward natural therapies that are most likely to work. The holistic practitioner will also know correct dosages, how to combine different therapies and how to use the natural treatments safely. You can find a holistic veterinarian in your area by visiting the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association's website at http://www.ahvma.org.
Herbs
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Several herbal remedies are helpful in treating incontinence in dogs. Cantharis is the most often prescribed herb for incontinence. The herb soothes irritation, supports the bladder and provides some pain relief. Corn silk is a popular herb for incontinence because of properties in the herb that help support normal urine flow. The herb contains mucilage, which is thought to sooth the lining of the urinary tract. Saw palmetto is another herb that is often used for incontinence. Saw palmetto has anti-inflammatory properties and supports bladder control and muscle tone. Other commonly used herbs for incontinent dogs are oatstraw, wild yam, plaintain, horsetail, uva ursi, marshmallow, yarrow and rashberry leaf.
Homeopathy
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Homeopathy uses greatly diluted remedies and follows a principle of "like cures like." The remedies are made from animals, plants and minerals and would invoke symptoms similar to those they are intended to cure, if they were given full-strength and undiluted. Common homeopathic remedies for incontinence include bryonia, causticum, equisetum, ferrum phosphoricum, pulsatilla and kreosotum.
Additional Treatments
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A holistic veterinarian will likely examine your dog's diet and suggest you move your pet to a homemade, grain-free food that is made with human-grade ingredients. In addition to herbs and homeopathic supplements, the veterinarian may suggest other supplements to be added to the dog's diet. Veterinary chiropractic and acupuncture are also being employed in the natural treatment of incontinence in dogs.
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