Keep in mind, if your dog starts having accidents in the house, it may not be a behavioral issue. Canine incontinence is a medical condition which can be treated. The first step is to visit the veterinarian. Symptoms to watch for are dribbling of urine, wet spots under the dog’s sleeping area, constant licking or cleaning and stained fur around the genitals. With proper medication and diligent care, dogs with incontinence can live comfortably and have fewer accidents.
Canine incontinence happens when a dog lacks the ability to control urination. It is a serious medical condition which affects mostly older dogs, male and female. It’s very important to realize that urinary incontinence is something completely different from the act of scenting or marking territory. When a dog leaves a scent by urinating, he is doing it voluntarily. A dog with bladder incontinence urinates involuntarily and is often unaware of what is happening.
It’s essential for dog owners to know the possible symptoms of canine urinary incontinence. The most obvious symptom is leaking or dribbling of urine. This often occurs while the dog is sleeping or relaxed. This leads to the next sign of canine incontinence which is a visible wet spot under the dog’s sleeping place. Another symptom that your dog is having trouble holding his urine is a skin irritation around the genitals. You may notice your dog licking or cleaning this area excessively and the fur down there may become discolored or stained.
A trip to the veterinarian is recommended once you suspect your dog is suffering from canine incontinence and not just exhibiting behavioral problems. It is possible that the veterinarian will ask you to bring in a urine sample. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this or if your dog is too skittish to urinate into a bowl or pan, it is possible for the veterinarian to retrieve a sample at the animal clinic. If the concern is great, the veterinarian may even extract the urine directly from the bladder. Blood tests, x-rays and/or an ultrasound may be recommended. It’s possible that your dog may have a urinary tract infection. Dogs with incontinence are more prone to develop an infection of this kind.
These treatments work at tightening the urinary sphincter and at preventing leakage. If your dog has a urinary tract infection in addition to the incontinence, then an antibiotic will be necessary. For female-spayed dogs with incontinence, a hormone replacement drug may be prescribed. For the treatment of the skin irritation surrounding the genitals, a topical solution such as Zymox Topical Cream may help.
Different options are available in the treatment of canine urinary incontinence. The most commonly prescribed medication to treat dogs with urinary incontinence is Propalin, a name brand of Phenylpropalanine available at Allivet.com. A new non prescription treatment for urinary incontinence is Proin chewable tablets.
Some dogs may need to be on medication for incontinence for the rest of their lives. It could simply be that their bodies just don’t work as well in their later years as when they were younger. However, there are a couple of things you can do to ease the complications of canine incontinence. One option is to place a clean bath mat or waterproof bed pad under your dog’s sleeping place. This will make accidents easier to clean up and make your dog feel more comfortable. When accidents do occur, Allivet Pharmacy carries a wide variety of urine and odor removal products, such as Urin-off for dogs, Elimin-Odor, and Equalizer Carpet Stain and Odor spray. Another thing to consider is the use of doggie diapers. Disposable and washable types of canine diapers are on the market today. Some people simply use human diapers with a hole cut out to accommodate the dog’s tail. There are also special prescription diet food which may help lessen the effects of aging on your dog.
