Canine Incontinence

Canine incontinence, often considered as a dog behavioral problem, is actually a medical condition that requires appropriate medical treatment. Although it is a more common problem among older dogs, it may also affect dogs older than the age of 2. Dog incontinence can also be urinary, since it is considered as a behavioral problem, it is often tried to be rectified by obedience and behavioral training, which only adds to the dog's suffering. As a dog owner, it is essential that you identify the problem of canine incontinence and watch out for the signs, so that it can be treated on time. Knowing about the causes of canine incontinence can help you prevent and deal with this dog health problem.

Canine Incontinence Causes

The most common of the canine incontinence causes is old age. Older dogs develop this problem due to the loosening of their sphincter as they grow old. Their bladder muscles also tend to weaken and this disables them from holding back urine. Young dogs may face this problem due to a bacterial infection. Infections like aspergillosis, prostatitis and cystitis are the ones that mainly cause incontinence problems in dogs. Female dogs can be incontinent due to bladder or urinary tract infections. A condition known as ectopic ureter can cause incontinence in neutered female dogs. Canine incontinence after surgery is also a common post-surgical problem in dogs. Other common causes of dog incontinence include tumors, stress, neurological disorders and hormonal problems.

Treatment for Canine Incontinence

Canine incontinence can be easily treated if detected on time. It is essential not only to stop the problem of accidents at home, but also for the overall health of your pet dog. Here are a few methods that can be adopted for canine incontinence treatment. Read more on dog incontinence treatment.

Canine Incontinence Medication
Canine incontinence medicines include Phenylpropanolamine that works well for this problem by tightening the sphincter and the bladder walls. This is especially beneficial for older dogs facing this problem. For incontinence caused due to ectopic ureter, surgery will help solve the problem. Hormonal problems causing incontinence can be rectified using a drug known as DES (diethylstilbestrol) which is a synthetic form of estrogen. It works well for female dogs facing incontinence problems after being neutered. The above mentioned medication should be administered only after consultation with a veterinarian. Treating the dog by yourself can cause various complications and may also be harmful for its health.

Canine Incontinence Products
Dogs suffering from incontinence can be managed by providing them incontinence products like doggy diapers, pee pads or a diaper garment. This will also help prevent messing on the floors and when outside the home too. These products are washable or disposable and are hence very convenient to use.

Canine Incontinence Remedies
Apart from the solutions mentioned above, some natural and herbal remedies can help deal with canine incontinence problems. Homeopathy has a number of medicines that can help solve incontinence problems. These include medicines like kreosotum, causticum, equisetum, ferrum phosphoricum, pulsatilla and bryonia that are absolutely safe and can be administered to dogs. Herbs like corn silk, berberis, oatstraw, uva ursi, rashberry leaf and saw palmetto are also useful in treating dog incontinence. Veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic therapies can also help treat canine incontinence.

Your pet dog will require your constant support and care while dealing with incontinence as most of them tend to feel guilty for their act of involuntary urination. Make sure you reassure it and help it overcome the problem with love and care. Maintain hygiene and cleanliness around your home, especially around the dog's bedding, to prevent infection and diseases that can be caused due to canine incontinence.