Canine Incontinence is different from submissive urination. Submissive urination occurs when a dog (usually a young pup) is acting submissive to a person or to another dog. A common behavior in submissive urination is that the dog rolls on its back and urinates. These dogs are not incontinent because they can control urination and can urinate normally when they are not showing submissive behavior. Urinary incontinence is involuntary or uncontrollable leaking of urine from the bladder. There are several main causes of urinary incontinence in dogs, and each requires different treatment. Identifying the exact cause is not easy for dog owners - It is therefore important that a thorough examination by your veterinarian be done before attempting any treatment for an incontinent dog.
Causes
There are many reasons your dog may be suffering from urinary incontinence, including;
- Estrogen-deficiency
- Arthritis or Hip Dysplasia
- Neurological Disorders
- Ectopic Ureter
Treatment
Fortunately for owners of dogs suffering from canine
incontinence there are many treatments available. Natural cures are
gentler, something you might want for your medically sensitive dog.
They carry no harsh chemicals, and come from things with an organic
nature. Long-term use of some tonic herbs that strengthen and support
the function of the bladder's smooth muscles can be effective in
treating incontinence in dogs. Some such tonic herbs include:
- Corn Silk
Corn silk supports a normal urine flow and strong bladder emptying action. Corn silk also contains mucilage, which produces a soothing effect on the lining of the urinary tract.
- Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is commonly used for its anti-inflammatory effects on mucous membranes. It also supports bladder control and muscle tone. In addition, it strengthens the prostate and normalizes sex hormone levels.
- Oatstraw
Oatstraw contains estrogenic compounds and can help stimulate hormonal production in the body.
- Wild Yam
This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and may help resolve urinary tract issues. Also, similar to oatstraw, wild yam has also been found to have hormone-normalizing effects.
- Plaintain
Plaintain is widely used for various urinary ailments. It has anti-inflammatory effects on mucuous membranes.
- Other tonic herbs
Other tonic herbs that are effective for incontinence include horsetail, uva ursi, marshmallow, yarrow, and rashberry leaf.
If your veterinarian has ruled out the fact that your dog's incontinence is caused by other ailments, you may want to work with a holistic vet to try using homeopathic remedies to treat theproblem. The most commonly used homeopathic remedies for incontinence are;
- Bryonia
This can be used if your dog is leaking urine while walking.
- Cantharis
This remedy is effective for soothing irritation of the mucous membranes. It supports the urinary bladder and the urethra and is beneficial for dogs with frequent urges to urinate.
- Caustism
A remedy for older dogs, this is a good choice for your dog if he or she is having trouble with incontinence due to old age or muscle weakness.
- Equisetum
Equisetum (the herbal equivalent is Horsetail), is a tissue healing astringent, and is useful for dogs with a dull aching in their bladder.
- Ferrum Phosphoricum
This remedy is especially well known for it's use with infections, mainly in the beginning stages.
Any treatment that you can find for your dog may work, but it is best to confirm the diagnosis with your veterinarian before giving your dog anything. Dosing your dog with the wrong drug could prove fatal.