Urinary incontinence in dogs is one of many different problems that tend to develop in pets after they become older. Urinary incontinence arises for a number of different reasons. The most common of these is that your pet's bladder muscles may begin to weaken and lose some of their elasticity and strength. As this occurs, your dog will have a difficult time holding in his urine. He may begin to leave spots of urine on the carpet or other places inside of the house, or you may notice larger messes as well. One of the many different ways to treat urinary incontinence in dogs is a drug called phenylpropanolamine. Read on for a brief overview of this medicine.
Phenylpropanolamine Overview
Phenylpropanolamine is responsible for causing the body to release additional norepinephrine into the bloodstream. This chemical compound is then responsible for leading to a number of bodily responses. The first is that the blood vessels and capillaries will restrict. The heart will begin to increase in beat rate, and the blood pressure will temporarily rise. Over repeated uses of phenylpropanolamine, the norepinephrine will cause the sphincter and bladder muscles to tighten and increase in tone. As this happens, your pet will better be able to control his urination.
Using Phenylpropanolamine for your Pet
Although phenylpropanolamine is not a drug that is designed for pets, it has been legally made available to pets through veterinary prescriptions. You'll need to receive a prescription in order to buy the human formulation of the drug. From there, you can work with your vet in order to find the proper dosage for your pet.
Most phenylpropanolamine is available in liquid or tablet form. Pet owners typically find that the tablet form is most beneficial for their pets. This will allow your pet to consume the tablet either ground up and mixed in with his food or separately, along with a treat of some kind. The exact dosage of the medicine that you give to your pet is dependent upon a number of factors, including the other drugs in his system and your pet's current weight and overall health status.
Phenylpropanolamine Side Effects
The most common side effects that are seen when giving phenylpropanolamine to dogs are:
- Excessive energy and restlessness
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of appetite
As with other drugs, there is the chance that your pet will be allergic to this medicine. If you notice any other strange responses to the medicine, it's a good idea to check in with your veterinarian as quickly as possible in order to promptly deal with the reaction.
Before your pet begins to take phenylpropanolamine, it's important that you consult with your vet in order to find the proper dosage and to be sure that none of the other medicines that your pet is currently taking will interact with the new medicine in an inappropriate way.
For more information about treating urinary incontinence in your dog, speak with your vet.