When an elderly dog suddenly seems unable to keep their bodily functions under control and pees over your carpet or in their bed, they may have incontinence. Elderly dogs are usually at greatest risk for developing incontinence, but even younger dogs may suddenly become incontinent.
Bladder infection, kidney stones, and general infections may be at play, but for the elderly dog, the main culprit is usually their aging body system failing them when it comes to involuntary urination. Managing the symptoms of incontinence is often the only recourse for the loving pet owner.
Dogs can live many years with incontinence, as long as the symptoms are alleviated and monitored. Here are a few natural methods to relieve incontinence symptoms.
What Is Incontinence in Dogs?
Incontinence is when a dog no longer manages to hold their urine so they can potty outside, or when a dog begins to pee during their sleep or while playing. The evacuation of urine isn’t done on purpose, and the dog isn’t being naughty. Instead, the dog can’t hold their pee, and they end up dribbling or messing all over the floor.
Most often, a dog will be very upset with themselves and may try to clean up their own mess when they realize they’ve had an involuntary pee-reaction.
Why Do Dogs Get Incontinence?
The dog’s urine production is heavily influenced by two factors: structure of the bladder and sphincters and the control of urine production by hormonal balance. Female dogs often develop incontinence after they have been spayed. Injuries, brain tumors, and dementia may contribute to canine incontinence.
Diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and weak bladders also add to the mix that causes incontinence.
Signs of Incontinence in Dogs
The usual signs of incontinence include when your dog needs to potty more, frequently licks and cleans their private areas in an attempt to clean up the mess, and when your dog suddenly becomes less active.
Pain, changes in behavior, damp and urine smelling fur, and excessive drinking of water may also indicate that your dog has incontinence.
Incontinence Treatment Options
There are several medical treatment options for a dog with urinary incontinence. Which option you may consider depends on what has caused the incontinence. For a dog with hormone imbalances, a hormone injection or oral solution may be best.
However, a dog that suffers incontinence because they were abused by their previous owner may require surgery if the cause is structural. Nerve tissue and the lining of the urethra can be boosted with special medications like phenylpropanolamine and collagen injections into the mucus lining to help increase the pressure needed to keep the urine from dripping out.
There are assistive devices that can help minimize the embarrassment and pain of incontinence. Belly bands, disposable nappies, and more can help your dog lead a normal life for many years still.
But what about natural remedies for dogs with incontinence?
5 Ways to Relieve Incontinence in Elderly Dogs
There are a few ways you can assist your dog to deal with their incontinence naturally.
1. Doggy Nappies
One of the main symptoms of incontinence is messing of urine or dribbling. Using a belly band for male dogs and a diaper or nappy for female dogs can help your dog feel less stressed about messing everywhere.
When changed frequently, the nappy or belly band won’t cause rubbing or nappy rash.
2. Supplementing
Several natural ingredients like probiotics, omega oils, extra protein, and herbal tinctures can help ease urinary incontinence factors. Certain herbs help control the production of hormones needed to trigger thirst and urine evacuation. These herbs include dandelion, marshmallow root, and hydrangea.
3. Massage and Acupuncture
Humans aren’t the only ones who benefit from some TLC when we’re feeling sick. Dogs also show improvement in muscle tone, circulation, and energy after massage and acupuncture sessions.
By extension, the same improved muscle tone can help the bladder muscles to better contract and limit urine more effectively.
4. Manage Inflammation
Dogs often develop inflammation when they are struggling with urinary health. Inflammation of the dog’s bladder and urethra can cause bladder infections, formation of urine crystals, and kidney stones. All of these contribute to inflammation.
Herbal supplements like cranberry extract can help ease inflammation, specifically in the urinary tract. Urinary incontinence of the dog is managed far better with the aid of natural anti-inflammatories.
5. Change in Habits
One of the final and important steps that a dedicated dog owner needs to take when their dog develops incontinence is to schedule regular potty breaks. Where other dogs may be able to hold off on urinating until the next morning, dogs with incontinence will need to go do their business several times a night.
By frequently taking your dog for a pee break, you ensure they have less chance of having a full bladder and needing to urinate before they can make it outdoors.
Incontinence in Elderly Dogs FAQs
What does it mean when an older dog becomes incontinent?
Older dogs begin to lose muscle tone and nerve function, which can cause a decline in bladder control. As a result, older dogs may urinate more frequently and even have spills by urinating in their sleep.
How can I best deal with my dog’s incontinence?
There are several ways to deal with incontinence in your dog.
- Take your dog for frequent walks to potty and stretch their muscles.
- Use nappies and belly bands when you have to take your dog somewhere or if you can’t take them out at night.
- Ensure there are no secondary infections on the skin around their privates, and monitor for signs of inflammation of the bladder, which is common with dogs that suffer from incontinence.
Is incontinence painful for dogs?
When there are complications such as bladder infections (UTIs) and a rash as a result of excessive licking or nappies that were left on too long, the dog can begin to experience pain.
Final Thoughts on Relieving Canine Incontinence
Canine incontinence is not cause for drastic (and final) decisions. When dogs receive the best care and supportive treatment to alleviate the symptoms of incontinence, they can live a long and happy life. Older dogs are most at risk for developing canine incontinence, but even young dogs and dogs that have been spayed may develop this condition.
At the end of the day, you need to evaluate the quality of life you can offer your older dog that has developed incontinence, but it need not be the end of the road for them. Many different supplements, nappies, and more are available online.
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