Incontinence in dogs

Dogs of all ages can suffer from incontinence. With your dog unable to wait to get outside or in some cases may not even be aware they are leaking, urination inside the house can become a regular problem for both dogs and their owners. Although behavioural related urination problems can occur, which is a separate issue – Incontinence is usually caused by a medical condition.

Possible causes of incontinence

Causes of incontinence in dogs include (but not limited to) a urinary tract infection, anatomic abnormalities, weak bladder, spinal injury or degeneration, inherited medical conditions, hormonal imbalance, prostate disorders, urinary stones and some medications such as corticosteroids. However, as dogs age the muscles around the bladder naturally become weaker which inevitably leads to regular and uncontrolled urination.  

How can I help my dog?

If you suspect your dog may have underlying health conditions, The Dog Doctors would recommend having your vet diagnose the cause of incontinence, as early detection and treatment of urine incontinence can help prevent more serious complications. This would often include a urinalysis and blood test.

Often incontinence will start when a dog is mature or middle aged and is known as a USMI (Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence) and relates to the failure of the 'valve' of the bladder neck and urethra to prevent urine leakage. Approximately 80% of mature dogs referred for investigation of urinary incontinence are diagnosed with USMI.

For dogs suffering from USMI, The Dog Doctors Bladder & Urinary Health – Incontinence Support can help restore normal muscle tone of the bladder and urinary sphincter muscles, reducing incontinence in your older dog. As dog’s age, many suffer from incontinence because the urethral muscles are not as strong as they once were.

Some breeds are more prone than others to developing USMI, these including Collies, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, English Springer Spaniels, English Sheepdogs, Boxers, Dalmatians amongst others and can be related to factors such as an estrogen deficiencies, genetics or changes to the vaginal support structures.

Ingredients

The Dog Doctors Bladder & Urinary Health – Incontinence Support Soft is a daily supplement in the form of a chew, containing a powerful combination of natural ingredients specifically designed to care for your pet’s renal and bladder health. 

So let's take a closer look at what's inside the chews and how these ingredients can help your dog! 

• Pumpkin Seed

Pumpkins pack a mighty punch when it comes to nutrition and the seeds themselves contain an abundance of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants which are essential for encouraging urinary health and helping to prevent urinary tract infections.

• Rehmannia

This plant is a beautiful purple flowered perennial herb, long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for kidney and adrenal health. It is believed to increase the production of the hormone erythropoietin which stimulates the red blood cells. Known to increase blood flow, it helps to reduce the abnormally high renal values associated with kidney disease.

• Wild Yam Root

This perennial herb grows in damp woodlands but thrives in sunny conditions. It can be hugely beneficial for older female dogs with hormone or muscle related urinary incontinence. Wild yam root has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties which can help relax the tension on the bladder muscles and prevent unwanted spasms that contribute to incontinence.

• Bee Pollen

No, it’s not just for bees. This nutrient packed powerhouse is full of minerals, vitamins, proteins and fats. Bee pollen is collected by the worker bees and mixed with nectar and bee saliva which is attached to the back of the legs and used to feed the colony. The pollen is alkaline which helps to balance the overall pH in the body, promoting a healthy urinary tract. It also contains trans-cinnamic acid which is a natural antibiotic.

• Oregon Grape Root

Despite its name this plant doesn’t produce grapes, so it is perfectly safe for dogs. It’s the root that contains a number of active compounds which can combat bacterial and fungal infections. It’s used for its strong alkaloid, antiseptic and medicinal properties. One compound, berberine, has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which are very effective at combating urinary diseases.

• Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root soothes irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract and helps to protect the lining from bacteria. It increases the acidity of urine helping to stop bacterial growth, and its diuretic effects help to flush out excess fluids.

• Cranberry Extract

It is well known that when humans contract a urinary tract infection cranberry is often recommended. But can the same be applied to your pooch. Yes, it can. That’s why The Dog Doctors Urinary and Bladder Health Soft chews contain extract of cranberry. It will assist in lowering pH levels of the urine which will help to prevent the growth of bacteria in the bladder.

• Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C)

Although dogs make their own vitamin C, when they are sick or stressed, they often need a boost. That is why Calcium Ascorbate is one of the ingredients. It helps increase the activity of white blood cells which fight infection and stimulates higher levels of antibodies.

• Angelica Sinensis

Angelica Sinensis has many uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a perennial herb which had been used for kidney and urinary health by supporting the production of erythropoietin to help increase renal blood flow.

The listed above ingredients can be easily administered as a daily treat and are available in a tub of 60. For more information and to purchase this product, click here.

If your dog is urinating inside the house and this not a medical condition, The Dog Doctors also offer a “Urine Prevention Spray” which can be applied as a training aid to deter repeat marking. For more information and to purchase this product click here.