Friday, October 27, 2023

What is Incontinence in Dogs and how is it Treated?


Incontinence in dogs is a condition where the dog loses control of their bladder or bowel and leaks urine or feces involuntarily. This can happen for various reasons, such as urinary tract infections, hormonal imbalances, spinal injuries, kidney diseases, or medications. Incontinence can cause discomfort, irritation, and infection for the dog, so it is important to seek veterinary advice if you notice any signs of incontinence in your dog.


Some signs of incontinence in dogs are:

- Dripping urine or feces from the genitals or anus

- Wet patches or puddles where the dog has been sleeping or lying down

- Sore skin or matted fur near the bottom or back legs

- Increased licking of the penis or vulva to clean off urine

- Urine odor or stains on the dog's fur or bedding


Incontinence can affect any dog, but it is more common in certain types, such as:

- Middle-aged to older spayed female dogs, who may have lower estrogen levels or weak bladder sphincters

- Older dogs of any gender, who may have weaker urethral muscles due to aging

- Dogs with congenital or inherited abnormalities of the urinary tract

- Dogs with chronic illnesses that cause excessive thirst or urination, such as diabetes or Cushing's disease


The treatment of incontinence in dogs depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Some possible treatments are:

- Antibiotics for urinary tract infections

- Hormone supplements for spayed female dogs with low estrogen levels

- Medications that increase the tone of the bladder sphincter or relax the bladder wall

- Surgery for anatomical abnormalities or urinary stones

- Management of chronic diseases that affect urination, such as diabetes or kidney disease


In addition to medical treatment, some ways to manage incontinence in dogs are:

- Using diapers, pads, or waterproof bedding to keep the dog and the environment clean and dry

- Cleaning the dog's skin and fur regularly to prevent irritation and infection

- Providing frequent opportunities for the dog to go outside and empty their bladder

- Rewarding the dog for appropriate elimination and avoiding punishment for accidents


Incontinence in dogs can be a challenging condition to deal with, but with proper diagnosis, treatment, and care, it can be managed effectively. If you suspect your dog has incontinence, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible to find out the best course of action for your dog's health and well-being.

**********

The most common pharmaceutical to treat urinary incontinence is Proin that is available in several dosages. A prescription is needed to purchase it. Only after an exam for any physical problems like a UTI should it be prescribed. Shop the Entirely Pets Pharmacy at the link below for Proin.   This link will allow me to make a small commission if you purchase. 

Get 10% off Site-Wide when using code EPX10. Our already low prices just got a little lower!




References:


 Urinary Incontinence in Dogs: Causes and Treatment - WebMD https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/urinary-incontinence-dogs

 Incontinence in dogs: Vet's guide to causes and treatment | PetsRadar https://www.petsradar.com/advice/incontinence-in-dogs

 What to Do If Your Older Dog Is Incontinent - The Spruce Pets https://www.thesprucepets.com/senior-dog-having-accidents-3976986

 Urinary Incontinence In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments https://simplyfordogs.com/urinary-incontinence-in-dogs-causes-symptoms-treatments/

 Urinary Incontinence in dogs | Veterinary Teaching Hospital ... https://hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu/2021/10/26/urinary-incontinence-in-dogs/

No comments:

Post a Comment

Leishmaniasis in Pets

Leishmaniasis can affect pets, particularly dogs, but also cats in rare cases. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of Leishmaniasis ...