If your female dog leaks urine, it's important for you deal with this problem. Don't ignore female dog incontinence, as it can cause many problems for both you and your dog, including bladder infections in dogs.
Signs And Symptoms Of Female Dog Incontinence
The most noticeable sign of this problem is a wet spot or urine puddle where your dog has been sleeping. You'll see it when she gets up. You may even observe that she's unable to control the urine leaks. She may not even be aware of the problem.
Your dog's bottom may also be red and raw due to urine scald. Urine is caustic and irritates the kin if it's in contact with it for too long. This is almost like diaper rash in dogs, only without the diaper.
You may also notice that she's licking her bottom more often, in an effort to keep the area clean. This can lead to further irritation. All in all, it's an uncomfortable situation for your canine friend.
Another sign of incontinence in female dogs is frequent bladder infections. Bladder infections in dogs are more common in female dogs anyway, because the urethra in females is shorter and broader, which makes it easier for disease-causing bacteria to get into the urinary tract. A pet with female dog incontinence may also have a relaxed urinary sphincter, which makes it even easier for pathogens to enter.
How Can I Help My Incontinent Female Dog?
Your vet can offer several treatments. The first thing to do is to treat the bladder infection, if one exists.
Many times incontinence in female dogs is hormone related. Estrogen is very important for keeping the bladder muscles tight in female dogs. When a dog is spayed, her ovaries and uterus are removed, so her body no longer produces estrogen or any other female hormones. This is why this problem often shows up in spayed female dogs between the ages of three and five. Vets will often treat hormone-related incontinence with DES, or diethylstilbestrol.
Another common treatment for incontinence in female dogs is phenylpropanolamine (PPA). This used to be an ingredient in diet pills until it was banned by the FDA for human use. However, it's still approved for use in animals. Your dog may lose her appetite, and become irritable. Another side effect is changes in blood pressure.
These drugs must be administered to your dog for the rest of her life.
Can Herbal Pet Remedies Help?
Many people are using herbal remedies for various ailments. These natural remedies have stood the test of time and are still being used in many places in the world. The question many pet owners have is, can these herbal remedies be used on their pets?
The answer is yes. Herbal pet remedies are safe and effective, as well as being inexpensive and readily available. It's important, though to buy these remedies from a reputable company that specializes in producing formulations that are safe for use on pets. Buy only from a company that stands behind its products and offers a money-back guarantee.
In conclusion, people are becoming more cautious about the ingredients in their own medications, so it's right that they should be concerned about what their pets are taking too.
About the Author
Darlene Norris has combined her long-time interest in natural healing with her experience working at a vet clinic to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Urinary Health. Discover how herbal and homeopathic remedies can treat incontinence in female dogs, and find the best place to buy them at http://naturalpeturinaryhealth.com
