5 Best Ways To Deal With Urinary Incontinence in Dogs

URINARY INCONTINENCE CAN AFFECT DOGS OF ANY AGE OR GENDER. FORTUNATELY, THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO MANAGE THIS ISSUE NATURALLY.

Urinary incontinence is a fairly common problem in dogs. Some research shows that up to 20% of female dogs are affected by this issue [1].

There are various factors that influence your dog’s risk of developing this condition.

For instance, dog incontinence is most common in spayed female dogs. When the ovaries are removed, the drop in the levels of a hormone called estrogen may lead to incontinence.

Plus, larger dog breeds are about seven times more likely to experience incontinence than smaller breeds [1]. Middle-aged and senior dogs also have a higher risk of developing incontinence compared to young pups [2].

That said, urinary incontinence can happen to any dog, regardless of gender or age.

In this article, we’ll discuss the impact of dog incontinence and the costs involved in handling this condition. We’ll also explore how urinary incontinence can be naturally managed in dogs.

The Impact and Associated Costs of Dog Incontinence

Dealing with dog incontinence can be a frustrating experience. Firstly, it often involves the hassle of cleaning up after your pet.

Dogs with incontinence may leave wet spots on the floor, carpet, sofa, or bedding where they sleep or dribble urine across the floor after urinating.

Additionally, there are extra costs that come with managing this condition. These costs may include vet bills, medications, pet diapers, incontinence pads, and belly bands. At times, surgery may be required to resolve the issue.

On top of that, complications of urinary incontinence could rack up additional vet bills. For example, incontinence may lead to more severe complications such as bladder or kidney infections or an infection of your dog’s skin.

As a result, dog owners may feel stressed or overwhelmed when caring for an incontinent, loving pet.

It is important to understand that your dog likely isn’t misbehaving on purpose. Urinary incontinence happens when your dog loses control over its bladder involuntarily and probably isn’t aware of the mess they’re causing around the house. In other words, your dog isn’t at fault.

But this also means that no amount of potty training or behavioral correction will fix the problem. That makes the situation more difficult to manage.

How To Manage Dog Incontinence Naturally

It’s crucial to seek advice from a vet so your pet gets the treatment they need.

But other than getting your dog medical treatment, you can do a few things to naturally reduce the symptoms of urinary incontinence and manage the condition at home.

Using doggie diapers or pee pads

One way to prevent indoor messes is to have your dog wear doggie diapers. These allow your dog to roam freely around your house without adding to the stress of cleaning up pee.

Essentially, diapers are a great way for older pets to regain their independence and freedom to move around. At the same time, they protect your house from accidental leakages.

However, you have to remember to change the diapers often enough to prevent skin irritation or infection.

Alternatively, pee pads are great for lining areas your dog enjoys sleeping or resting. They can help reduce mess if your dog leaks urine while sleeping or lying down.

Extra walks to empty the bladder

Bringing your dog on extra walks may help relieve any urge to pee indoors. This could reduce indoor accidents and cleanups.

If possible, try to walk your dog after they wake up and after they have a meal or a drink. Of course, this may not be an option for everyone, but increasing the number of daily walks you have can be beneficial for reducing mess and keeping your dog clean and happy.

Keeping your pet clean

Without proper cleaning, a pet with urinary incontinence is at a higher risk of developing skin or urinary tract infections.

Proper cleaning may involve changing your dog’s diapers frequently (each time it’s soiled) or bathing them more often.

It’s best to consult your vet to find out how often you should bathe your dog, as doing it too frequently may cause their skin to dry out. You may also opt for oatmeal shampoos, which help with preventing dry skin.

Additionally, you may also have a few bottles of waterless dog shampoo on standby at home. After potty accidents, wipe off any urine caught on your dog’s coat. Then, spray the waterless shampoo on the soiled region before wiping it down with a clean cloth.

Chiropractic or acupuncture treatments

Chiropractic care and acupuncture are two forms of non-drug therapy that may help dogs regain control over their bladder function.

Chiropractic treatment helps correct abnormalities in the dog’s musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. This allows affected nerves to function optimally, resolving incontinence issues due to spinal dysfunction.

Meanwhile, acupuncture may help strengthen the bladder muscles and reduce symptoms of both fecal and urinary incontinence.

It’s important to consult your vet before your dog goes for any of these therapies.

Trying out supplements for incontinence

Certain natural supplements may help strengthen the urinary tract and improve symptoms of incontinence in dogs.

One such supplement is the BetterWOMAN bladder supplement, which contains a holistic blend of Chinese herbs that works for both women and dogs. Customers with pets report that the supplement has helped reduce urinary leakages and restore bladder control in their dogs!

Final Thoughts: Dealing with Incontinence in Dogs

Incontinence is a common problem in dogs, especially as they get older.

Doggie diapers, belly bands, pee pads, acupuncture, and chiropractic care are all solutions that may help dog owners with incontinent pets. Alternatively, pet parents may also consider trying out bladder control supplements, such as BetterWOMAN.

This supplement helps to improve blood circulation, support hormonal balance, and regulate neuromuscular functions. Cumulatively, this enhances the strength of the muscles supporting bladder function and helps reduce symptoms of incontinence in your pet.

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