No one is too happy about their dog dribbling urine…especially when they are asleep, and you wake up to a puddle of pee. This is actually more common than you think, and veterinary medication is not always needed.

As in many of our dog and cat’s health conditions, there is usually a holistic option that is often safer.

In the vein of safer options, many of our dogs/cats in pain respond well to the cannabinoids, without the side effects of the anti inflammatory drugs.

Our NEW ULTIMATE Cannabinoid Blend is a great option to try for pain, but also for incontinence. It includes 4 different cannabinoids (CBD, CBC, CBG and CBN), which may help with acute pain, and potentially even incontinence.

It’s here:

Dr Jones’ ULTIMATE Cannabinoid Blend for Dogs and Cats

Bladder Control Issues in Pets: Understanding and Solutions

As a veterinarian, I often encounter pet owners troubled by their pet’s unexpected urinary issues. If you’ve noticed your dog or cat waking up next to a puddle of urine or dribbling while walking, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes and explore effective solutions.

Identifying the Signs of Incontinence

Incontinence in pets is involuntary urine leakage, which often occurs at night when your pet is relaxed or asleep. For dogs with conditions like diabetes or kidney failure, increased water intake can lead to frequent urination, sometimes resulting in accidents indoors during the night.

Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence

Middle-aged, spayed female dogs are commonly affected due to the loss of estrogen, essential for maintaining bladder control. However, older dogs and cats may also suffer from bladder incontinence associated with liver and kidney failure. Less commonly, the issue could stem from bladder infections or spinal cord damage.

Diagnostic Steps

The initial step is to confirm whether your pet suffers from incontinence, a bladder infection, or is displaying submissive urination. A visit to your veterinarian is crucial; they will perform a physical exam, urinalysis, and blood work to identify the root cause. If estrogen-responsive incontinence is diagnosed, your vet may recommend estrogen medication.

Effective Solutions for Managing Incontinence

Night Water Restrictions

Limit water intake at night by providing a small amount, ensuring free access during the day to prevent dehydration.

Supplements and Natural Estrogens

• Glandular Supplements: These can help your spayed female dog produce more natural estrogen. One such product, Female Caps by Solaray, can be given at a dose of one-fourth capsule per ten pounds of body weight daily for a month to gauge effectiveness.

• Plant Sterols: Often used for allergies in dogs, these also serve as natural estrogens. A dose of one capsule for every 50 pounds (400mg of beta-sitosterol) daily is recommended.

• Plant Estrogen Sources: Ground flaxseed and soy isoflavones are excellent sources. For flaxseed, use one teaspoon per cup of food daily, and for soy isoflavones, the dosage is similar to that of glandular supplements.

Physical Therapies

• Spinal Manipulation: For pets with back injuries, apply gentle pressure between the vertebrae to relieve nerve pressure that may affect bladder control.

• Acupressure: Target specific points like BL1, BL13, BL14, BL15, BL67, SP6, and SP10 to influence bladder and adrenal gland function. Press each point for a minute twice daily for two weeks, then once weekly if improvement is noted.

Herbal Remedies

Utilize herbs like oat straw, plantain, nettle, and horsetail in a formula to replace plant estrogens. The recommended dosage is 15 drops per twenty pounds of the tincture.

New Natural Remedies

Corn Silk

This remedy aids urinary tract health and acts as a mild diuretic. It also contains phytoestrogens beneficial for spay incontinence. Available in pill or powder form, or use whole corn silks to make a homemade version. The dosage is 100mg per 10 pounds daily.

Cannabinoids

Particularly CBG, cannabinoids have shown promise in nerve cell regeneration, which can be beneficial for pets with a less active urinary sphincter due to early spaying. Administer a blend containing CBG at a dose of 3mg per 10 pounds daily, about 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Before turning to medications, which can have side effects, try these alternatives if your pet’s urine and blood tests are normal. Remember to get your pet’s urine checked first thing in the morning to rule out infections and ensure kidney function is adequate.

Healing your pet at home can be a gentle, effective approach to managing incontinence. Always consult with your veterinarian, and consider integrating some of these natural and supportive treatments into your pet’s care regimen.