Urinary incontinence

[Kristy]

Hi,

My sweetie Pepper is 15 years old and lately she's been having accidents at night. She would usually wake my father up at about 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning to go pee but now she just sleeps through and pees all over herself.

I know it's not an infection because she only does it at night. it's most likely just old age. So I've been researching and found this Homeopathic remedy called Homeo No More Leaks. I thought I'd try that. I would like to know if anyone has tried this before i buy it and if it worked for their dog. Or if anyone has other suggestions with this kind of situation.

Thanks,

Kristy

[eXile]

I would think its to old age too. Some homeopathic remedies have been proven very successful, some, not so much. Guess its trial an error. Could be UTI, you never know.

[Kristy]

Thank you for a quick reply Exile. Okay, so it's okay to try the homeo meds without a vets approval?

[erdog3]

Homeo meds should be treated the same as prescribed meds, I would never administer anything without the Vets ok. Many can interfere with prescribed meds, it is easy to overdose, they are just as powerful as any other medications.

[Dax]

The easiest thing to do without giving home meds is to have someone set their alarm for 2:00 am and wake her to go outside. It might be a lot easier than anything else. At 15 years of age, any meds might have side effects that she can not tolerate.

[weezyNollie]

My dog growing up became old and lost control of her bowel/bladder. Unfortunately we weren't educated and it was "time".. now having the education that i do (Veterinary Technology Degree)... I've learned there are medications out there to help! I'm not sure about the homeopathic stuff (I personally like to use them for myself, but that's different).. I would bring in a urine sample to the clinic and double check for UTI or other urinary issues, set up an exam and talk to your doc about what you can do for your little lady. There's always doggy diapers too!

[Kristy]

Thanks you for all your advice!

Ellierat--I didn't know that homeo meds were just as potent as regular medication. I thought that because they are natural but thanks for letting me know.

DaxAriel's Toy--Yes, I've been waking up at 2:00 to get her up and go outside but now sometimes she goes as early as 1:00 or 1:30 in the morning. I guess i might have to take her water away at night. Is that cruel? If she's thirsty at night and I don't let her drink will that be okay?

WeezyNollie--I think I might take a urine sample in. Oh poor thing having to wear diapers!!! And I'm reluctant to take her to the vet because he will probably prescribe her medication and I was already told she'd have to take it all the time. i guess I'm in denial that she's getting so old. She's my very first dog and have had her for more than half my life. I don't know what I would do without her.

Thanks very much,

Kristy

[weimlover0816]

Originally Posted by Kristy

I didn't know that homeo meds were just as potent as regular medication. I thought that because they are natural but thanks for letting me know.

Being a biologist/chemist, I have some strong opinions on "natural" treatments. But, my main concern with them is the way they are promoted and marketed, as though because they are natural, they are "good for you" (or your pet). Most of the natural treatments are not tested, monitored or otherwise cleared by any sort of organization and, though they may work for somethings, all the side effects are not known. There really is no regulation on these items, so, in some ways and in some cases they can actually be more dangerous than we think.

Vets (usually) know best. I would speak with yours before begining any type of treatment on your dog. IMHO.

[weezyNollie]

I think taking away water is fine. Right now with my puppy I don't leave him with water while I'm gone to decrease the need to go potty and have an accident. When you provide the water again they will drink enough to replenish their hydration status.

Just in case -- if you take away the water.. here are a few signs of dehydration:

1. Skin turgor - if you pinch your skin, it should go down nicely (if you are hydrated). If your skin stays up it's likely you are dehydrated. I would test it on your dog prior to taking the water away because elderly dogs tend to have wrinkly skin, and this technique doesn't work on them very well.

2. Eyes - if the eyes seem to be sunken in, that is a sign of dehydration

3. Fluid output - obviously you are aware of her urine output, if she is still able to urinate the same amount, that's good. If you notice she's not urinating as often or as much, that would be a sign of dehydration.

4. Then just general mucous membranes - are her gums and tongue moist? or dry?

Also, she'll seem sick or depressed if she is dehydrated. If you do recognize these signs, provide her with water (obviously) and then depending on strong these signs are call the vet. Don't get too freaked out though, this is unlikely!!! I would say take away the water when you go to bed and also let her out once more.

But don't forget the Vet part!!! They will help you and figure out some options for you. Taking medication everyday is not the end of the world. If this is urine incontinence it willl become more frequent then just during the night, so the medication will help.

Good luck!!

[Meisti]

Max became incontinent after a disease and could no longer control when and where he went to pee. Personally, I didn't mind because all I had to do was clean the floor (and him) afterwards - no big deal in my book. What did bother me was that he would lay in his pee and I feared infections resulting from the urinary acid. None of the medications I gave him would help but during my research, I learned a few things that might be helpful to you as well as you find out what medications work (hopefully) for your dog:

1.) You can use a doggy diaper to control the situation once your dog has gotten used to them.

2.) You can use paper/plastic pads that you put under the dog when he/she sleeps to contain the liquid.

3.) Some manufacturers offer special bedding that allows the urine to drip away through the bottom to be collected in a pan.

Hope this helps. And please keep in mind that incontinence is not a dangerous disease that causes your dog to suffer painfully - it is simply an inconvenience that you and your dog need to learn to deal with. I say this because I have encountered too many people who didn't want to deal with such an inconvenience and simply put the dog down.