If your dog is urinating while sleeping, it could be a sign of an infection or incontinence. Left untreated, these can permanently harm your dog's bladder and urinary system. Many times, the dog doesn't even realize it is leaking urine, unless the cause is infection. Pain, inflammation and an uncontrollable urge to urinate typically accompany the latter.
Young or middle-aged dogs typically do not experience incontinence. A trip to the vet to eliminate other urinary problems may be in order. Specifically, bladder or urinary tract infections, bladder stones or even diabetes should be ruled out.
There are various treatments for incontinence in dogs. But if your vet cannot find evidence of neurological or hormonal disorders, which most commonly cause incontinence, he may ask about your dog's lifestyle. How often can the dog go outside? Is your dog drinking and urinating more often? Some disorders can affect the nerves in the bladder, potentially causing incontinence. Stress can also lead to incontinence.
If none of those issues are relevant, the vet is likely to prescribe medication. Decongestants, for example, cause the muscles in the bladder to tighten. But these drugs cannot be administered to dogs with heart disease due to the risk of serious side-effects. Another option to treat spayed females is hormones. One risk to its use is anemia, which will not disappear once your dog is no longer on the medication.
While decongestants and hormones treat the symptoms of incontinence, natural medicine works toward prevention. Natural and homeopathic remedies strive for complete health. Their aim is to relieve ailments, and to help prevent future disease. Unlike drugs, natural ingredients support health and boost the immune system. They are also successful in preventing incontinence in dogs.
