April 10, 2012
Posted in How to

Senior pets can sometimes resort back to poor behaviors they exhibited when they were puppies, though issues like eliminating in the home may not be the old dog's fault. A common call that vets around the U.S. get has to do with owners finding wet spots or puddles of urination on their elder dogs' beds or furniture they like to rest on.

This unpleasant issue tends to be a result of a weakness of the nerves around the dog's urethra, which work to control the flow of the bladder. When these muscles start to weaken over time, it's common for leakage to occur when a dog is fully relaxed. This issue is relatively common among spayed and neutered pets, but there are also certain pet drugs that can keep this peeing problem at bay.

Phenylpropanolamine, or Proin, is the most commonly prescribed medication for treating incontinent pets. These chewable tablets made of phenylpropanolamine, an adrenergic agent, work to tighten the bladder's sphincter muscle, which helps to prevent leaks. The product has also been found to regulate the levels of phenylpropanolamine a dog has, which boasts other health rewards for the dog. Dogs with high levels of the adrenergic agent typically suffer from a decreased appetite for pet food, changes in heart rate and high blood pressure.

Although this medication may keep your dog's bladder issues at bay, you should still bring it in to see a vet to rule out more serious underlying conditions. The vet will run a full medical evaluation including a urinalysis and blood work to make sure the issue doesn't stem from urinary infections or even cancer. You may also want to ask the vet to check over your senior dog's mouth and joints to look for any other problems like tooth decay or arthritis that may be brewing.

If the vet noticed any issues with the dog's mouth, he or she may recommend that you start brushing your dog's teeth to keep its mouth in good health. Pet products like the C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit For Dogs and Cats comes with everything you'll need to clean your pet's teeth, gums and tongue. You can also try adding rinses like Be Fresh Dental Care Solution to the dog's water for similar results.

If the vet notices your dog is starting to develop age-related arthritis, he or she may start it on a joint supplement with glucosamine for dogs to encourage cartilage protection, or an anti-inflammatory medication like Metacam if the dog seems to be in pain. Help your dog's hips and joints even more by offering it snacks with joint health in mind like Greenies JointCare Dog Treats. 

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