If you trained your pet, your shock at finding them going against your training and peeing around the house, in places they have no business peeing, is best imagined. While you may be tempted to think it is a display of bad behavior, finding that your dog also has these accidents in their sleep will change your mind against punishing them.
Proin, also known as Phenylpropanolamine or PPA, is the commonest prescribed drug to help dogs with urinary incontinence. However, several concerns abound as to the side effects of Proin in older dogs, especially over prolonged usage.
Urinary incontinence, while an unpleasant condition for both you, the pet owner, and your furry companion, is a rather common condition that affects one in every five dogs. And yes, there is a way to support your dog as they go through life with this condition.
This article reviews the medication to see how your dog can get the best out of it.
Things To Consider Before Buying Incontinence Medication For Your Dog
While urinary incontinence can affect dogs of different breeds and ages, the condition is more common in large breeds like Dobermans, old English sheepdogs, and rottweilers.
And when it comes down to unique categorization, spayed females, dogs with bobbed tails, and obese dogs are especially affected. Some tell-tale signs of the condition include urine leakage when the dog is in a state of rest, frequent urination, and excessive licking of the genitals.
Typically, when treating incontinence in dogs, the goal is to strengthen the nerves and muscles that control urination. While phenylpropanolamine is a popular medication for treating incontinence in dogs, there are certain key considerations you should make before buying and/or using such meds. As such certain side effects of Proin in older dogs will be avoided.
- Dog’s gender
When treating incontinence in female dogs that have been spayed, it is important to include some estrogen in the treatment. The hormone could be in the form of diethylstilbestrol.
- Cause of incontinence
The cause of the urinary incontinence will greatly affect the treatment option you should adopt. For instance, phenylpropanolamine will not be an effective treatment if the incontinence is due to a birth defect.
The ideal treatment option for incontinence caused by a damaged urinary tract, a neurologic disease, or a birth defect may be surgery. These kinds of surgeries are quite complicated and will likely require the services of a specialist. Your vet will be in the best position to make recommendations.
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Proin (Phenylpropanolamine) For Dogs
Proin, which is both a brand name and a common name for the ingredient Phenylpropanolamine, is a popular prescription drug for treating urinary incontinence in dogs and cats. It is effective for strengthening the muscle tone in the urethral sphincter, giving older dogs better control of their urination.
As a dog ages, the muscle tone in the urethra sphincter weakens, resulting in urethral sphincter hypotonus. This condition makes it difficult for older dogs to control their bladder. The urethra sphincter is the muscular structure responsible for controlling urine flow into the urethra from the bladder.
Prion’s active ingredient, Phenylpropanolamine, is able to prevent urine leaks by tightening the bladder sphincter muscle. As effective as Proin is, increased levels of the active ingredient in the blood can have adverse effects like decreased appetite, hyperactivity, vomiting, dehydration, high blood pressure, diarrhea, hives, and hypertension.
It is therefore important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and adhere to precautions to reduce the risks of adverse side effects of Proin in older dogs.
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Precautions
- Get and stick to your veterinarian’s express directions when administering the medication to dogs with underlying conditions, including heart disease, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, diabetes, urinary tract infections, and liver disease. Some side effects of Proin in older dogs can be prevented if instructions are carefully followed.
- Discontinue use and consult the veterinarian when the dog shows signs of sensitivity to phenylpropanolamine.
- Do not administer on breeding dogs, lactating, and pregnant females.
- Keep the drug out of the reach of animals to avoid overdose or accidental ingestion.
- Provide the dog receiving treatment access to fresh water every time.
- Please use only on a veterinarian’s prescription.
Alternatives
HomeoPet Leaks No More
If you’re looking for a more natural option, this homeopathic remedy from HomeoPet will satisfy you. Leaks No More are basically designed to offer gentle and natural bladder support for your dogs and cats so that they leak no more.
It offers temporary relief from urinary incontinence in old dogs, spayed dogs, and neutered dogs. The ingredients have been verified safe, and the drug is approved for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and other small animals.
Unlike Proin, it comes in liquid form and is easy to use. You can choose to dose directly into your pet’s mouth, or simply administer the drops on their food or water, following the recommended dosage.
Prana Pets UTI Support
If your dog has already been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, then this homeopathic remedy from Prana Pets will be most beneficial to your pet. The 100% naturally formulated remedy offers gentle and safe bladder support for dogs and cats.
UTI Support eases frequent urination, offers effective bladder support, and supplies your pet with relief from pain, burning sensation, and inflammation, thereby, promptly restoring comfort to your dog.
Unlike Proin, this Prana Pets product comes in drop form that is easily administered orally. The herbal remedy is effective in cleansing and strengthening both your pet’s bladder and kidneys.
Nutri-Vet Bladder Control
Bladder Control is a tasty chewable remedy by Nutri-Vet. Enhanced with liver flavor, your dog is sure to look forward to receiving this treatment. Being formulated by veterinarians, you can trust that this product is safe for your pet.
The key ingredients of Nutri-Vet Bladder Control enhance its efficacy. The cranberry extract works to acidify urine; the pumpkin seeds are effective for strengthening the muscles of the bladder; soy protein works to strengthen the bladder muscle tone, and Vitamin C supports overall urinary tract health.
Each pack contains 90 chewable. That is 30 more chewable tablets than what Proin offers.
Conclusion On Side Effects Of Proin In Older Dogs
Treating urinary incontinence in your dog is important, not just for the sanitary condition of your home or for easing the time you need to clean up each accidental leakage. It is also important to prevent your dog from having to suffer urinary tract infections.
With the poor muscle tone comes weak defenses against the entrance of bacteria into the urinary tract. Having considered the possible side effects of Proin in older dogs, it is important to stick with your vet’s instructions and keep them updated on your dog’s progress.
Can Proin cause kidney failure in dogs?
Without cautionary use in dogs with pre-existing conditions of kidney insufficiencies and liver diseases, liver enzyme elevations, kidney failure, blood in urine, and urine retention are some side effects that may result from the administration of Proin.
What can I give my senior dog for incontinence?
To treat urinary incontinence in senior dogs, your veterinarian will recommend medications that strengthen the muscles and nerves that control urination. One such medication is phenylpropanolamine.
Why is my senior dog suddenly peeing in the house?
A change of routine, stress and underlying medical conditions can cause your senior dog to suddenly pee in the house.
Can Proin make my dog sick?
Like every other medication, the side effects of Proin can range from mild to severe. It is important that you closely monitor your dog and report to the veterinarian immediately you notice anything abnormal.