If you’ve already read our post “Can I Wean My Dog Off Proin?” and found that helpful, this article is Part 2- or an extension, if you will. I hope you find it helpful!
After observing or studying the effects of Proin use, some owners- such as yourself- may have decided to search for an alternative to the medication for managing urinary incontinence in your dog.
Fortunately, there are many other Proin alternatives available on the market, including the use of estrogen, natural homeopathic remedies, and supplements for urinary support.
Whether Proin (or the Proin alternatives) work will depend largely on the underlying cause of the dog’s incontinence. Some explanations for why urinary incontinence occurs can include prostatic abnormalities, neurological problems, and urinary tract infections.
Therefore, it is quite common for a dog on Proin to still be leaking if they are being treated in the incorrect manner!
The treatment method for urinary incontinence and optimal urinary health ideally involves a mixture of lifestyle adjustments and bladder control medication or supplements.
The prognosis for treating incontinence is often favorable, so exploring your potential options and testing them out could be very beneficial for you and your dog in the long run!
Regardless of the treatment option you choose to use for your dog’s urinary incontinence, it is important to consider consulting with your vet beforehand. Proin substitutes are not always effective and may not be well tolerated by every dog.
Precaution: What Caused The Urinary Incontinence Initially?
Before using Proin or any alternatives, you should always consider consulting with your vet first to eliminate other potential causes of urinary incontinence.
Canine incontinence can be brought about by various different factors, such as hormonal imbalances or even tumor growth in more serious cases.
To rule out any dietary issues potentially causing urinary incontinence, ensure a high quality, nutritious diet is being fed to your dog.
Incontinence is relatively common in spayed female dogs, but it can also be associated with other issues such as:
- Urinary system abnormalities
- Anatomical, neurological, or spinal problems
- Old age
These issues are linked to incontinence as they can lead to weakening of urethral muscles, which then results in the inability to prevent any leakage from the urethra (the tract where urine flows out).
As you might already know, involuntary urination can really occur wherever and whenever. Some dogs may urinate while they sleep, while others may urinate when casually pacing back and forth.
To ensure the appropriate treatment method is provided, consult with your vet!
Once you are at the vet’s office they may ask for a detailed account of your pet’s behavior, including urination frequency, any presence of blood in urine, or excessive grooming of genitals.
Tests such as urine analysis, blood panels and x-rays may be conducted to ensure the appropriate medication is prescribed.
There is a plethora of medications and supplements available for urinary incontinence. Therefore, it will likely take some time to find the most effective and appropriate approach for your pup. Try to be patient!
Alternatives To Proin For Urinary Incontinence
(Side note: I am a member of the Amazon Associates program. From time to time I like to recommend products in my posts that I feel may truly be helpful to readers and their pets. If you do end up buying something by clicking the links on my site, I may receive a tiny amount of commission from the big guys.
And if you do end up buying something- Thank you! I really appreciate your support and I’ll always do my best to put out more quality content for you 🙂 )
It’s important to note that most holistic remedies are not scientifically proven to effectively treat canine urinary incontinence.
However, anecdotal evidence from pet owners have revealed several methods which could be beneficial when dealing with incontinence.
Some treatment methods listed in this article include HomeoPet Leaks No More, Diethylstilbestrol (DES/artificial estrogen), and certain supplements to support the urinary system and overall bladder health.
These are just a few alternatives available to potentially help you wean your dog off the sometimes harsh effects of Proin.
Keep in mind that what might work for one dog may not be effective for another. This is why you should not be disheartened if one method doesn’t work as there are always more solutions to try!
Regardless of which medication or supplement you want to administer, always consider asking a certified canine professional or vet first before feeding them to your dog.
HomeoPet ‘Leaks No More’ Drops
HomeoPet Leaks No More is a very well-regarded solution for urinary incontinence and has been highly rated by thousands of pet owners for over 20 years.
A quick search of this product on Amazon reveals a 4 star rating with more than one thousand reviews thus far.
Leaks No More incorporates several natural active ingredients that contain medicinal properties which are known for being beneficial for treating urinary conditions.
Some notable ingredients include the gelsemium sempervirens root, aluminum oxide, causticum, Lytta vesicatoria (Spanish fly), and greater plantain.
The solution can be easily administered using a dropper. Each dose is body weight-dependent and can be provided up to 3 times a day.
Leaks No More is said to take effect quickly, and once symptoms begin to subside, you can reduce the dosage.
If symptoms of urinary incontinence disappear, it is not necessary to continue using the drops.
This tidbit is surely music to every pet owner’s ears- particularly those who are unwilling to constantly medicate their pets even with natural remedies.
As ‘Leaks No More’ is a completely natural approach to incontinence, it can be safely used over long periods without any known side effects. It can also be provided to all dogs regardless of age.
Leaks No More is relatively inexpensive when compared to other treatment methods on the market, and would be a solution worth testing especially if you’re worried about the potential side effects of chemical medications such as Proin and estrogen.
Artificial Hormones/Estrogen (DES Or Diethylstilbestrol)
Diethylstilbestrol (DES for short) is an alternative treatment method for canine urinary incontinence that is often administered for dogs that do not tolerate Proin well.
It is considered an off-label medication as DES is typically used in hormone replacement therapy for spayed female dogs in veterinary medicine.
DES’s mechanism of action is said to involve increasing neural sensitivity of smooth muscles aligned along the bladder neck. This allows the muscles to constrict more easily, thereby stopping excessive urine leakage.
It is important to note that DES does bring along certain side effects and will require precaution before use.
DES can be administered in liquid or pill form, but should not be provided to:
- Pregnant dogs
- Dogs with hypersensitivity
- Dogs with known allergies
- Dogs on contraindicated medications.
If an excessive amount of DES is provided, it can kick off a chain of events starting with a reduction of bone marrow within the body.
This then leads to a significant decline in blood cell count. Potential issues arising from this will then include clotting abnormalities, greater risk of infections and anemia. The after-effects are usually irreversible and prolonged.
Adverse side effects of DES can involve:
- Abnormal discharge from the genitals
- Blood in stools
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums and tongue
Due to the potential consequences of DES, it is crucial to have a qualified vet monitor the use of DES.
The risks involved may be equally as harmful as Proin and therefore DES should only be thought of as a potential alternative if Proin is not well-tolerated.
Alternative Natural Remedies For Canine Urinary Incontinence
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is a relatively common home remedy for canine incontinence.
Small portions of ACV (think a few teaspoons) can be fed to your dog via ACV-soaked bread or by mixing the product with drinking water.
However, be mindful not to provide too much as it can make your dog’s urine pH excessively alkaline. If possible, provide unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
Natural Diuretics
Natural diuretics like parsley and corn silk powder promote urine production and excretion from the body. They can be useful when you want to completely eliminate residual liquid from the bladder.
Cranberry Supplement
Cranberries are renowned for supporting the urinary tract and bladder and for easing symptoms of urinary tract infection– even in humans!
As the general health of the urinary tract influences incontinence, it would be worthwhile to ensure your dog’s urinary system is as healthy as it can possibly be.
Zesty Paws Cranberry Bites are an excellent cranberry supplement for dogs which is designed to support the canine urinary system.
With 200mg of cranberry-concentrate and multiple powerful ingredients beneficial for the bladder and kidney, it is no surprise that the bites have received a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from more than 7400 reviews on Amazon.
Urinary Support/Bladder Supplement
Natural supplements with ingredients such as wild yam, horsetail, rehmannia, soy protein extract, yarrow, pulsatilla, saw palmetto, causticum, rehmannia, vitamin B6 or olive leaf can be effective in treating canine incontinence.
VetriScience Laboratories has formulated an excellent concoction called Bladder Strength for the ultimate in bladder support.
Not only does this supplement contain over 8 active ingredients which are said to be effective for urinary support, it is also solidly backed up by a 4.1 out of 5 star rating from over 2000 global reviews on Amazon.
Other Methods For The Management Of Canine Urinary Incontinence
Dog Diapers
Although it does not cure incontinence per se, doggy diapers can be a blessing for owners and their incontinent dogs.
To choose the appropriate diaper for your dog, check out our comprehensive guide by clicking here!
More Frequent Potty Breaks
Increasing the frequency of toilet breaks reduces the amount of urine stored in the bladder, thereby reducing the likelihood and amount of leakage.
Professional Assistance
Consulting with a certified canine specialist may provide you with another alternative that hasn’t been mentioned here.
Potential treatment methods which may support urinary incontinence include acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and surgical procedures involving urethral hydraulic occluders.
In Summary
Although Proin is a relatively effective treatment method for urinary incontinence, it is not without its own set of risks and side effects.
Many dog owners have substituted Proin for alternatives due to these potential side effects, a desire for a more natural solution, or simply because their dog does not tolerate Proin well.
The primary methods currently available include the use of DES, natural homeopathic solutions such as “Leaks No More”, and by providing natural supplements such as apple cider vinegar and cranberry to support the urinary system.
Any particular method may not always work for all dogs. It is for this reason that most owners will usually have to try many methods (including Proin) before being able to arrive at an effective solution for their pooch’s urinary incontinence.
So, don’t give up– the answer to your best friend’s bladder issues is out there!
Heather Abraham is a professional blogger who owns two dogs, a cat, a parrot, and a leopard gecko. She has a connection with animals since she was a child. She shares her love for all pet breeds and provides information on pet food, toys, medications, beds, and everything else.
She is committed to learning about the internal workings of animals. Her work permits her to work closely with knowledgeable vets and obtain practical expertise in animal care. When she is not working, her love of animals continues in her writing. Her goal is to educate and uplift readers who also have a passion for animals through her writing.