Community Chat

[pommom]

My American Cocker Spaniel is 11 1/2 years old. She's a sweet gal and the love of my life. I will say, however, that the frequency of having to take her out (I live in an apt) is getting old.

The vet checked her and she does not have crystals in her urine. He wanted to give her a prescription, but I chose to go the homeopathic route and am treating her with a gentler formula 3x day for bladder control.

The reviews of this treatment are wonderful and glowing so I was hopeful that the frequency would diminish.

Bottom line: There hasn't been a difference in the number of times I've had to take her out.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[okBlonde]

The older my schnauzers got, the more I had to let them outdoors to potty. Plus my last one, when she was around 12 years old, started dribbling in her sleep. Older spayed females sometimes have this problem, where they lose muscle elasticity. My vet put her on a small dose of Premarin which helps to tighten that muscle up.

Yes, some will blast me for using Premarin because of the way the horses are treated, but my dog came first.

[Another new name Sue]

I don't know but it sounds like something that could be a normal part of aging. It happens to people, right? Does the medication recommended by the vet have bad side effects? I hope your meds can help. Any side effects with that one?

If you finally start having problems with "accidents" in the house, you could try the pee pads or Playa Pup has a little diaper cover for incontinent dogs.

[KYToby]

Perhaps there is no change because homeopathy does not work.

The veterinarian studied for years and knows a lot more about animal health that you (or any other non-vet). Do you honestly think that he would prescribe something if he did not fel it needed? And before anyone goes into big pharma or anything else regarding medication (you know, actual medication that is tested for efficacy), ask yourself, "Who is making money off this unproven homeopathic treatment -- the treatment that is not proven?"/

[Mominohio]

It has been my experience with a number of older animals, most living to about 18, both cats and dogs, the need to "go" more often comes with age.

I have a dog that is about 11 now, and he needs more outside visits that he did when he was younger.

[Shop Till you Drop]

This is a symptom of my poodle who has recently gone into kidney failure.

[pommom]

On 2/10/2014 KYToby said:

Perhaps there is no change because homeopathy does not work.

The veterinarian studied for years and knows a lot more about animal health that you (or any other non-vet). Do you honestly think that he would prescribe something if he did not fel it needed? And before anyone goes into big pharma or anything else regarding medication (you know, actual medication that is tested for efficacy), ask yourself, "Who is making money off this unproven homeopathic treatment -- the treatment that is not proven?"/

You're going on the assumption that this is the first time I've treated my dog with homeopathic meds. On the contrary, holistic and homeopathy have done wonders for my pets over the years which is precisely why I chose to give this a try. The formula I am using for her bladder control actually has worked for many - just not for my sweet gal. Much like penicillin can be administered to many, I get a violent reaction.

If the gentler method is not effective, I may consider otherwise. I keep my options open and don't run to the vet first thing.