Help for Canine Incontinence
There are some good dog incontinence products on the market for Weimaraners who have loss of bladder control. Many are natural and do not have the side effects that drugs can have.
Dog incontinence is a medical problem where urine leaks uncontrollably from your dog’s bladder. Incontinence is caused by the loss of bladder control, which happens for a number of different reasons.
This urinary problem is often caused by endocrine disorders, congenital disorders, infectious diseases, tumors in the bladder, prostate, urethra, brain, spinal cord, or nerves, and trauma to the urethra, brain, spinal cord, or nerves, among others.
While usually a problem in old age, we see canine incontinence in dogs of any age. Exasperating as it may be for you as the owner, incontinence also upsets your dog.
Fortunately, dog incontinence products provide help to busy pet parents. You don’t have to live with urine all over your house.
Best Dog Incontinence Products
There are many dog incontinence products to choose from to help you and your dog manage this medical problem. Consider these incontinence products that will make your life a bit easier:
Dog bed with washable cover
Incontinent dogs often lose urine while sleeping, so it is important to address this issue. If you give your incontinent Weimaraner a nice place to sleep, you will cut down on accidents in other places.
My recommendation for a bed is the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Lounge. The Lounge is designed to address the needs of geriatric dogs. Here are the features that I like:
- The mattress is memory foam, not egg crate foam.
- The cover is very durable and is water resistant and tear resistant.
- The Lounge cover is machine washable and easily removed and replaced.
- You can purchase extra covers separately, if you prefer to wash less often.
- Dogs up to 100 pounds can use this bed.
- The bed is large enough for a Weimaraner.
- There is a 12 month warranty for this product.
Even though you can take the bed cover off and wash it, I’d recommend using washable dog throws on top of the bed. This is a lot easier and gives you more flexibility. I’m suspicious that they are more absorbent than a bed cover, as well.
Waterproof Pet Fleece Throw
Something you might want to consider is a waterproof throw for your incontinent dog. I find a throw to be quite versatile.
Use it on furniture, in the car, on carpeting, on a floor that you want to protect or on your dog’s bed or in his crate.
Place the dog throw on your dog’s bed to make it easier to keep her bed clean and fresh smelling. Simply wash the cover instead of washing the whole bed.
Here are the features that I like about the Teton Dog throw:
- It’s waterproof. The waterproof lining is in the middle, so the blanket is reversible.
- The backing is NanoPore , which resists the dirt and grime after a day playing in the outdoors. It helps keep your car clean and fresh.
- The back grips the surface it is placed on. With a heavy Weimaraner, blankets easily slide out of place.
- The fabric is hypoallergenic.
- The fleece is a good quality and is non-pilling.
- Stain resistant
- The waterproofing is not just sprayed on (like Scotch Guard) – It won’t wear out.
- Easy care – you can wash this in hot water and then throw it in the dryer. Hot water kills more germs and gets laundry cleaner.
Reusable Dog Pads
Of course if you are traveling with your dog, or you just prefer a little convenience, you could get some disposable dog pads.
Use disposable dog pads in your dog’s crate, in the car, near the door, on carpet or on your floor.
All Absorb dog pads are economical and seem to do the job as well as other higher priced pads.
- They have a quick drying surface. This prevents your dog from stepping in his pee and then tracking across your floor.
- Very absorbent. The pads will each absorb and hold 3 cups of water. They are 5 layers thick.
- Pads neutralize odors with baking soda.
- Nice size for large dogs like Weimaraners
Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator for Accidents
Even with the best laid plans, you will surely have an accident now and then. You would be wise to have a product on hand, to help you with the cleanup.
Bubba’s Pet Stain and Odor Terminator is a commercial product that will remove odors even from carpet or hardwood flooring.
Here’s why I recommend this product:
- Safe to use around dogs and kids
- Its ingredients are natural and green, and they actually destroy stains and odor. They don’t just mask them.
- Can be used on various surfaces – floor, carpet or rugs, upholstery
- Certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute
- If you don’t love this product, you can get your money back. The manufacturer really believes in this product and they put their money where their mouths are.
- Multi-purpose – You can use Bubba’s to clean up auto grease, clean grass stains on clothing, as a pre-treatment for laundry, even in your cat’s litter box.
Reusable Diapers for Female Dogs
Using diapers on your incontinent Weimaraner will help keep the urine confined. The most economical way to do this is to use diapers that can be used over and over again. They are machine washable.
When you purchase diapers for dogs, you need to choose male or female types. You have to buy the right kind or they won’t fit right and cover the important parts.
Pet Magasin Luxury reusable dog diapers are my choice for reusable female dog diapers. Here’s what I like about them:
- They are attractive in cute colors for female dogs
- Machine washable
- They can be worn without pads, but if your dog pees a lot in the house, you might want to use pads with them.
- Highly absorbent
- Waterproof outer layer
- Soft inner layer which lays against your dog. It doesn’t crinkle or make noise, a problem for some dogs.
- Velcro closures. They don’t stick to fur like adhesive closures do.
- They have a 2 year money-back warranty
Reusable Diapers for Male Dogs
Because male dogs’ anatomy is a bit different from the girls, they need a different design for their reusable diapers.
Weegreco washable male dog diapers would be my choice for the boys. Here are the features that I like:
- Durable design and stitching
- The highly absorbent pad is sewn into the diaper.
- There is a pocket that you can use for extra disposable pads, if your dog is a heavy pee-er.
- Waterproof outer layer
- Soft comfortable jersey fabric on the inside, so it’s comfortable for your dog. The fabric does not crinkle or make annoying noises when your dog moves.
- The fabric wicks most of the moisture away from your dog.
- Machine washable.
- Adjustable so you can make it looser or tighter
Disposable Diaper Holder
This is quite a dapper diaper holder and it can be used with either a male or female dog.
The Surgi Snuggly diaper holder has some nice features:
- Keeps the disposable diaper in place. If you have a dog that likes to wiggle out of things, this is an important feature to consider.
- Stretch fabric that is soft and breathable
- Invented by a veterinarian and used by vets and universities all over U.S.
- Antimicrobial
- Easy care – machine wash and dry
- If you are not happy, you can get a refund.
Disposable Female Dog Diapers
Vets Best disposable female diapers are throw-away, just like disposable baby diapers.
- Designed with a comfort fit in mind.
- There is a wetness indicator that tells you when it’s time to change your dog’s diaper
- A leak barrier keeps pee where you want it.
- Fur safe fasteners don’t grab and pull your dog’s fur
- The diaper is adjustable for a better fit.
Disposable Diapers for Male Dogs
DONO Disposable Male Dog Diapers are my choice for male dog diapers for travel and convenience.
- They have a wetness indicator. It changes to a dark green color when it is time to change the diaper.
- Magic tape keeps the diaper fastened. This is important if your dog dislikes wearing a diaper and tries to remove them.
- The company has a 30 day guarantee, assuring that you’ll like the diaper or you get your money back.
Each of these dog incontinence products has a place in your dog’s life if you are having trouble with involuntary peeing. I’m hoping that this information will help you to choose what you need for your dog.
Supplements for Dog Incontinence
Treatment of dogs with incontinence normally depends on his age and the reasons for his incontinence. The treatment may be simple or you may need the help of a veterinarian.
Once your pet has been diagnosed to have canine incontinence, you may find that natural treatments help your dog control her urine and keep her comfortable, without side effects.
Saw Palmetto – Saw palmetto is used to treat prostate cancer in human males. It will also work to treat your dog’s loss of bladder control. It can even reduce your dog’s risk for prostate cancer.
Ooleuropein – an olive leaf extract is useful for dog urinary problems by being antimicrobial in nature.
Cranberries – Cranberries also prevent bacteria from penetrating the lining of the bladder. Cranberry juice is often prescribed for people (especially pregnant women) to get rid of bladder infections.
Cornsilk – Cornsilk is an herb commonly utilized to treat dogs with incontinence. It supports urinary muscle control and quicker emptying of the bladder.
Keep the Mess Outdoors
Adjusting your dog’s diet may also prevent loss of bladder control. Fresh foods and raw vegetables have been known to improve a dog’s condition and have also shown to be successful in treating dog incontinence.
However sometimes, especially with senior dogs, there is no magic bullet. Your dog is older, and simply is incontinent. Dog incontinence is more or less a lifelong condition for them. So it is necessary that you treat your dog with kindness and understanding when she does lose control of her bladder. She’s possibly just as mortified as you.
Dog owners sometimes decide to put their incontinent dog to sleep, out of sheer frustration. But you don’t have to do that. With a few simple changes, you won’t have to put up with a smelly, germy home with urine all over the floors and furniture.
The first thing you can do indoors is confine your dog to an area where the floor is easy to wipe clean. Vinyl or tile are easy to wash and keep clean.
Avoid wood floors, as they absorb odors. Once soiled, the odor is very hard to remove from wood, and wood is also hard to get totally clean. A product like Bubba’s can help here.
Next, take your dog outside for frequent walks. In warmer months or climates, let your dog spend much of the day in a fenced in yard. If she pees outside, it won’t be inside your house or apartment.
When your dog is indoors, dog diapers and waterproof bedding help control urine leakage.
Last, you may need to give your dog more frequent baths, to keep her smelling fresh. Make sure you use a gentle and soothing dog shampoo.
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