The best supplements for dog incontinence are bladder-support chews like Nutri-Vet Bladder Control and cranberry-based products like Nutramax Crananidin, which may help support bladder tone and reduce repeat urinary tract infections. But supplements can't fix most causes of incontinence on their own: have your vet find the cause first, because the most common type (in spayed female dogs) usually responds best to prescription medication.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what causes incontinence, discuss five supplements that may help, and share tips on how to manage an incontinent dog.
What causes dog incontinence?
Before we start on which are the best dog supplements for incontinence, it’s best to first understand what causes this problem. Most commonly, incontinence in dogs is caused by weak bladder muscles or an imbalance in the hormones that control urination. This can be due to:
- Old age (weakened bladder muscles)
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder stones
- Hormone-responsive incontinence, also called urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (most commonly spayed females)
- Spinal cord injury or disease (nervous system problems)
- Diseases that make a dog drink and pee much more, such as diabetes, kidney disease or Cushing's disease
- Birth defects such as ectopic ureters (in young dogs) and prostate problems (in male dogs)
Peeing from excitement, fear or anxiety looks similar, but it isn't true incontinence: an incontinent dog usually leaks without realizing it, often while lying down or asleep. Whatever the cause, it’s important to first consult with your veterinarian. With their help, you can determine the best course of treatment, which may or may not include supplements.
Source: hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu
5 best supplements for dog incontinence
Supplements won't treat an active infection (that needs antibiotics from your vet), stones, or nerve damage. Where they may help is in supporting bladder tone in older dogs and making repeat urinary tract infections less likely, often alongside the treatment your vet prescribes. Ask your vet before starting one, especially if your dog takes other medication. Here are the 5 best supplements to discuss with them:
At a glance
5 picks, each best at something different
Check priceNutri-Vet Bladder Control Chewables
Check pricereputable company
Nutramax Crananidin Urinary Tract Health
Check pricereputable company
Essential Pet Products Bladder Support
Check priceNOW Pet Health Urinary Support Supplement
Check priceReputable Company
Vet Classics Urinary Tract Dog Supplement
1Nutri-Vet Bladder Control Chewables
This product has been designed to support bladder control in dogs, making life easier for both you and your furry friend.
The tablets contain a combination of ingredients selected to support bladder health and normal urinary function.
The tablets are simple to give and have a pleasant taste that dogs enjoy. Furthermore, the tablets are made in the United States with high-quality ingredients that you can depend on.
If you’re searching for a solution to assist your dog with bladder control, Nutri-Vet Bladder Control Chewable Tablets may be the solution.
Pros
- Formulated to support bladder control
- Made with high-quality ingredients in the USA
- Easy to give chewable tablets
Cons
- Some dogs may not like chewables
2Nutramax Crananidin Urinary Tract Health
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem in dogs, and they can be quite painful. Crananidin Urinary Tract Health from Nutramax is a great way to help prevent UTIs and keep your dog comfortable.
Crananidin is a cranberry extract standardized for proanthocyanidins (PACs), compounds that may help prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall so they are flushed out in the urine. It's meant to help prevent repeat UTIs, not to treat an active infection. The tablets can be easily broken for convenient dosing, and this makes them a great way to promote your dog’s urinary tract health.
Thanks to Nutramax, you can help keep your dog healthy and comfortable all year long!
Pros
- Helps prevent UTIs
- Easy to dose
- Made by a reputable company
Cons
- More expensive than the other supplements
3Essential Pet Products Bladder Support
Bladder Support Tablets from Essential Pet Products help to support urinary tract health and normal bladder in pets.
The tablets contain a powerful combination of herbs and bioflavonoids. The ingredients are intended to support bladder tone and normal emptying, which may help with mild urinary incontinence.
The formula includes cranberry, Rehmannia root, pumpkin seed powder, saw palmetto extract, and wild yam extract. As with any herbal product, check with your vet before giving it, especially if your dog is on other medication.
Pros
- Supports urinary tract health
- Contains a powerful blend of ingredients
- Made by a reputable company
Cons
- Some dogs may not like chewables
4NOW Pet Health Urinary Support Supplement
Does your dog have a problem with urinary PH? If so, NOW Pet Health Urinary Support Supplement can help.
The supplement is designed to help maintain urinary tract health. It contains a blend of ingredients that helps to support a healthy pH balance in the urine, which may help make UTIs less likely.
The supplement is certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). One caution: don't try to change your dog's urine pH without your vet's advice, since making urine too acidic or too alkaline can encourage certain types of bladder stones.
Pros
- Helps to maintain urinary tract health
- Supports a healthy pH balance
- Easy to give
Cons
- Some dogs may not like chewables
5Vet Classics Urinary Tract Dog Supplement
This supplement has a blend of mushrooms and natural botanicals that helps to support urinary tract health and keep urine pH levels normal. The ingredients in this supplement are safe for dogs and have been tested for quality.
This product is made by Vet Classics, a company that has been making pet supplements for over 20 years. You can trust that you’re getting a high-quality product when you choose Vet Classics.
Pros
- Supports urinary tract health
- Maintains normal urine pH levels
- Made by a reputable company
Cons
- Not for dogs younger than 12 weeks
FAQ
My dog suddenly became incontinent?
There could be a number of reasons for this. Sudden incontinence can be caused by an infection, bladder stones, a spinal problem, or a disease that makes your dog drink more, as well as age. Book a vet visit soon to rule out any underlying health problems. If your dog is straining but passing little or no urine, call your vet right away, as a blockage is an emergency.
What is the best way to manage my dog's incontinence?
The best way to manage incontinence will vary from dog to dog. Some dogs may need medication, while others may do well with a change in diet or supplements. For older dogs, we also review the best multivitamins for senior dogs. It is even possible your dog needs an operation. The best thing you can do is talk to your veterinarian about the best course of treatment for your dog.
My dog is incontinent and has accidents in the house. What can I do to prevent this?
The best way to prevent accidents is to take your dog out for frequent potty breaks. You should also keep his living area clean and free of urine odors. For a quick stopgap, see how to make a dog diaper out of a sock. Finally, never be mad at your dog! Your dog isn't doing it on purpose. It’s best to just clean up the mess and move on.
