Home Remedies For Dog Incontinence and Causes

When a dog, or any pet for that matter, starts to have accidents in the house it is not something that can simply be swept under the rug. Some type of action has to be taken, whether it is a trip to the vet, designing a home remedy plan, or implementing a natural supplement that is capable of curing a wide range of dogs incontinence causes.

The list of potential culprits of dogs incontinence causes is quite long. This list would include stress, nervousness, displacement syndrome, advancing age, ectopic ureter, partial blockage of the urethra, bladder infection, distended bladder, diseases such as diabetes or Cushing's, and brain or spinal cord disorders. Believe it or not this is the short list. As you can see this list contains both treatable and untreatable causes. Some of the treatable ones will require a surgical procedure or at the very least a veterinary visit.

On the other hand there are a number of these which can be treated at home, such as mild urinary tract infections, nervousness, and bladder or urethral control problems. Most home remedies approach healing in what is known as a full spectrum approach. This means removing any bolder in the middle of your dogs highway to natural healing, allow your pet to drive down the middle of the road to good health. But before you turn over the car keys let's look at a few simple steps you can take to eliminate your dogs incontinence (or at least reduce its severity) once and for all.

There are a number of basic rules as they apply to home remedies for dogs incontinence causes. Let's look at these:

*Beware of dehydration: If your dog is urinating all over everything in sight the natural tendency is to take their water away. You should fight this urge, and in fact go the other way by making sure they have plenty of clean fresh water to drink.

*Bathroom breaks: Providing timely bathroom breaks is a key component to home urinary tract and incontinence healing. When your dog has to hold urine they put unnecessary pressure on the bladder and open the door for bacterial infection due to the pooling of urine in the bladder. They may leak urine due to a weak sphincter but still may have pooling bacteria laden urine.

If you will be away from home it is important to find a neighbor or friend that is willing to come over and allow your dog to void until the condition has abated.

*Add blueberry or cranberry juice to their water: This is one I have used successfully over the years with my pets and you should too. These juices make it difficult for bacteria to attach to the interior lining of the urinary tract, thus sending dangerous bacteria out of the system rather than allowing them to gain a foothold inside the urinary tract.

*Keep your pet active: Inactivity can create a long list of potential additional problems for the incontinent pet. Studies show that active pets have better urinary system function. They also have better immune system function. A healthier immune system helps them to fight off disease more effectively. A couple of cautionary notes. Be wary of the heat, sick pets dehydrate easily. The second suggestion is not to overdo it. Allow them to go out for just a few minutes and then bring them in for some of that tasty cranberry water.

* Homeopathic natural supplements: Homeopathic supplements address a wide range of dogs incontinence causes and should be a part of any comprehensive home treatment plan. They tend to particular effective when bladder issues are the root cause of the incontinence.

One final word of caution. If you are doing all the right things, and your pets condition does not improve in a week or so, you should contact your vet to formulate a more aggressive approach to treatment.

Urinary Incontinence in Pregnancy

Incontinence in pregnancy can be a problem for many women. In fact, the majority of women will experience this at some point during their pregnancy although the scope of inconvenience can vary from mild to frequent occurrences. For the majority of women, incontinence related to pregnancy often fades in a few weeks or months, once they have given birth. But unfortunately some continue to experience ongoing problems.

Pregnant women are most likely to suffer from stress incontinence. This type happens when there is too much pressure on the bladder and it sufferers find that they have to urinate very frequently or might be unable to hold their urine Nevertheless, women should not feel hopeless since incontinence in pregnancy can be prevented and treated.

One solution is to use bladder training - also called Kegel exercises. This is one of the most popular options for treating a bladder adversity. This can be implemented whether during or after the time of pregnancy and it can be done right inside your home. Voiding is another practice which requires you to record the frequency of your visits to the bathroom for urination. You need a chart to apply voiding so that you will be able to observe your leaking pattern. By identifying the pattern, you will be able to steer away from unnecessary leaking in the future.

Incontinence in pregnancy should be seen as a natural part of the process. Women can take action in advance by educating themselves about pelvic floor exercises and what to expect.

How to Sew Adult Diapers

The first step of sewing an adult diaper is going to be to decide what type of protection the wearer needs. Assuming it is you who needs the protection, ask yourself the following questions: Do you need a diaper that you simply throw in the wash and has the 'soaker' built in? Do you need something that you can adjust the soaking capability? Do you need a diaper that is 'waterproof' or do you need a diaper that is for very light protection?

Lets talk about your options below.

1. If you want something that you never have to mess with, sew an All In One (AIO) style. This style of diaper has the soaker sewn into it so you'll never have to worry about stuffing it when it comes out of the wash. This is the most like disposables.

2. If you want something that you can adjust the soaking capability of the diaper, choose to sew a 'pocket' style. This is a diaper that has an opening for putting in as much or as little soaker as your individual needs are. This is the most commonly sought after style of cloth adult diapers and is what we recommend.

3. If you want a protection that doesn't need to be 'waterproof', choose to sew an All In Two (AI2) style. This style simply does not have a waterproof barrier. Many times incontinence issues are so minor that the wearer doesn't need any more bulk then necessary, so they choose to go with an AI2. Another reason to choose an AI2 is if you already have a leak proof barrier cover.

The second step is going to be to find an adult diaper pattern. I prefer to do all of my pattern shopping online. Online sewing patterns are excellent ways to get exactly what you want at a fraction of the cost of paper patterns. Online sewing patterns are also a great choice because most come with detailed tutorials that allow the user to see/understand exactly what to do at the coordinating step.

A good sewing pattern is going to have the following things:

1. An adult diaper pattern should have a detailed "Supply List". The supply list is very important because it tells the 'sewer/maker' what fabrics and supplies they will need to make the cloth diaper.

2. An adult diaper pattern should have "helpful hints". When you are making anything for the first time, or even the 100th time, it is nice to have good instructions from people who make them more then you. Budget friendly hints can help you design your own diaper from cheaper fabrics and supplies. Hints on how to choose various fabrics depending on individual needs are worth every bit of reading. Hints on how to sew certain types of fabric should also be included in the pattern.

3. An adult diaper pattern should have a size chart. This allows the 'sewer/maker' to correctly choose the proper size for the wearer.

4. An adult diaper pattern should have printable pattern pieces. Do not purchase or try to follow a pattern that has you draft your own pattern. This takes time that you could be sewing a stash of reusable products for yourself.

Lets face it: you are going to purchase the sewing pattern online... so why not have pieces that you can print from your home printer? Not only that, but with printable pattern pieces, you can print over and over so you never have to worry about the 'first cut' being the wrong one.

5. An adult diaper pattern should have a step by step tutorial with images for each step. This is the BEST part about purchasing a sewing pattern online. Pictures should be clear and have descriptions that accurately describe the step.

6. The most important thing: The best adult diaper pattern is going to have OPTIONS. If you read through the first step in this article, you have probably decided which type of diaper you want... but wouldn't it be better if you could have all the options in the same purchase? Choose an adult diaper pattern that has the options of being an AIO, Pocket or AI2!

The third step of how to sew an adult cloth diaper is going to be shopping for fabrics and supplies. Once you purchase the adult diaper pattern, you'll need to buy the stuff to get it done. Most diaper making supply stores online are the best priced and easiest to find. You may be able to find some supplies at a local fabric store, but save the headache and order online.

The fourth step of sewing an adult cloth diaper is going to be making your own stash.

Follow the adult diaper pattern directions and step by step images to sew the cloth diapers. Sew some with fun printed fabric for the days when you are feeling lively. This is your body and you deserve to have some adorable incontinence underpants that make you feel protected and secure about yourself.

There are very limited adult diaper patterns available. The one that gives you all of options listed is made by Mamma Can Do It. Simply download and get your stash started!

How to Select Bladder Control Pads For Optimum Security and Comfort

For millions of men and women of all ages, bladder control pads are an invaluable part of incontinence management.

Incontinence pads can provide both security and comfort for people with bladder control problems. Specially developed absorbent layers designed to be worn inside regular or protective underwear, pads are discreet, unobtrusive, and affordable. For many people they're the perfect "middle ground" solution when regular underwear isn't enough, but special incontinence pants provide more protection than is needed.

For people with light or mild bladder control problems, using special incontinence pads inside of regular underwear is often the only additional protective measure needed to work, play, travel, and generally enjoy life with confidence.

A wide variety of incontinence pads is available. The leading manufacturers of incontinence products offer pads made specifically for men or women, in a range of sizes, shapes, and thicknesses. Here are some tips on selecting the incontinence pads that are right for you.

Don't "make do" with pads that aren't specifically designed for bladder control issues. Most people initially try using women's sanitary pads for incontinence padding. While they may provide some level of protection, they simply cannot offer the security, comfort, and confidence that specially designed incontinence pads can.

Bladder control pads are made of several layers of material specially formulated for maximum absorption, and most also feature a waterproof outer layer to protect underwear and other clothing against wetness. They're also designed to provide maximum protection where wetness is most likely, and shaped to minimize leakage.

Look for gender specific pads. Using pads as a primary form of incontinence management means finding the ones that offer the best balance between protection and comfort. While unisex pads are appropriate for some people in some situations, generally speaking gender specific pads provide the maximum security, discretion, and comfort.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Incontinence pads are relatively inexpensive and readily available both in stores and online, so try different types, brands, and styles until you find the ones that work best for you in various situations and circumstances.

For example, you may find that slightly heavier pads are best for overnight use, while thinner pads that are less bulky serve you best during the day. A more absorbent pad may prove to be best when traveling or participating in physical exercise, while minimal protection may be enough for everyday activities.

Some people also find that layering pads is a workable solution for extended wear. Experiment with layering pads of varying thickness to find the combination that's best for you.

How to Help Keep an Adult Diaper in Place?

Many incontinence sufferers are worried that if they use an adult diaper then they have to adjust it continuously so as to keep it in place. In addition, many others worry that if their adult diaper is not kept in place, they will risk having leakage or an accident. The challenges of managing incontinence can seem overwhelming and this often leaves many people curtailing their normal lives and cutting back on things that they want to do in order to prevent embarrassment in public while managing their incontinence. The good news is that there is no reason to do this. There are many strategies that can help you to wear your adult diaper confidently and be assured that it will stay in place. Here is what you need to know about how to help keep an adult diaper in place-

• Wear the right size - The most important thing that you can do in order to keep your adult diaper in place is to choose the right size. If you are not wearing the right size, it will be much harder to keep it in place. There is usually a great deal of sizing information that can help you to choose the right size. Keep in mind however, that different lines of adult diapers are sized differently, so you may have to try several before finding the right size.

• Wear the right gender - Manufacturers of diapers understand that men and women have different needs when it comes to any incontinence product. This has led to the development of incontinence products for men and incontinence products for women. This is true when it comes to diapers. If you want to keep your diaper in place then it is important to be wearing the one that is made for your gender. This will help the fit and the protection to be better and keep it from slipping and causing an accident.

• Choose the right clothes - Part of keeping an adult diaper in place will have to do with the clothing of the wearer. If you are going to wear a diaper then choose clothes that will aid in keeping the diaper in place and not push it down or up. An important consideration is the size of the clothing that you will be wearing. If you are wearing clothes that are too small or too large then the chances are higher that your diaper will not stay where it needs to be and you risk having leakage or an accident.

• Consider wearing incontinence over pant - If you are worried about your diaper staying in place or that of someone in your care then you may want to consider using incontinence over pant. This is a rubberized pant that goes on over the diaper, similar to the rubber or plastic pants which are often used with washable baby diapers. These incontinence pants are generally a little larger than the diaper and can help to hold it in place; no matter what the physical activity of the wearer is.

• Try different types of adult diapers - It is important for anyone with incontinence to understand that there are different types of diapers. This means that you need to try out several different kinds in order to find the one that you feel stays in place the best. Many online sites offer sample packages of diapers so that you can try out a few before making big cash investment. This will allow you to find the diaper that works best for your incontinence management needs.

Old Dogs Incontinence - Ideas That Can Help

Old dogs incontinence has several causes with a unique solution for each problem.

Common Causes and Solutions

Weakened Urinary Sphincter: As a dog ages, sometimes the urinary sphincter muscles weaken. These muscles help the urethra close to stop the flow of urine. These muscles hold the bladder closed until it is full. Then a command from the brain signals the muscles to relax, opening the bladder and releasing the urine. Normally, dogs can control these muscles. This condition usually occurs in female dogs that have been spayed. Medications are available to help correct the problem.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Like the name implies, if your dog is acting disoriented and forgets familiar places and people, then some type of brain function issue may be occurring in a way that is similar to human Alzheimer Disease. There is a prescription medication available that could help, although there could be side effects such as tremors. There are homeopathic natural remedies available for dogs that may also be worth a try that target memory and brain function.

Neurogenic Incontinence: In this type of old dogs incontinence, a problem in the spine is making it difficult to cut off the urine. The nervous system is getting in the way of the urinary system acting normally. Since the bladder doesn't empty, it fills to full and then the pressure from the full bladder forces some urine out of the body, which is why you see dribbling or leakage. This is a difficult condition to treat with focus on helping the bladder. A homeopathic remedy that focuses on the bladder may also help.

Urinary Tract Problem or Blockage: If a bladder stone has formed it can grow so large that it actually blocks urine from leaving the body. Often infection has formed as well, since bacteria trapped in the bladder has time to colonize. Other causes of blockage could be a tumor (benign or malignant), although this is rare. Treatment involves dissolving or removing the stones surgically. Changes in diet and the addition of a homeopathic remedy can help to prevent future problems.

At times, old dog incontinence is simply due to old muscles that can no longer do their job. In this case diapers made for dogs might be the best option.

Incontinence in Dogs - Urinary Tract Infections and Other Causes

Dogs are usually such adjusting pets that they will wait for as long as necessary till they are let out to "go" in the garden. So it's a shock to be confronted by canine incontinence. You may find that your pet has started urinating in his sleep or even as he walks around. This is not an ordinary wake-up call but a red flag and should alert you to the possibility that your pet has contracted a bladder infection.

Here are some symptoms to look for:

Your pet may have excessive thirst;

He or she may begin to leak urine around the house;

If the dog will be in obvious pain while urinating.

Canine bladder infections must be treated as soon as possible. Usually a three-week-long course of antibiotics can take care of the infection. If it is ignored, a bladder infection can have potentially serious consequences, such as permanent bladder damage and incontinence.

However, urinary infections are not the only cause of canine urinary incontinence. Other problems that can cause dogs to constantly dribble urine include diabetes in which urine output significantly increases, bladder stones, hormonal disorders, neurological illnesses, and kidney problems.

Vets use a variety of tests to determine the cause of incontinence including urinalysis and other lab tests. You will need to take a sample of fresh urine from your pet, which is then cultured in a laboratory and analysed for bacteria. If the tests are positive for infection then antibiotic treatment follows. However, if the tests find no sign of infection, then the causes of incontinence must be examined further.

The next step would be to determine what could be done to prevent incontinence and help the dog. If the problems are because the dog cannot leave the house whenever he needs to urinate, the solution is a simple one. Sometimes, the dog may dribble urine because he is excited or upset. Training and attention may help to sort out this issue.

Neurological causes may be the cause of incontinence, as when the nerves connected to the bladder are not functioning well. This situation will need further investigation, and may be curable with medication. Finally, if nothing else, vets may examine what the dogs are ingesting - water, medications, and so on, that could play a part.

Medical treatments for incontinence

Vets have to resort to using hormones and decongestants when they cannot pinpoint causes of incontinence. DES (diethylstilbestrol) a man-made form of estrogen is usually prescribed for spayed female dogs. Owners must look out for signs of anemia in such dogs. Natural hormonal supplements and ovarian products can be substituted in such cases.

The decongestant PPA, often called Proin is useful when your pet suffers only from occasional accidents. It helps by tightening the sphincter muscle of the bladder, but can have fatal side effects if your pet has circulatory problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. Other side effects may be increased heart rate, difficulty in urination, bloodless gums, and weakness. There is the potential for seizures to occur.

In some difficult cases of incontinence, the two treatments can be combined. Occasionally, Imipramine, (an antidepressant called Tofranil) may be prescribed along with PPA to help with retention of urine in cases that do not respond to the other medications.

Those caregivers of pets who have had no luck with these man-made chemical treatments can look for alternative in natural medicine. Herbal and homeopathic supplements work to set the dog's health right as a whole, curing illnesses and creating and maintaining a healthy balance in the body.

Double Incontinence - Help For A Debilitating Condition

If you think that suffering from urinary incontinence is an embarrassing condition can you imagine having both urinary and faecal incontinence at the same time?  This is a condition that affects both men and women equally and when it is present it is described as double incontinence.

Fortunately this is not a common form of the condition but for those who have it the experience can be devastating.  There is still a social stigma attached to faecal incontinency and when combined with loss of control with the bladder it places the sufferer in a position where they may decide to withdraw from public and even family as well.  This can truly be a debilitating experience.

Surprisingly often times people with this form of incontinency do not discuss it with their physicians and that is simply a mistake in judgment.  Incontinence is not a natural part of the aging process and it can be treated.

Incontinence, be it urinary or faecal is not a disease unto itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition and it is imperative that you discuss this with your doctor.  After an examination and testing, your doctor can render a diagnosis that identifies the causes and can then lay out a plan of therapy.

Treatment can be as simple as changes in diet or lifestyle but can also include an exercise regimen, medications or even surgery.  Your doctor will explain the options and together you can decide which is the best route for you to take.

Double incontinence is doubly troubling but it can be managed if not cured.  It is terribly embarrassing and it certainly restricts your movement and lifestyle but not addressing the problem, not seeking help will certainly not make your condition any better.  Go see your physician and get the help you need.  

The Miracle of Incontinence Pads

To anyone suffering from either urinary or bowel incontinence the stigma associated with the condition can often be so powerful that they will become a social recluse, fearing to leave the house incase an incontinent episode causes public humiliation. In this situation it is no exaggeration to say that incontinence pads can be the cause of a miraculous turnaround.

In continence pads prevent the soiling of clothes by a sufferer of urinary incontinence or bowel incontinence. Of the millions who suffer from incontinence it is unlikely there is one who will openly tell everyone they meet they are incontinent. Incontinence is an embarrassing problem and one that people will go to great lengths to avoid becoming public. For some people that means never leaving their house for fear of public humiliation. Luckily, advances in the clothing and treatments available have meant that this fear can now be overcome with a range of useful, discrete and effective products.

Incontinence pads are amongst these solutions for incontinence sufferers and are designed to prevent leakage of urine onto clothing that will publicly show and stain. Purpose designed, they are comfortable, secure and made to offer minimum possible skin irritation. The pads are available in a range of different sizes and styles to cater to differing needs.

Unisex Disposable Shaped Pads - These pads are suitable for both men and women, and have been especially widened at the front and back and can be purchased in different levels of absorption from a mini pad for mild incontinence through to maxi pads for heavier leakage.

The Standard Pad - Standard pads can be purchased in two different sizes and are designed to offer a convenient, disposable pad. They are also conveniently sized so it is possible to carry spare pads around when out and about.

Absorbent Stick On Pads - These can be fastened with an adhesive strip and are designed for short term protection.

Unisex Disposable Dry Form Shaped Pads - These disposable pads are designed for those suffering from moderate to heavy incontinence and are super-absorbent. The wider shaped backing can deal with bowel incontinence and the protective leg barriers protect against leakage by repelling fluids.

Unisex Disposable Total Protection Pad - Ideal for people who are bed ridden, chair bound of physically handicapped, this incontinence pad is designed for total protection in cases of severe incontinence. They can handle double incontinence and come with water proof leg cuffs and an adjustable waist.

The Male Guard Pad - These specially shaped incontinence pads are to provide the ultimate in discreetness and protection. A miracle powder is used to ensure the wearer will always remain dry.

If you are considering incontinence pads it's a good idea to talk over your needs with someone who understands your situation and requirements. Different pads offer different levels of protection and discretion. It's important that you choose a pad that will cater to your level of incontinence adequately, and at the same time remain as discrete as possible.

Benefits of Adult Diapers

No one wants to deal with urinary incontinence and have to use adult diapers, but it is something that can strike for a variety of reasons. As the body ages, bladder muscles can become weakened and small amounts of urine will leak. All of the conditions that cause incontinence may not be able to be treated effectively with medications or medical intervention. Conditions such as stress incontinence or urge incontinence may benefit more from treatments that focus on strengthening the urinary muscles. Training is another method that is often used to treat incontinence. While these treatments may be helpful, they also may not completely eliminate the problem but only improve it slightly. There is still a need for adult diapers for patients struggling with this embarrassing problem.

Adult diapers were once something that was not talked about out in the open. Today we see television commercials and large displays of the products in the store. It is no longer taboo or frowned upon to have a bladder control problem. It seems as though the world has finally woken up to the very real problem that older adults have been facing for years. The accessibility of disposable diapers is one of the benefits of these products for those suffering from incontinence problems.

Diapers offer the wearer convenience. The person with urinary incontinence wears the diapers and disposes of them when they become wet. This is much less work than cloth diapers that must be removed and washed for a future use. While a cloth adult diaper may cost less in the long run, the inconvenience makes them a difficult choice for those who work or have an active lifestyle outside of the home.

Disposable adult diapers have varying degrees of absorbency. This allows the user to choose a product that best suits their needs. Instead of a one size fits all approach to urinary incontinence, the manufacturers of adult diapers create products that suit the needs of adults who have frequent bouts of incontinence and those who experience the problem only once in a while. There is no need to purchase a diaper that is extra thick if you only wear it in the event of an accident.

The products are available everywhere today. An adult diaper is not a specialty item and can be purchased in the grocery store, drug store and even online for those who are too embarrassed to buy them in public.

Urinary incontinence products have improved over the years and sufferers can find high quality products that are comfortable and absorbent for use during the day. Adult diapers offer those with urinary incontinence the freedom to go out in public without worrying about incontinence issues.

Incontinence Caregivers: Build Trust And Cooperation With Calmness, Compassion, And Sensitivity

Most caregivers for the elderly will eventually have to deal with some degree of incontinence in their patient or loved one, and it can be a very difficult, emotionally charged situation for everyone involved. But with an attitude of calmness, cooperation, and sensitivity, caregivers can make a huge difference.

Generally a side effect of illness (such as diabetes or urinary tract infection) or an existing condition like enlarged prostate or weakened pelvic muscles, age-related incontinence is a very common condition effecting literally millions of people over the age of 60.

Helping an older person cope with incontinence can be very challenging for caregivers, particularly if they are family members. Most older people find the condition humiliating and many will go to great lengths to deny or hide it, and may be upset or angry if it is mentioned.

This attitude can make it very difficult to provide the kind of help the older person needs, and many caregivers are reluctant to even try to discuss it. But age-related incontinence is a condition that rarely if ever improves or goes away on its own; ignored, it can trap the older person in a miserable cycle of fear, self-doubt, isolation and shame.

Helping the older person accept the condition and introducing the use of protective products such as incontinence pants, pads, devices and bedding can be among the most helpful and constructive things a caretaker can do. Here are some tips for caregivers facing this situation.

Be sensitive and compassionate. It's crucial for caregivers to understand how profoundly upsetting incontinence episodes can be for the elderly; not only are they excruciatingly embarrassing, they create feelings of self-doubt, loss of control, and plunging self-esteem. Many older people consider even mild, infrequent incontinence episodes to be proof that they're no longer capable adults, and they will take whatever measures necessary to hide the condition.

If you find evidence that an accident has occurred, the last thing to do is confront the older person and demand an explanation. Simply clean up whatever needs to be cleaned without comment; making a fuss will only make the situation worse.

Stay calm and patient, and hang on to your sense of humor. The more upset you as a caregiver become when an incontinence episode occurs, the more ashamed and upset the older person will be, and the less willing he or she will be to trust you to help them. Treat incontinence as what it is - a medical condition that can be managed. Don't dramatize, and don't let the older person turn it into a catastrophe.

Never scold or nag. Remember that age-related incontinence is totally involuntary; no amount of disapproval or retraining will help.