Urinary Incontinence: Home Cures for Bladder Disorders

| Modified on Mar 24, 2024
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anda (Cyprus) on 09/20/2016
★★★★★

I live on the small island of Cyprus.

For over a year now, my female 13-year-old, sterilized, poodle cross, rescued dog had urinary incontinence. My vet said it was because of old age. I always try my best to avoid giving my pets any kind of drugs, so I gathered up all the patience within me and I would clean the urine from my dog's fur (when she was lying on her side, urine went all over her) and wash her bedding every day, for months. I could see that she was feeling very uncomfortable and avoiding to go to bed. Instead she would prefer lying on the floor. I think that she knew that cleaning the floor was easier for me… lol

A few months ago, urinating on herself nearly stopped, but a month or so later, it started again. This seemed very strange to me, since the diagnose was “old age urinary incontinence”. Why would it stop and start again after a few weeks? I decided to look it up and started searching the web for answers. THANK you so much for all the advice in your page. I thought to try acv, so as to eliminate the possibility of a urinary infection. I mixed some bio ACV into live Greek (sheep) yoghurt and gave it to her for about ten days. And it is already one whole month since she last urinated on herself. Please, note that from day 2, her psychology changed, she looked so very happy, that I understood that this is it: it is a urinary infection and we found the cure.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

Rgds, Anda

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sarah (Alamosa, Co) on 09/30/2009
★★★★★

I have a 12 year old doberman who was nueterred at the age of 7 when I picked him up from a rescue. He developed a horrible incontinence several years later(would urinate like a water hose and have no idea he was doing it). I tried desperately to treat it with a vet for over a year to no avail. My husband was ready to put him down or make him live outside..yikes!! I found earthclinic and tried putting just a teaspoon of ACV in his water and the incontinence stopped immediately (less than an hour). I treated him for a couple of weeks and then backed off and now only treat him when I notice he is starting to drip or has blood in his urine. As far as an amount, animals are smart, if I get too much, he won't drink his water. It really depends on the size of the water dish, the larger the more you can put in. I just put as tiny amount as I can in his dish which holds about 5 cups of water. Usually one day of ACV and the incontinence stops. I also use a spoonful of pumpkin meat for stool issues. A teaspoon of 3% h2o2 in his water if he gets a bronchial cough and it clears up immediately as well. These rememdies work better than anything I have recieved from the vets, and I have rushed him to some of the best clinics in the state. I save the vets for larger issues, like polyps in the bladder.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kim (Georgia) on 11/07/2015
★☆☆☆☆

My dog has been urinary incontinent ever since he was neutered. At first my vet prescribed a medication to help control it, but after a while, it stopped working and I felt more comfortable giving him natural remedies instead. I've tried many different treatments, including a handful of bladder strength supplements and even apple cider vinegar. But nothing seems to work! He wears diapers now, but sometimes the diapers chafe his skin, so it's just a big headache for the both of us.

His leaking just seems to get worse too, and the vet has ruled out infections and says his bloodwork is normal, so no diseases that we know of. Is there any combination of natural remedies to help a severe case of incontinence?


Leaking After Rabies Shot
Posted by Heather (Massachusetts) on 02/08/2024

Please stop vaccinating for rabies at least until you read these articles. We have adopted new laws in MA, and that should sound alarms to other states that have not yet. So long as your dog has had h/h initial first round, a booster at the time of an incident will be enough to reactivate antibodies. Read, read, read; Dr. Will Falconer, DVM, has years of experience solely devoted to educating us about the dangers of the rabies vaccine, among others.

Https://vitalanimal.com/rabies-short-course/.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jan (South Wales, Uk) on 01/14/2017

I want to know how you can get a dog to take ACV or even yoghurt? I have my work cut out just to get anything remotely alien into my 13 yr old Lhasa Apso, who has recently and suddenly become incontinent. The vet has prescribed Propalin but she hates the taste so much even though I have tried to disguise . I would much rather try something natural and have great faith myself, in acv.

Thank you, Jan


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh) on 01/18/2017

Mix a teaspoon of organic Apple Cider Vinegar ("ACV") into her food each time you feed her. Use the brand "with the mother" which is the nutrient-rich sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Just shake the bottle before using.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 02/28/2017

Hey Racquel,

This does not sound like a bladder issue - your girl would be piddling frequent small amounts in the case of a bladder infection. Please take your girl to the vet for a physical exam as she sounds like she may be in pain.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lola's Mom (Port Angeles, Wa) on 02/23/2015

Hi Debbie, sorry for not answering you until now! Been a crazy 2 months. Lola is going to be 13 on 9/1. She started to intake more water than usual, so we have to pick up the water about 2 hrs before bed. My husband gets up in the middle of the night, every night and takes her out to go potty. She doesn't always want allot of water, it comes and goes. I was concerned about Cushings, so we will be going in for some tests. Also, has a little arthritis in a hip and knee that has gotten a little worse. She gets an arsenal (and has been) of supplements, along with transfer factors and k-9 immunity (medicinal mushrooms). Her doctor can't get over how good she looks. She's happy, plays, eats good and we adore every hair on her body and we want her to live forever! I could keep going, so thank you for your interest in her problem. :)


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (Nashville, Tn) on 10/03/2011 3 posts
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar for Incontinence: I have had great succes with a senior incontinent dog. I give her about 1 table spoon of ACV in her kibble. The kibble has been wetted with about 1 cup of water or so; let it sit until the food is soft on the outside and still crunchy on the inside plus a little chicken, then I mix it up. The leaking stopped immediately. It can come back, though, but I just give her more ACV.

The ACV should always be diluted. My dogs won't drink water that has ACV in it, so I sneak it in their food. I also have a dog with occasional upper respiratory infection, coughing, and congested. I do the same for him. ACV cuts the phlem. I've even tried it when I have a cold. ACV in hot tea relieves my stuffy nose instantly.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Andrew (Earth Clinic) on 07/26/2007
★★★★★

An update from my note of 2 months ago regarding Apple cider Vinegar and Pet Urinary tract infection- It is still working after 60 days, my Akita is not "leaking" and no more antibiotics! Please try this on your animal, adjust for body weight- results are wonderfully dramatic! Earthclinic is the finest most altruistic site on the internet!! Keep going!!

Standard Process Symplex-F
Posted by Victoria (Mesa, Az) on 10/09/2020
★★★★★

My 8 pound female yorkie (puppy mill rescue) started suffering from urinary incontinence. Since the Covid spread I haven't been able to take her to a vet. But I searched online, specifically Dr Karen Becker' s website. She recommended Standard Process Symplex-F, a natural estrogen booster. I mix one small tablet with her food, once a day.

Within a week it started to work! I had purchased diapers for her to use and haven't had to use one of them. You can get it thru your vet, but since I couldn't see a vet I found online a company called Holistic Health International and they shipped and it isn't expensive. They also have a blend for male dogs too. Hope this helps.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Racquel (Bonifay, Fl) on 02/27/2017

I have a small poodle and she is acting strange. When I pick her up she pees on herself and has never done this before. I think she is having a bladder issue. How much Apple Cider Vinegar can I give her? She maybe weighs around 3/4 pounds.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by jamie (australia) on 03/24/2024
★★★★★

Thank you for your post, I think it only took two days for my border collie female to have a complete lift as well, it's almost like this underlying problem has always been there and now that it's finally being addressed almost overnight she's much shinier and obviously much more interactive and engaged...looking good, fingers crossed!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lmwilliam (Houston, Tx) on 01/10/2015
★★★★★

I've been giving my 6.5 year old, 90-lb german shepherd 1/2 of 7.5 mg of Meloxicam for her arthritis/hip dysplasia pain once a day for the past two years now. (during the hot summer, she gets half that every other day) It is people medicine, but her vet prescribed it. So far, her blood tests have been perfect. Recently, she developed spay incontinence. I didn't want to give her more medicine, so I tried ACV last night for the first time. No leaks! I have diapers and Canine Bladder Control on order, which haven't even arrived yet.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 01/17/2016

Hey Laurie,

You can give your girl 2-3 tablespoons of ACV in her food or per 8-10 oz water. It might also be a good idea to check in with your vet - it may simply be she needs her medication adjusted now that she has grown up.


General Feedback
Posted by Jc (Las Vegas, Nv) on 03/13/2013

So I have an 8 year old yorkie, (7lbs. ). She is a bit overweight, should be about 5 lbs. My daughter works at a pet shop and brought home some NaturVet Slim-N-Fit... I gave one tablet to my yorkie a couple of nights ago.. And that night she scared herself awake, as she wet her bed.... I didn't think anything of it, only that she had an accident... 2 nights later, I gave her another tablet, and she scared herself awake again, by wetting her bed while asleep. I'm wondering if this NaturVet product which contains white bean extract, Green Coffee bean extract and Green tea extract might be the problem... Are they natural diuretics?? She has never wet her bed before... So I'm going to stop giving her the product to see what happens. If the wetting continues... I'd like to try the ACV, but how much would be appropriate for a 7 lb. yorkie ? 1/2 or 1/4 tsp. ??? Also I've read some comments on here about H202.... What is that?

General Feedback
Posted by Jen (Danbury, Ct) on 03/13/2013

Hi JC, I would hazard a strong guess that this product caused your pet's incontinence! The ingredients contain caffeine, which is a diuretic, but may also be causing severe side effects like overworking her adrenals and causing fright. I suspect your problem will be solved once she has been off the product for a few days. Not everything sold in the pet store is healthy for pets! But if the incontinence continues and since your dog is small, try a very small amount (1/8 teaspoon or less) of apple cider vinegar in her food mixed with water. Too much vinegar will cause her to lick her rump and some gastrointestinal discomfort.


General Feedback
Posted by Jeannie (Denver, CO) on 03/01/2015

I have been using the BLADDER SUPPORT from Puritan.com for my german shepherd. It even indicates by weight how many tablets to give your dog. It has worked wonders. I highly recommend this product.


General Feedback
Posted by Kathylue (Houston, Texas, Usa) on 01/18/2012

My Lab/chow, Boo is old and leaks urine as he sleeps. I have tried almost everything. Took him to the vet who charged me $500.00 plus medicine: Proin, antibiotics, Tape worm, Rejuvinate. He will not keep on a diaper, or a wrap diaper. I fix a nice fluffy bed, waterproof; He lays on the floor. Boo still eats, limps around follows me I give him IbuProfin for people because canine pill is $70.00, People Profin is $2.00. Would Motrin be better? He seems happy and affectionate. I bathe him take him out, help him down the stairs and he gets back up pretty fast. I know he must be miserable laying in a puddle of urine. The strong ammonia stench is so bad. Ahhhhhhhh! I love him and do not mind bathing, wiping him, pouring warm water over his peed coat mopping. Sometimes it is hard. I am going to try ACV! If it stops leaking, YaY!

General Feedback
Posted by Paulette (Springfield, Illinois) on 02/11/2012

To kathylue ---if your dog has pain from arthritis, find a vet that does acupuncture and chiropractic. I've had amazing results with my 15 yr old shepherd mix who had a herniated disc 2 years ago.


General Feedback
Posted by Julie (Princeton, NJ) on 08/23/2012
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Ibuprofen is toxic for dogs, please do not give your dog motrin, advil, tylenol or any people pain killers without checking with your vet.


General Feedback
Posted by Lmwilliam (Houston, TX) on 02/23/2015

We use Meloxicam with our vet's recommendation for arthritis. Our dog is like her old self again.


General Feedback
Posted by Shirley (Western Australia) on 05/22/2015

I have a 15year old female welsh springer spaniel and .I have tried Apple Cider Vinegar for her leaking but no matter how I try to give it to her she knows it's there and won't take it, I tried to buy some corn silk, but can't find it anyware, so if anyone knows where I can purchase it in western Australia, I would appreciate it very much thank you


Incontinence Theories
Posted by Dennis (Maple Ridge, B.C, Canada) on 09/27/2010

Your theory makes sense to me. Three vets recommended I have my GSD neutered even though he's almost 14. Now he has no control over his bladder and cant urinate on his own. Instead of helping him I made him worse. He just leaks when he's full, otherwise I have get him to urinate by squeezing his bladder but what works better for him is squeezing his left hamstring while tapping his right?! I'm going to try some of these remedies and hope for the best.


Corn Silk
Posted by Vi (Saskatoon, SK Canada) on 05/31/2009
★★★★★

Female dog urinary incontinence:

Hello, I just wanted to share our success with corn silk for our young mastiff cross. She's a rescue and shortly after we got her we noticed she was constantly "leaking" - and her bed would be soaked after she slept on it. I went online and found that corn silk was recommended for urinary incontinence. She's about 70 lb and we give her about 2 generous tsp per day of dried corn silk. It's amazing - it kicks in just about immediately and if we run out the effects are also immediate! And so economical compared to vet prescriptions - maybe $2 for 1.5 cups.

Corn Silk
Posted by Daustin (Austin, Tx) on 09/12/2012

Corn silk and NaturVet Bladder Support together is the one thing that has kept our dog from leaking. Proin caused her to have a rapid heartbeat and only partially worked. We've tried a bunch of other things too, almost everything out there. Corn silk and NaturVet seems to be the most natural. She's a 44 pound lab mix. We give her a lot but, she's been fine. 2 corn silk capsules and 2 Bladder Support pills in the AM and 3 of each (6 total) in the evening. I also give her a human supplement of natural magnesium, multi-B vitamin, and a kelp supplement (for her thyroid). Also, calcium ascorbate powder (buffered vitamin C) in her food sometimes. So I wanted to reciprocate. This site has helped me with so many remedies.


Leaking After Rabies Shot
Posted by Madeline (Milmay, NJ) on 03/30/2009

Hi, i am just wondering if anyone had a problem with dog leaking urine after a rabies shot? Never had the problem before , she is an old dog but it is funny she has the problem right after shot. Had a problem with her going both ways in the house and never did she do it all her life, i can't figure it out . I was wondering if it could of given her a bladder infection. would love any help i can get..

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gladys (Marathon, Florida) on 08/30/2008
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

Hi, our 11 yr German Shepherds, is having this troubles for a while now. we found about acv and we are giving to Sasha for 4 days, but today she got troubles again. for how long we need to give her acv, before we can see some results? thanks gladys & jiri

Plantago Homicord
Posted by Carol (Toronto, Canada) on 08/18/2007
★★★★★

My dog has been on the hormone pill Stilbesterol for years to control her urinary leakage that apparently is common after spaying a female. After working with a naturopathic vet, she put her on Plantago Homicord, a homeopathic remedy which naturally stops the leakage without side effects. Just a few drops daily, then reducing the amount to a maintenance dose. For example my dog now only needs a few drops 1x a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Andrew (Plainfield, N.j., U.s.a.) on 08/27/2010
★★★★★

Hi Mitch-
Sorry so late but just tonite saw your question. If your dog still needs it, I would give my Akita mix, at around 100Lbs, 1 capfull of organic ACV in his large bowl of water, in the a.m. And that cured the "leak" in just a day or so. I have continued every day since my original post- good luck- Andrew


Ground Flax Seed
Posted by Heather Smith (United States) on 05/17/2020
★★★★★

I gave my 9 year old Golden Australian Shepherd ground flax seed in her dinner. This was after 2-3 nighttime accidents. The accidents have not returned since.


Corn Silk
Posted by Terry (Canada) on 05/04/2019
★★★★★

Corn silk works wonders for my dog's incontinence.

He was suddenly dripping and peeing in his sleep even though he has never peed in the house in his life. I see that most of the posts have been about female dogs and their spay incontinence but I just want to say that corn silk capsules eradicated my adult male dog's incontinence by 99%. He is a 70lb dog and I give him one capsule per meal twice a day. I also time when he gets water but not reduce the total amount of water given to him. This way he would not have to hold for as long. In two weeks he went from dripping in his sleep every day to needing to go out earlier than his potty breaks. We listened to him when he would indicate wanting to go and slowly his schedule was back to normal. It has been a month and a half and he stopped having incontinence completely.

I will likely give him cornsilk long term since it is inexpensive and effective as incontinence prevention.

Corn Silk
Posted by Debbie (IL) on 06/14/2021

I was wondering how many milligram capsules you use?


Corn Silk
Posted by Lynn (Il) on 02/21/2016
★★★★☆

We get our corn silk tea from Amazon. It works for the most part but boy, if you miss a dose, it is very unforgiving! We just put it in a tiny bit of water and after she's drank it we give her a full bowl of food.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mich (Singapore) on 02/24/2015

Hi all, I need help here. My female miniature Schnauzer who has a history of bladder stones before has been leaking urine in her sleep recently. She's neutered by the way.

There was even a drip or two today while she was awake and standing right in front of me. She's 13 years old now and I really wish to find out is there any good and easy natural remedy for her before I decide to send her to a vet (which I don't really prefer).

Is apple cider vinegar able to help? If yes, how much should I give her and how often? And do I mix into any food or drink?

Thank you all in advance. Michelle

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 02/24/2015

Hey Mich!

ACV certainly might help your girl. Some folks use 1 tablespoon ACV into 5 cups of water; others add it to wet food - 1-3 tablespoons with each meal.

I will add that if this were my girl I would also monitor her urine for blood/bring to the vet to be sure the stones have not returned.

Good luck!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mich (Singapore) on 02/25/2015

Thank you for responding Theresa! Would definitely try the suggested dosage and monitor her.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathy (Niagara Falls) on 05/18/2015

My dog and cat drink out of the same water bowl, and I want to add ACV for my labradoodle's incontenence. Do you think it would be fine for the cat?


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathy (Niagara Falls) on 05/18/2015

My dog and cat drink out of the same water bowl, and I want to add ACV for my labradoodle's incontenence. Do you think it would be fine for the cat?


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 05/19/2015

Hey Kathy!

ACV is fine for the cat, however there may be complications with long term use. It might help to have a small dish of water set up off the ground so the cat can access and the dog cannot.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Phyllis (Tuscumbia, Alabama) on 05/19/2015

Hello Theresa,

I'm wondering what kind of complications with long term use of ACV you refer to?


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by colleen (WI) on 12/02/2020

ACV long term will cause enamel wear on teeth....heads up..they do have pill form


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 05/20/2015

Hey Phyllis!

I wish I could like just the particular reply but I do not know how. Here is the post to which I refer:

Apple Cider Vinegar - Long Term Use

Posted by Angela (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 05/09/2010

[WARNING! ] Hello, I originally wrote back in May 2009 about my cat Spillo who has been suffering from cystitis for most of his life. I just wrote recently saying that he reached the one year mark and he was in total remission. Well he had a change last week and the information I found out from the vet in very important for those who want to use ACV long term. Last Wednesday Spillo started peeing what looked like pure blood. I took him to the cat hospital and the vet said his bladder felt small and very hard. He was there for a few days and basically what he ended up having was a severe bladder infection (on the first feel the vet thought it might be cancer). The vet said that ACV used (daily like we were giving to Spillo) will make the ph very alkaline. Alkaline is good when you are trying to prevent crystals, but when you go too alkaline it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

Bottom line, if you are going to use Apple Cider Vinegar long term, maybe check with your vet about the quantity. We discussed the dosage with the vet and he thinks that 1cc 2 to 3 times a week is plenty sufficient. The one good thing about this visit is that the urinalysis showed that Spillo had no crystals or questionable blood cells in his bladder. ACV does work and is very good for cats with this problem. I will continue to give 1cc of raw Apple Cider Vinegar to Spillo twice a week.

Source - scroll down for the post: https://www.earthclinic.com/pets/cystitis5.html


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Phyllis (Tuscumbia, Alabama) on 05/23/2015

Hi Theresa,

Thanks. I don't know where my brain had gone when I asked, it's something I should have at th top of my head. I'm glad you reminded me and of course it's there in case anyone else needs to know. I have four Boston Terriers and I just put a cap full in their half gallon bowls, the flea control is just an added bonus for all the other benefits. My little boy and my youngest girl have seizures and I had to give in and put them on Phenobarbital so they have regular blood work and so far no problems after about six months on ACV. As you can imagine I monitor them well but after your reminder I'll be sure to keep a much closer check on everyone.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Henna (Pretoria) on 09/13/2016

Hi there

I looked for the above medication but our local health shops do not really stock products for animals.

My dog, 10 year old GhoGhetta, was heavily overweight. She recently shed a bit of weight (over the past approximately 2 months), but now, she's "sprung a leak". When she sits or lies down, urine leaks from her bladder. She was spayed as a 9 months old puppy and never had puppies of her own. Why is it only happening now?

How can I help her because I think it must be very irritating on her skin and also very unhygenic.

Thanx


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 09/16/2016

Hello Henna,

It is very common for a female who was spayed very young to develop incontinence when they hit senior-hood. There are inexpensive medications that can help with bladder tone to stop the leaks. I am concerned about the weight loss - it could mean something else is happening. Senior-hood has it's share of maladies: diabetes and early onset renal failure come to mind. Please take Ghogetta to the vet and have these conditions ruled out as you check out medications to address the incontinence. In the mean time daily washing with simple soap such as Ivory and a wash cloth 4-5 times day/as needed will help with the skin - and if it gets dry you can rub in coconut oil to help keep the skin healthy. And please report back!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by B King (Colorado) on 02/01/2017

Did you ever try chiropractic? Sounds like an impinged nerve.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Hwc (Cape Cod) on 02/24/2015

Hello, I have an 18 month old White German Shepherd male that dribbles urine only when sleeping. Generally its not all that much. I was wondering how much ACV should be given to a 75 pound dog and how it is administered. Thank you.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 02/24/2015

Hey Hwc!

Some folks use 1 tablespoon ACV into 5 cups of water; others add it to wet food - 1-3 tablespoons with each meal.



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