Natural and Herbal Prostate Support in Dogs

Older dogs that have not been neutered are more prone to developing canine prostate problems, like an enlarged prostate and inflammation of the prostate. It has been determined that neutering is essential to averting most prostate issues for the dog's entire life, except for prostate cancer, since this can occur in both neutered and intact male dogs.

Herbal remedies have become a popular method of treating prostate problems in dogs. Some of the herbs which have the most favorable results are saw palmetto, nettle root, cleavers, and echinacea. Dietary supplements like vitamin E, vitamin C, kelp, and lecithin can also help.

Herbal Remedies

There is a wide variety of herbs which are used to treat prostate problems in dogs. Several of the most useful ones are:

Saw Palmetto

This herb is believed to be quite successful in reducing the size of a swollen prostate. Owners should consider that, although this herb is considered safe for dogs and humans, it is best if used under the guidance of a vet or holistic vet.

In general, small dogs under 15 pounds should receive 5-to 10 mg a day; medium and large dogs between 15 and 50 pounds should receive 20 mg per day, and dogs which weigh over 50 pounds should be given up to 30 mg a day.

Nettle

Nettle root carries anti-inflammatory properties and has been found to be successful in assuaging prostate enlargement due to infections. It's most effective during the onset of the condition and can also be used synergistically by combining it with saw palmetto.

Cleavers

Cleavers aids the urinary tract and bladder and improves glandular health.

Echinacea

Dogs with prostate infection can benefit from the use of echinacea, which serves as an immune booster.

Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are another successful natural method of preventing and treating prostate issues in dogs. Some of the most effective are:

Vitamin E

It's an excellent antioxidant and can assist the prostate in stopping infections. It also increases the health of mucous membranes, helping the dog's immune system.

Vitamin C

This vitamin is a natural anti-inflammatory and may assist in shrinking the prostate back to its original size.

Kelp

Kelp has been used successfully in Japan and China for decades to treat uterine problems, kidney and bladder ailments, and prostate issues. It has been proven to possess detoxifying properties.

Lecithin

It is a compound which occurs naturally in all living cells and has an essential part in biological processes. It works as an antioxidant that supports the cell membranes that compose the prostate gland.

Homeopathic Treaments

Finally, there are some common homeopathic remedies that can prove successful in treating canine prostate infections or gland enlargement. These include:

Pulsatilla

Used for severe inflammation of the prostate. It is recommended for dogs that have a very painful prostate, and exhibit a yellow pus-like discharge in which blood can occasionally be found.

Sabal Serrulata

This treatment uses the saw palmetto herb previously listed and is used to ease prostate enlargement.

Conium Maculatum

This remedy has been found to be helpful in treating prostate enlargement in older dogs, especially those who have difficulty urinating.

Chimaphila Umbellata

This treatment is used to reduce the inflammation of the prostate and is recommended when mucus is found in the dog's urine.

In most cases, the herbal, dietary, and homeopathic methods don't require hospitalization, especially if administered during the early stages of a dog's prostate issues.

These treatments can be applied successfully at home, although the supervision of a vet or holistic vet is strongly recommended.

A conventional treatment can include injections, oral medications, enemas, urinary catheterizations, and possibly surgery.

Most pet owners will gradually see improvement in their pet's condition and behavior, an indication that the treatment is working. Still, it is advised to consult a vet or holistic vet before the start of treatment, at least once during treatment, and once more when the treatment has been completed.

Owners should also be aware that positive results won't happen overnight, and that doses must be administered as indicated by a professional.

Homeopathic remedies like Chimaphila umbellata and Sabal serrulata have a price range between $35 and $70.

Herbal supplements containing saw palmetto, cleavers, or echinacea in a concentrated liquid form can be purchased for $40.

Prices can vary depending on the location and store, whether it is ordered online or acquired directly through a holistic vet. However, on average, natural and herbal prostate support for your dog is not all that expensive.

There are several articles written and studies conducted on the effectiveness of natural and herbal prostate support in dogs.

Most agree that while these remedies work quite well in most cases, there are just times when your dog should see a vet and follow conventional treatment.

If your dog is severely ill and requires surgery or emergency treatment for his prostate condition or if you have an elderly dog that appears to be slowing down dramatically after experiencing prostate problems, a vet is required.

Dog owners should also consider that natural and herbal remedies can also produce side effects or interact with other medications, so a veterinarian or holistic veterinarian should be consulted.

To prevent prostate issues from developing in your dog, the first and most important advice is to have him neutered.

Dogs neutered at a young age do not produce the hormone testosterone and therefore do not develop the prostate gland or the risks associated with it.

If the dog is neutered after he reaches maturity, then the prostate gland will shrink to less than one-fourth of its former size and will stop working altogether within a few months.

A neutered dog will usually avoid prostate issues that non-neutered dogs may eventually develop. However, owners must know that even if their dog is neutered, he may still wind up with prostate cancer.

Being aware of the symptoms of prostate trouble in your dog is crucial to keep issues from developing into more serious problems. Dogs suffering prostate difficulties will exhibit some of these symptoms:

Straining to urinate, frequent urination, blood in the urine, blood or pus dripping from the penis, difficulty in defecating, constipation, fever, lethargy, taking shorter steps when walking, and appearing to have stiffness in their rear legs.