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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ask a Vet
Border collie mix
11 or 12 years
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog has been having problems pooping. The vet says he has an enlarged prostate which has caused a hernia which is blocking everything. It was recommended to put him on a laxative, which I fully intend on doing, but I can’t afford the surgery that was recommended. Will the Sabal Serrulata help? How much should I give him and how often? Thank you so much for your help!
Sept. 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. With the severity of the signs that you are describing, it would be best to follow your veterinarian's advice. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 22, 2020
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Pit bull mix
Ten Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog was said to have an enlarge prostate, he Has a stinky odor coming from his butt area and also bleeding spots on things he lays on coming from the butt area
Aug. 7, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to say without being able to see your dog, but it sounds like there may be a nasty infection or inflammation going on. It would probably be best to have your dog seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine the area and see what the cause is for this. Once they know more, they will be able to give you a better idea as to what treatment might be available. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
Aug. 8, 2020
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Leonardo
Yorkshire Terrier
9 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
I was just advise that my 9yr old Yorki has somewhat enlarge prostate, but he is in great health, Is it too late to get him neutered?? The vet checked him out today
Dec. 22, 2017
Leonardo's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for contacting us about Leonardo. IF he was diagnosed with BPH, benign prostatic hypertrophy, neutering has a great chance of resolving that condition, and it is not too late to have him neutered, as long as he is in good health otherwise. If he has other prostate disease, it would be best to ask your veterinarian how the surgery will affect his long term prognosis.
Dec. 23, 2017
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Harry
Shetland Sheepdog
3 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
I have a 3-1/2 year 0ld sheltie who was found to have a somewhatenlarged prostate when he had his physical last Saturday. He is exhibiting no symptoms, is otherwise healthy and very energetic. He is a competitive obedience, rally and agility dog with an exceptionally happy,outgoing, enthusiastic personality. The vet wants to neuter him within 3 months. I am terrified that neutering him will change his personality and I will loose my wonderful boy. I would like to try the natural route first but am unsure where to purchase the proper supplements so that I can give him the correct dosage. He's 17" and 24.5 lbs. Thanks for any help.
Sept. 12, 2017
Harry's Owner
0 Recommendations
Whilst neuter is the treatment of choice and will also eliminate the risk of testicular cancer and other conditions, you can try herbal remedies but I haven’t seen much reliable evidence of efficacy. The most common herbal treatment for swollen prostate in dogs is a mixture of saw palmetto, cleavers and echinacea; the dosage would be dependent on the recommendation on the packaging (concentration and other ingredients may change dosage). Since there is little scientific data about the use of herbal remedies for this issue, I am not going to recommend any specific product; if you visit some pet shops or some online stores you will find many different products. However, I recommend neutering Harry. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Sept. 12, 2017
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Bolt
Labrador Retriever
8 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
I have an 8 year old lab who recently visited the vet and was told that he had an enlarged prostate. He was neutered at 3 months. He is having trouble peeing and defecating and refuses to eat. He drinks water but doesn't seem to urinate as much.
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