Care for a Dog’s Prostrate Problems

Neuter your pooch.If his breeding days are behind him, sterilization can reduce his symptoms by 70 percent. Since testosterone is the cause of most enlarged prostrate glands, removing it will remove the source of his discomfort. Some veterinarians claim neutering will also prolong his lifespan.

Feed your dog a diet high in fiber to ease the pressure on his prostrate gland when he has a bowel movement. Some commercial dog foods, low in bulk fiber result in a harder stool that can be painful for your dog to pass. Switch to a high fiber dog food and consider giving him carrot sticks as a treat.

Encourage your dog to stay outside. Urination is difficult for a dog with an enlarged prostrate as it puts pressure on the urethra, but frequent urination may prevent a urinary tract infection. Instead of waiting until you take him for a walk, he can urinate more frequently if he is outside on a regular basis.

Be patient with your pooch. It may take him a while to urinate if a swollen prostrate is creating pressure. While he needs exercise, a play session may result in a very tender prostate, making urination painful. Allow him ample time to recover from his activity before demanding that he urinate.

Dose your best friend with aspirin. Your veterinarian may suggest you give him some plain aspirin to reduce the inflammation and provide some pain relief. Your dog's weight determines the dosage. Call your veterinarian for the correct amount.

Hydrate your dog. Plenty of water will encourage him to urinate more often, helping to prevent a urinary tract infection. Provide fresh water at all times.

Consider giving your dog a stool softener to loosen the consistency of his stools. If your dog shows considerable pain when emptying his bowels, he may need a boost. Your vet will prescribe a stool softener based upon his weight.