While dealing with dogs with bladder problems the principal thing to keep in mind is that there is a difference between behavioral problems, like when you dog is using his urine for emotional or situational reasons, and medical problems. For a dog with medical bladder problems, there may be no control over his or her bladder. Even if there is control, the control may be partial, or weakened by elements outside a dog's ability.

Health related issues for dogs with bladder problems include urine leaking out, making puddles, finding themselves suddenly overwhelmed by the need to empty their bladder. You dog may strain to urinate only to produce a few drops--and then, moments later they may be dealing with an out of control flood.

Under these situations, help for dogs with bladder problems is never a matter of severe discipline, or a dominance struggle. Many dogs suffer loss of control, swelling, discomfort, difficulty urinating, blood in their urine, and other problems. To resolve them, a caring owner must combine medical advice from a trained veterinarian, basic adaptations to care and maintenance, and a regimen of standard supplements.

First, work to adjust care and supplements. Dogs with bladder problems are substantially helped by an appropriately managed diet, proper weight, and regular exercise. In many instances age and increasing weakness of the muscles supporting and controlling the bladder are the underlying cause of failing bladder control, and the correct food, exercise and weight loss improve the situation.

Make sure your dog has plenty of chances and places to urinate. Often this problem is caused by your dog having to hold her urine for long. As peculiar as it may seem, they also need plenty of water to drink: Clean and clear, in large volumes. Your vet may even recommend methods of increasing your dog's intake.

This upsurge in water is intended to address two other conditions that plague dogs with bladder illnesses.

The first condition is the UTI (urinary tract infection). In many instances a bacterial bladder infection can set off failed bladder control: Increased water can help flush the bacteria down the urinary tract more rapidly than an infection can move up the urethra, and can help eliminate the infection with increased speed if it does reach the bladder. A second bladder problem is that of crystal growth in urine. A dog's metabolism can cause the growth of a number of crystal formations, and further can lead to the stones forming bladder stones which can plug the urethra, endangering the dog's life.

Supplements chosen well, used with the knowledge of your vet, can also help. Such ingredients as uva ursi, berberis, cantharis, and staphysagris can sooth the bladder and add antibacterial agents to your dog's metabolism. Acidification can reduce the odds of crystals forming in the first place. Herbal elements like cranberry and blueberry, also used in well known human herbal supplements can help eliminate bacterial infections while adjusting the chemical balance of the urine.

By being proactive and taking aim at the underlying cause of dogs with bladder problems you can make your life and your dog's happier and easier.