A veterinarian may prescribe phenylpropanolamine to treat a dog’s urinary incontinence.
Phenylpropanolamine for dogs is a drug that is often prescribed for urinary incontinence. It increases the strength of the muscles of the bladder and urethra, which in turn prevents urine leakage. Phenylpropanolamine use has some known side effects and complications that dog owners should discuss with their veterinarian. There are some restrictions on the amount of phenylpropanolamine that can be sold to dog owners at one time because the drug is often used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. It is known as PPA for short and is sold under the brand names Cystolamine, Proin and Propaline.
Pregnant and lactating bitches should only receive phenylpropanolamine in severe cases and under the supervision of a veterinarian.
The dosage of phenylpropanolamine for dogs is generally based on the weight of the animal. It is sold as chewable tablets in quantities of 25, 50, and 75 mg. The typical dose is 0.4 to 0.8 mg per pound of body weight, given twice a day at 12-hour intervals. Treatment usually lasts several days before the urinary incontinence problem begins to go away. Administration of too large a dose for a dog may cause increased blood pressure, seizures, or coma. Dog owners often work with a veterinarian to determine a safe dose based on the dog’s weight. An overdose of phenylpropanolamine can often lead to serious problems, including coma and cardiovascular collapse.
Phenylpropanolamine for dogs is also marketed under the brand names Cystolamine, Proin, and Propaline.
Some of the known side effects of phenylpropanolamine in dogs include increased heart rate and blood pressure. PPA use is also known to cause behavioral changes and loss of appetite. Other signs to watch out for include restlessness, seizures, and difficulty urinating. If a dog owner notices any of these symptoms, he should stop using phenylpropanolamine and contact his veterinarian for further help.
A dog suffering from incontinence as a result of a urinary tract infection may benefit from the use of phenylpropanolamine.
There are several contraindications to the use of the drug that dog owners should be aware of. Veterinarians will not prescribe phenylpropanolamine to pregnant or lactating dogs unless the urinary incontinence problem is severe. It is not known if the drug will cross the placenta in a pregnant dog or if it is excreted in milk. Several medications, such as aspirin and tricyclic antidepressants, can cause side effects on their own or increase the intensity of other side effects when used together with phenylpropanolamine. Animals with medical problems such as glaucoma, diabetes or hypertension should not receive the drug. Pet owners should discuss any medical conditions or prescription medications their pet is taking with their veterinarian before administering phenylpropanolamine.