dimetapp

Question
hi i have a 11 year old terrier/dobby mix who is haveing leaking of urine problems i have read that you can give her dimetapp tablets do you agree with this and if so how much do you think is a good dose to give her thank you in advance mel

Answer
Hi there,

Urinary incontinence can occur for a number of reasons. It's best to be sure that there isn't a cause for the incontinence that can be cured, prior to treating it symptomatically. Your vet may already have made an effort to do this, or it may be necessary to have your dog seen by the doctor if you haven't yet done so.

It is important to rule out a bladder infection, bladder stones and diseases that cause increased production of urine, such as diabetes before deciding that incontinence is the cause of urine leakage. In addition, there are several causes of incontinence, which respond to different treatments. In almost all cases, it can be controlled, though. Your vet can help with this problem, almost for sure.

I have read that Dimetapp tablets (twice daily if necessary 12 hours apart) contain Phenylpropanolamine and a second ingredient (brompheniramine) which probably isn't necessary to administer but also probably isn't harmful. It is usually less expensive to use than Phenylpropanolamine (a common prescription medication for urinary incontinence). The antihistamine is said not to cause drowsiness or other side effects.

Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant and is also the active ingredient in Dexatrim, a product used for appetite suppression in humans. I have read that there is no appetite suppressive effect in pets, it does not
seem to have serious side effects, but it often has to be given three times a day to be effective and that is a drawback for many pet owners. Sometimes it works for the majority of incontinence when it is given at bedtime since
many dogs are only incontinent when they are sleeping.

I should add that I have no personal experience with using either Dimetapp or Dexatrim, and strongly caution you not to use them without your vet's knowledge and approval. I wouldn't use any over the counter drugs on my own dogs without first clearing it with my vet, and getting advise on the dose.

Again, if your dog hasn't been seen by your vet, it's vital that the cause of incontinence is diagnosed before treatment can begin.

Best of luck,

Patti