Are you just plain fed up? Always well trained, your canine companion has started to go potty anywhere and everywhere in the house. If she is not wanting out for the 100th time today, you are busy cleaning up messes. As much as you love your dog, you cannot take anymore! Should you take her to the pound and hope someone who lives out in the country will adopt her? Should you have her put down, and save you both from a life of misery? Before doing anything drastic, do yourself a favor and discover the concerns about canine urinary incontinence.

Photo: wizdoginfo.wordpress.com

If your furry companion has been well housebroken in the past, it is not natural to digress and start going potty all over the house. If you think about it, you will discover that your pooch has probably been giving other clues to urinary problems in dogs as well:

• Painful or difficult urination
• Increased frequency of urination
• Increased volume of urination
• Excessive thirst
• Pus in the urine
• Blood in the urine
• Crystals in the urine
• Lower back pain

If your pet has reached the point of canine urinary incontinence, she has probably been exhibiting one or more of the above symptoms. However, do not feel bad, because she cannot tell you she feels sick, and urinary tract infections can get bad fast.

Unfortunately, urinary problems in dogs are quite common. So, it is extremely important to take your canine companion to the vet as soon as possible. If it is just a urinary tract infection, an antibiotic will have her start feeling and acting a lot better in a day or two. But, if the cause of canine urinary incontinence is something more serious, prompt treatment is also necessary. To ignore the symptoms can ultimately cost your pet many happy years of taking you for walks.

Speaking of taking you for walks, you also need to know how to avoid canine urinary incontinence in the first place. A healthy dog is stronger and more able to fight off the infections and other health challenges. So, to avoid a urinary tract infection in dogs that can ultimately turn into more dangerous health concerns follow these three simple steps:

• Fresh water
• A way out
• Keeping you walking

Keeping canine urinary incontinence at bay starts by simply providing fresh, clean water every day. Forget the automatic jugs that water your dog. Avoid the humongous bowls that only require your attention once or twice a week. Instead, change the water at least once a day. Stale water will grow bacteria and also harbor food particles that foul up the water.

Once you start providing your pet with plenty of clean water, you will also need to provide a frequent way out. In other words, do not make your poor pooch hold her bladder for most of the day, while you are at work. The stale urine also becomes a breeding ground for germs and infection. You will need to install a doggy door, or come home during lunch and right after work. The only other solution is to find someone to babysit during the day, so your dog can go outside and empty her bladder as needed, so she will not suffer from canine urinary incontinence.

Finally do both of you a favor and go for a walk twice a day. The exercise will do you both good, and your canine companion will have ample opportunity to empty her bladder. She will not have to know it is to maintain good health. She will just be glad for the activity and fun.

In conclusion, canine urinary incontinence is not as rare as some pet owners might think. In addition, it can be a sign of a urinary tract infection or even something far more serious. So, if your pet is exhibiting unpleasant behavior, in conjunction with symptoms of illness, do not delay. Take your pet to the vet today, so you can have many happy tomorrows.

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University.

For more information on how to prevent canine urinary incontinence, please visit http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com

There are many different types of small dogs, and they come in lots of different shapes, colors and sizes. From cute to tough breeds, toy dog or terrier breeds - there are many different small dog breeds for you to choose from.

Small Dog, Big Heart - The Cutest Small Dog Breeds in the World
By Otto Kreistler

Sometimes we feel we are all alone in this world. Our love lives just don’t work out, our friends always go away in the end, and our family members eventually get lives of their own. And we are left absolutely alone with nobody to comfort us. And what do we do? Do we mope around alone in the dark? Do we go around picking up members of the opposite sex in bars? Of course not! We just get the cutest thing in the whole world that we are sure will love us unconditionally: a dog!

Photo: nola.com

And not just any dog will do. A small dog is not only cute but it is also generally easier to take of than their larger cousins because they don’t require as much space and exercise. And you also have the advantage of most of them being really, really good with kids. A cutie with a soft heart, undying devotion and who is good with kids? What more can you ask for?

Here are a few suggestions on the best small dog breeds to get when you absolutely need it:

- Mini Dachshund: These are some of the most curiously shaped dogs in the world. They were bred this way because their initial purpose was to hunt moles in the ground, a job which they did to perfection with their ‘hotdog’ appearance. They are loving, energetic and great companions. Just beware how you pick one up!

- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: As its name suggests, this is one of the most dignified breeds of dog in the world. And it is also one of the best with kids, because of its cuteness and its patience. You should however be sure to give it enough exercise and grooming every week.

- Beagle: The undying Snoopy was a beagle and if that isn’t motivation enough for you to get this wonder of a dog breed, then something must be wrong with you. The beagle is one of the most playful, active, and friendly dogs you could ever hope to meet. Exercising them constantly though is a must.

These are only a few of the amazing small dogs that you can treat yourself to when you feel lonely. If you want more ideas, and you want to find exactly the right one for you, just visit: http://crunkish.com/top-ten-kid-friendly-pets/