Proin Dosage Chart for Dogs: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Has your vet prescribed a medication called Proin to your dog with urinary incontinence? If so, you likely have questions about what this medication is and how it can help your beloved companion control their bladder. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about Proin use in dogs, breaking down common uses, dosing, side effects, and more!

What Is Proin for Dogs?

Proin is a medication used to manage urinary incontinence in dogs due to poor muscle tone in the urethral sphincter. The active ingredient in Proin is phenylpropanolamine, and this ingredient helps to control bladder leakage by tightening the urinary muscles. Proin has offered positive results in 90% of patients. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Proin cannot treat urinary incontinence due to neurological disease or anatomical abnormalities.

Proin is widely used in veterinary medicine due to it being a relatively safe way to reduce bladder leakage. Though phenylpropanolamine may cause high blood pressure and an increased heart rate in humans, Proin offers a slow release of the ingredient to make sure there is always a controlled amount in the dog’s bloodstream. This decreases the likelihood of undesirable side effects.

Dr. Amy Nicole Lewis, a veterinarian with Worldwide Veterinary Services, told A-Z Animals that Proin is not a set cure for your dog’s incontinence, but it instead tightens your dog’s bladder and other urinary structures. Their incontinence may return within 24 to 48 hours of stopping a daily Proin dose since it only works when it is active in your dog’s system.

Is Proin Safe for Dogs?

Proin is a generally safe for dogs when following your veterinarian’s guidance. Just be sure that you are not offering your dog any other form of phenylpropanolamine intended for humans, as Proin is specifically designed for use in our canine companions. Other forms of phenylpropanolamine can lead to high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and significant appetite changes.

How Is Proin Given to a Dog?

Proin can be prescribed in liquid or tablet form. It does not have to be given with food, but it can be offered with a small meal if your dog appears nauseas after administration. Frequency of dose will vary based on the form of medication your dog is prescribed. For example, standard Proin often needs to be given a few times each day, while Proin ER is designed to be long lasting and offers 24-hour bladder leakage protection. Your vet will let you know which is best for your pup.

Proin often starts working within one to two hours of administering. Standard Proin typically stays in the body for four to six hours and Proin ER can last for up to 24 hours.

What Is the Dose?

You should never give your dog Proin, or any other form of phenylpropanolamine without your veterinarian’s approval. High doses of phenylpropanolamine can lead to high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate, so it’s important to always seek veterinary approval first. With that in mind, there is a standard Proin dose that most veterinarians follow.

This standard dose is 0.4 to 0.8 mg per pound of body weight two to three times per day. Just keep in mind that Proin ER is designed for once daily use, so you will likely be giving a higher dose at once. Your vet will offer you the best dosing recommendation for your pet.

Are There Any Side Effects with Proin Use in Dogs?

Proin is a relatively safe medication, but like any other prescription medication, it can lead to minor side effects. Some of the most common side effects seen with Proin use in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased thirst
• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite
• Restlessness
• Panting
• Lethargy
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• Elevated heart rate

We always suggest reaching out to your vet if your dog develops any of the above side effects when taking Proin. Your vet may be able to adjust your dog’s dose to decrease their discomfort while taking the medication.

How Do I Get Proin for My Dog?

You can only purchase Proin with a prescription, so we suggest reaching out to your veterinary team if you think your dog can benefit from the use of this medication.