Prostate health in pets

The prostate is a small gland specific to males, located beneath the urinary bladder and wrapped around the urethra. It is made of two lobes completely surrounded by an outer tissue layer. The main function of the prostate is to store and secrete a clear, slightly alkaline fluid that constitutes 10-30% of the volume of the seminal fluid that, along with spermatozoa, constitutes semen. The rest of the seminal fluid is produced by the two seminal vesicles. The prostate also contains some smooth muscles that help expel semen during ejaculation.

With the process of aging, it is quite common for the prostate gland to become enlarged. This is particularly the case in more mature dogs over the age of 8 years old. In this process the prostate enlarges, with the layer of tissue surrounding the prostate ceasing to expand. This causes the prostate gland to press against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose. The bladder wall becomes thicker and may begin to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, leading to more frequent urination.

Although the reason is not fully understood, cats do not routinely suffer from problems related to age related prostate enlargement.

The natural way

A lot can be done to support a healthy prostate. Diet and exercise remain the biggest factors contributing to a healthy lifestyle. A meal plan high in fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils), fresh fish (such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and cod) will ensure adequate intake of essential fatty acids, important for organ functioning.

Avoiding fatty meats, excess salt, and hydrogenated oil will also go a long way in supporting the immune system. Physical exercise supports good circulation – helping to promote blood flow to all organs of the body, including the prostate.

Natural remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to support the healthy functioning of the prostate and male reproductive system, while also acting as immune system tonics. In more recent times, research has confirmed this traditional wisdom.

There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to support the healthy functioning of the prostate. (Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, et al. “Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia”. Lancet 1995;345:1529–32.)