You may have heard of a dog eating an erectile dysfunction pill – but is this actually a common occurrence? You’d be amazed at how many people are affected by this syndrome and how many dogs it sees each year.
Although there’s no exact statistics available, we know that more and more dogs are turning to supplements and health foods to fatten up and maintain their athletic prowess. This is great news for those who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) because it means there’s a new treatment option on the market: the dog.
The Rise In ED Cases
It would be remiss of us to discuss erectile dysfunction and its treatment options without mentioning its alarming rise. We know that PDOs are responsible for much of this increase, but they’re definitely not the only cause. More and more cases of ED are being reported and it’s a problem that’s affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
It’s estimated that about 15 million American men suffer from some form of ED. That’s 68% of the population. If that doesn’t bother you, consider this: it’s the second most common medical condition in men after high cholesterol.
There are four primary symptoms of ED: inability to attain or maintain an erection (infertility is a common side effect), premature ejaculation, insufficient volume, and pain during sexual activity.
How Does ED Stay So Secretive?
Even though ED is a very common condition, it still manages to be a secret epidemic. There’s a reason why it has such a difficult time gaining approval as a formal diagnosis or receiving medical attention: it’s typically mistaken for psychosomatic disorders or, at the very least, labeled as a character flaw.
In fact, some would argue that being unable to achieve or maintain an erection is a sign of masculinity. This stigma makes it difficult for men to seek help for the condition, even though it can be effectively treated.
The Underlying Cause Of ED
While it’s true that age is a major factor in the development of ED, it’s not necessarily the case that older men are more prone to the condition. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. In most cases, it’s the unhealthy lifestyle of the young man that leaves him vulnerable to ED. Frequent heavy drinking and drug use, particularly in early adulthood, has been identified as a major cause of ED.
Certain foods, such as red meat and dairy, also seem to aggravate the condition. It’s thought that certain bacteria present in these food items may infect the nervous system, creating havoc in the area that regulates blood flow to the penis. In many cases, this is the root cause of ED.
Treating ED Hasn’t Changed Much
Many people erroneously believe that treating ED is as simple as popping a pill and giving it some extra TLC. While this may be the case for some milder forms of ED, the more advanced stages require a bit more work. In most cases, the underlying cause of ED needs to be addressed and, for some, this means changing their diet.
In other cases, medicines that boost blood flow to the penis may help. Vardenafil (Levitra) is perhaps the best known of these medicines and it’s been around for more than a decade.
Getting Help For Your Dog Might Be The Right Option
If you’re reading this and you’re wondering whether or not your dog might be afflicted with ED, here’s some good news: there are effective treatments available. While it’s not ideal to treat your pet with medication, in some cases it may be the only option. Your vet may be able to prescribe a medicine that’ll allow your dog to engage in sexual activity comfortably and, most importantly, safely.
Your vet might also be able to point you in the direction of some non-invasive, natural treatments to try. These might include acupuncture, acu massage, and dietary changes. While it’s always best to try and treat your dog’s ED with minimally invasive procedures, in some cases these options aren’t practical or effective. In these instances, medication may be the best and only option.
The rise in popularity of supplements and health food items among dogs is a great sign of things to come. As men continue to struggle with ED and as more and more people become aware of the condition, more and more dogs will be turning to alternative treatments to help them feel their best. Many dogs will end up benefitting from this new treatment option and being grateful for their veterinarians’ help.