Manage canine incontinence with a waterproof dog blanket

While canine incontinence afflicts dogs of all ages, breeds, and gender, spayed females and some breeds are prone to the condition. Pet Parents® offers products to help owners cope with this ailment including supplements, diapers, and its new premium waterproof blanket that can be used as a couch cover, a dog blanket, or crate liner.

Veterinarians estimate more than 20 percent of spayed females, especially larger breeds that weigh more than 45 pounds, experience urethral incontinence. Male dogs may experience testosterone-related incontinence. Hormone therapy can help both genders.

Urinary incontinence also can be caused by a congenital disability called an ectopic ureter, and senior dogs can experience the condition due to other contributing factors, including diabetes.

Breeds prone to canine incontinence

Breeds more likely to experience urinary incontinence include:

• Cocker Spaniels
• Springer Spaniels
• Doberman Pinschers
• Old English Sheepdogs
• Boxers
• German Shepherds
• Giant Schnauzers
• Irish Setters
• Rottweilers
• Weimaraners

Both drug and estrogen therapy can help spayed female dogs that experience incontinence by strengthening the urethral sphincter. Collagen injections also can help. 

Ectopic ureter

Urinary incontinence also can be caused by a congenital disability called an ectopic ureter. While Siberian Huskies most often experience this condition, other breeds prone to this defect include:

• Miniature Poodles
• Labrador Retrievers
• Collies
• Welsh Corgis
• Wire-haired Fox Terriers
• West Highland Terriers

Surgery often can correct ectopic ureters by moving the ureter back to its usual location in the bladder. But if the dog also has experienced infections that damage one or both kidneys, it may remain incontinent. Other congenital disabilities in the urinary system also can cause permanent incontinence.

Incontinence due to aging

Incontinence can be the result of other underlying conditions your dog experiences as he ages. Common causes include: 

• Spine, vertebrae, or disc injury, disease, or disintegration. Dogs with these conditions also experience muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Urinary tract infections, urinary stones, and bladder infections.
• Other diseases, including diabetes, kidney or liver diseases, prostate disease or disorders, and cancer. 
• Weakened bladder sphincter.
• Medication side effects.

Helping dogs with incontinence

Medication and products designed to help incontinent dogs like supplements and diapers let their owners manage the condition. Dripping urine can cause a variety of health issues for your dog, including skin infections. It also can create a smelly mess for pet owners. 

Pet Parents founder Blake Anderson understands the struggle. As a child, he lost his family companion Blondie, a yellow Labrador Retriever, when she became incontinent. 

As an adult, he learned about dog diapers and was infuriated the products weren’t a viable option that could have extended Blondie’s life. His research and analysis of existing products led him to create something better, and Pet Parents® launched in 2016 with its first product — premium washable dog diapers. 

The company’s newest product, the Pet Parents® Pawtect™ Blanket, is a premium waterproof blanket that can be used as a couch cover, a dog blanket, or more. It gives pet parents another tool to help keep their dogs happy and healthy. 

Suggested uses include protecting furniture, travel, incontinence, crate protection, potty training, and whelping.

Coping with canine incontinence

Canine incontinence doesn’t have to be a death sentence. But the condition is serious and requires pet parents to provide their dogs with proper care to keep them clean, healthy, and infection-free.

Don’t limit your dog’s water intake because that can cause dehydration and other health issues. Do help your dog by taking more frequent potty breaks and short walks. 

When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.