• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Why is my senior dog suddenly leaking?

Posted July 23, 2018

Canine urinary incontinence: Start by consulting with your veterinarian to determine the cause of the problem. Sometimes medication can treat the condition.
Since there are many different underlying causes of incontinence, treatment can vary.

As your dog ages, he faces a higher risk of developing canine urinary incontinence.

The condition occurs when your senior dog loses full control over his bladder. Your dog suddenly leaks while resting or sleeping and is unaware this is happening.

Although urinary incontinence is the most common among dogs, your senior dog may also suffer from bowel incontinence, which keeps him from controlling his pooping.

Finding out what causes canine urinary incontinence

Unfortunately, either condition can cause a lot of mess for both of you. But don’t worry. There are already a lot of options for treating and managing canine urinary incontinence.

The first step? Finding the cause of the problem. These common reasons may be behind the condition:

Fluctuating hormone levels: Female dogs who have been spayed can suffer from low levels of estrogen. Male dogs can suffer from testosterone-related incontinence.

Neurological problems: If your senior dog has health issues concerning his vertebrae, disc, or spine, then he’s most likely to lose control of his bladder.

Infection: A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can cause your senior dog to be incontinent because of his strong urge to pee. This infection also makes your dog pee more than usual.

Other diseases: Other conditions that can cause canine urinary incontinence include diabetes, kidney/liver diseases, and cancer in the urinary and excretory systems.

Treating your senior dog’s canine urinary incontinence

Since there are many different underlying causes of incontinence, treatment can vary. Sometimes your vet may prescribe a medication that prevents everyday accidents.

Other treatments may focus on hormone therapy, while still others will attempt to strengthen the urethral sphincter.

Collagen injections are a newer treatment that has shown promising results. However, if the incontinence results from bladder stones, a protruding disc, or congenital abnormality, surgery may be recommended.

Managing canine urinary incontinence

The first thing you should do if you suspect your dog may struggle with incontinence is to consult with your veterinarian, who can confirm the diagnosis and determine a cause.

The vet will want to rule out a bladder infection, which would require antibiotics.

Your vet also may want to perform other tests that may include a urine culture, blood work, radiographs, or ultrasound.

Should your furry baby be diagnosed with incontinence, here are some things to help manage the potential messes.

  • Look for great brands that offer high-quality incontinence products that are super absorbent and have no “crinkly” or uncomfortable texture that your dog might dislike.
  • Place waterproof pee pads or clean towels on your dog’s bed or in their favorite spot to absorb any leakage.
  • Provide proper hygiene to prevent skin infections.
  • Take your dog for more frequent walks or let them out into the backyard more often for potty breaks. If you have a fenced yard, consider installing a doggie door so your dog can go in and out as often as needed while you’re at work.
  • Use washable doggie diapers that can help keep your house dry and clean. Pet Parents washable dog diapers and dog belly bands fit all sizes and breeds and can be reused.

Bottom line

You must never limit your dog’s water intake, as this can lead to dehydration and serious complications. Always monitor your pet’s condition since canine urinary incontinence can quickly accelerate infection, especially in elderly dogs.

And most importantly, understand that your dog doesn’t enjoy what’s going on either.

They are not trying to make you angry; the dogs have a medical condition over which they have no control. The situation is different than when the dog was a puppy and was being potty trained.

Always, always love your dog no matter what. You’ll never find a better friend.

– By Micka Virtudazo

Warning signs: 9 dog illness symptoms and what they mean

 

Related Posts

  • To manage arthritis in dogs, veterinarians recommend controlling the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis with medication. This should also be accompanied by a suitable diet and exercise and supplements.
    Keep your senior dog active

    Create an exercise program that will keep your senior dog…

  • To manage arthritis in dogs, veterinarians recommend controlling the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis with medication. This should also be accompanied by a suitable diet and exercise and supplements.
    Help older dogs age gracefully

    Older dogs need extra care including special grooming and regular…

  • A terrific way to help your new dog bond with his older companion is to walk them together.
    Take steps to help older dog adjust when you add new dog

    Older dogs usually accept a new dog, but some struggle.…

  • puppy potty training techniques
    Use new puppy potty training techniques to quickly house-break your dog

    Start puppy potty training techniques early. Old thinking suggested owners…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • The most common warning signs to watch for in your puppy's behaviors include snarling, growling, mounting, snapping, nipping, lip curling, lunging, dominance, challenging stance, dead-eye stare, aggressive barking, possessiveness, and of course, biting!

    Take action immediately when you spot aggressive puppy warning signs

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

Tags

Camping Boxer Driving Yorkshire terrier Dog sounds Chihuahua Dog manners Easter Canine diabetes Petfinder.com Hip dysplasia Aggression Dog training tips Pit bull Dog grief Cavalier King Charles spaniel Home renovations Cats Chewing Greyhound Border collie Major life changes Dog bath Socialization Potty training Canine fitness Dog begging Small dogs Chasing Moving

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Is an American Bully XL the right dog for you?
    The American Bully XL, a gentle giant, is one of four varieties of the American Bully breed — an extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier. […]
  • STOP! 7 reasons not to yell at your dog
    Your tone of voice and volume play a significant role in your dog's development and how you bond. Yelling at your dog can make your dog nervous and fearful. […]
  • Is now the right time to add a dog or puppy to your family?
    Right time to add a dog: Are you prepared to care for a pet? If you are not ready to make that commitment, you are not ready for a pet. […]
  • Try 10 dog walking tips for first-time dog owners or beginners
    Dog walking is a great way to keep your pet healthy. Use our list of 10 dog walking tips for beginners to avoid mistakes when starting out. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2022 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.