Incontinence in Dogs
Incontinence, or lack of bladder control, is a common symptom in dogs. While
it’s more common in older pets, it’s something dog owners might notice with
dogs of any age. Incontinence can have a variety of causes. Let’s look at some
of the causes and treatments for this problem.
Symptoms of Incontinence
The most obvious symptom of incontinence is when a dog needs to urinate more frequently than usual. Owners may
observe that the dog suddenly needs to go out very often. Dogs may whine, bark or stand near the door to alert owners.
Other symptoms may include:
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Wet spots on the floor when the dog is unable to wait to go outside.
Urine leakage. This may occur while the dog is sleeping.
Signs of inflammation near the genital area.
Evidence of pain or discomfort when urinating.
Urine scalding. This refers to skin damage caused by urine leakage.
Pet owners should never ignore symptoms of incontinence, as this can be a sign of a serious medical condition. A
veterinarian can diagnose the cause.
Causes of Incontinence
Lack of bladder control in dogs can have a variety of causes. These include:
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UTI -Urinary tract infections.
Birth defects involving the bladder.
Old age
Obesity
Nerve disorders involving the bladder.
Degenerative myelopathy which is a progressive disease of the spinal cord.
Pressure caused by a cyst or tumor.
Neutering -this is usually a temporary symptom shortly after the dog has been neutered.
These are just some of the main causes of incontinence. The above are not mutually exclusive. For example, urinary tract
infections are more common in older dogs, though they can occur at any age.
Treatments for Incontinence
Treating incontinence depends on the cause. It’s always best to get a professional medical opinion to determine why a
dog has these symptoms. There are, however, some general guidelines that are useful to keep in mind regarding this
problem.
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In some cases the veterinarian will prescribe medication to get rid of the immediate problem, such as an infection. If
there is some type of blockage, surgery might be required.
Since obesity is a major risk factor for incontinence, putting the dog on a diet can be helpful. If the dog has an infection
or other medical problem, this will have to be treated. However, if the animal loses weight the problem is less likely to
reoccur in the future.
For dog owners whose pets are suffering from incontinence, it may be necessary to make certain adjustments to the
dog's walking or eating schedule. Dogs should be walked on a regular schedule. Symptoms of incontinence will require
more frequent walks. A change in diet may be necessary. Owners may observe that a change in diet can help to manage
the problem. A veterinarian may suggest a certain type or brand of dog food. It can also be helpful to reduce portions if
the dog is overweight.
Incontinence in dogs is a common symptom, but one that dog owners should always take seriously. If there is a medical
cause such as a UTI, medication may alleviate the problem. With some dogs, especially older ones, incontinence can be a
chronic issue. Even in these cases, however, symptoms can be managed with the right approach.
Complete Loss of Function
Loss of bladder function due to a nerve or spinal cord condition can create a permanent condition where the bladder no
longer functions on its own. In this case owners will need to learn to express the bladder for the animal manually or with
a catheter on a set schedule. Both of these options require the owner to learn the procedure from their veterinarian to
ensure they are done properly. These methods may seriously injure an animal if not done with care.
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