Dog Incontinence: Its Causes and How You Can Cope

Dog Incontinence

Dog incontinence happens when urine leaks uncontrollably from your dog's bladder. Dog incontinence usually occurs while the dog is sleeping or resting. An incontinent dog may begin licking its genitals more frequently.

Hormones in your dog's body (estrogen in females and testosterone in males) are responsible for bladder control. An older dog may become incontinent because their bodies are naturally producing less of the desired hormones. Female dogs are generally more prone to this type of incontinence. Rarely, dog incontinence occurs as a result of tumors or polyps in your dog's urinary tract. Prostate disease may be the cause of your dog's incontinence. Older dogs are at the highest risk for dog incontinence, but younger dogs may experience it as a result of birth defects or following a spay/neuter operation. Dogs with brain or spinal damage may also become incontinent. Incontinent dogs often suffer from frequent bladder infections. Incontinence in dogs can also lead to severe skin irritation and ulcers, as urine is very caustic. Your vet will most likely recommend a medication salve for the treatment of this condition.

Depending on the cause of your dog's incontinence, your vet may treat your dog with hormonal therapy. Hormonal replacement is a safe and effective treatment for dog incontinence. If your dog's bladder doesn't respond completely to the therapy, and still suffers from occasional incontinence, you can buy dog bloomers with absorbent pads to capture the leakage. Diapers for people can also be used if they're the right size and you cut a hole for the tail. Dog incontinence is usually a lifelong condition. It's important not to punish your dog for her incontinence. Remember, she's probably just as embarrassed about it as you would be if it were you.