There are many causes of incontinence in dogs. The first thing to note when you find urine in inappropriate places is where the pee is located and how much urine there is. It is important to watch your dog when they are urinating to gather clues as to the nature of the problem. Several medical conditions can result in inappropriate urination or urinary incontinence in a dog:.
Urinary tract infection. Spinal cord disease or damage inflammation, trauma, pain, vertebral abnormality, paralysis, cancer. Ectopic ureters and other anatomic abnormalities a physical defect in the tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder; most commonly found in young dogs. Other conditions can look like incontinence in dogs but may be caused by a different issue. Most of the following instances of inappropriate elimination are voluntary urinations in which the pet is aware, but loses control.
Submissive or excitement urination : This is a voluntary urination that has a behavioral component. Submissive urination often involves a small amount of urine and only happens when your dog is near a person or excited about an event.
Lack of proper house-training : Some dogs have not been consistently and positively trained to eliminate in appropriate spots. This can look like a normal amount of urine, and it tends to happen near a door or somewhere away from where your dog eats, sleeps, and plays. Cognitive changes : Older pets can experience cognitive changes that alter their ability to recognize appropriate places to urinate. You will find a normal amount of urine in any place throughout the house.
Pain : Pain can lead to inappropriate elimination as well, as some pets find it difficult to posture or physically move to the correct location. Sometimes this can look like your dog is dripping urine as they try to make their way outside. If you find urine around the house, or you suspect urinary incontinence, you need to take your dog to the vet to discuss the details of your observations.
This usually starts with urinary testing a urinalysis and urine culture and blood work. These tests can decode many medical causes of the changes in urination. Other tests may be required depending on the results of these tests. Once your vet understands more clearly what the medical condition is, they can address it specifically:.
Urinary tract infection : Antibiotics are used to clear a urinary tract infection. Bladder stones : Diet and medication can help with some bladder stones. If after a few weeks the patient is still incontinent, a veterinarian may inject saline into the port to apply pressure around the urethra.
This can help with ruling in or out an anatomical problem, sphincter mechanism incontinence, or more straightforward problems like a urinary tract infection. The workup should include a physical examination. Once that is conducted, and if concern remains that there may be more to the incontinence, recommended diagnostics may include a urinary tract ultrasound, contrast studies or a cystoscopy.
Nichol, too, emphasized workups before treatment. One of the biggest hurdles that veterinarians face on the subject of urinary incontinence is a lack of client awareness that something can be done, Nichol said. Bed wetting is seldom mentioned in the exam room, he added.
It is our responsibility as practitioners to specifically ask every client if their dog leaks when resting or sleeping. Originally published in the June issue of Veterinary Practice News. Did you enjoy this article? Then subscribe today! Take the tension out of hypertension treatment. You must be logged in to post a comment. Leave itching behind. By Don Jergler Some dogs that suffer urinary incontinence have a congenital anatomical problem that may require surgical correction. Physical Issues Urethral sphincter mechanism incontinence, or urethral sphincter hypotonus, is more common than many practitioners believe, said Albuquerque, N.
You May Also Like Canine cancer biomarkers to be explored. If an infection is causing the dog's problem, then an antibiotic usually will help improve her functions. If the nerves in the spine are being compressed due to inflammation, your veterinarian will prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce the pressure on the nerves.
Once the underlying cause of the lack of bladder control is treated properly, your dog may regain her ability to urinate normally again. As always, be sure to inform your veterinarian about any medications or supplements your dog is currently taking so your veterinarian can make the best treatment decision for your pet's unique case and help reduce the risk of a potential drug interaction.
Evan Ware is a veterinary practitioner in Phoenix, Arizona. His areas of expertise include orthopedic medicine and surgery, veterinary oncology and chemotherapy, and general and advanced soft-tissue surgery. This content is intended for counseling purposes only. No claims are made as to the safety or efficacy of mentioned preparations. You are encouraged to speak with your prescriber as to the appropriate use of any medication. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
About Human Health Careers Contact. Customer Care : Create an Online Account. Refill and Renew Pet Prescriptions Ordering your pet's prescription drugs from Wedgewood Pharmacy is safe, and convenient. Have a new prescription from your vet? Other, more serious causes of urinary incontinence can include: Urinary tract infection Injury to or disruption of the nerves around the bladder Overactive bladder syndrome Lesions in the brain or on the spinal cord Chronic inflammatory disease Tumor or other mass putting pressure on the bladder Birth defect, underdevelopment of the bladder Fluctuating hormone levels Psychological or emotional issues Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Control Issues in Dogs If you think your dog might be suffering from lack of bladder control, you may start to notice several tell-tale signs.
Involuntary urination Wet spots in bedding or sleeping area Wet hair on lower abdomen or between the legs Licking and skin inflammation around the genitals Frequent urinary tract infections Discussing Bladder Control Issues with Your Dog's Veterinarian Once you've completed the checklist above, print it out and take it to your veterinarian so you can discuss your dog's health with your veterinarian.
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