Urinary Incontinence in Dogs
Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. So if your dog is incontinent, it means they are not even aware they are urinating. This incontinence occurs often in places where pets are resting (like in their bed or on the couch), and it tends to be a normal or large amount of urine.
The onset of incontinence can be confusing and sometimes very frustrating. Your previously house trained dog starts urinating inside without showing you their typical signs to go out. Instead of scolding them, a trip to the veterinarian should be scheduled to get to the root of the issue.
Causes of urinary incontinence
Urinary tract infection
Uroliths (urinary bladder stones)
Excessive drinking of water (which can be caused by diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s disease, diabetes insipidus, and kidney failure)
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)
Weak bladder sphincter
How to tell if your dog has incontinence
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.
Treatment options to discuss with your vet
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is a drug veterinarians commonly trial; it is well-tolerated by many pets and has been widely used in veterinary medicine.
Estrogens can increase the number or sensitivity of the receptors in the urethra, or testosterone for males. Often, these medications do not need to be given as frequently as other medications. However, these drugs can also have side effects on the bone marrow, so you’ll want to monitor blood work once starting one of these medications.
Surgical therapy can be considered if dogs do not respond to medical therapy. Surgery can include a procedure called colposuspension, or injection of bulking agents such as collagen into the urethra, or stem cell therapy.
Dog diapers can be effective tools to help manage cleanliness, but you will need to carefully monitor for urine scalding or skin infection. This can happen if urine is sitting against your dog’s skin for too long. This moist environment can be uncomfortable for your pet or allow for an infection to develop.
Make sure to work with your veterinarian to implement a care plan, as well as a dog walker or pet sitter. They can help give you extra eyes and ears on your pup, plus give them extra opportunities to go relieve themselves throughout the day.
