Mary Allen
Incontinence in dogs describes a bladder weakness that occurs particularly frequently in old or sick four-legged friends. Most accidents happen while you’re sleeping or just after waking up. In this article, we will explain everything to do with incontinence in dogs and give you a few tips on how best to deal with an incontinent dog.
Causes of incontinence in dogs
The causes of incontinence in dogs can be different. It is important that a veterinarian is consulted if there is a suspicion of incontinence. It is also possible that incontinence points to a completely different disease.
When should a veterinarian be consulted for incontinence?
As soon as uncontrolled urination becomes more frequent, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Other diseases can also be behind the frequent urination.
Possible causes of incontinence can be:
Cystitis
With bladder infection, dogs find it difficult to control their urination and the four-legged friend feels the need to urinate more often than usual. Cystitis can occur in both male and female dogs regardless of age, but cystitis is more common in female dogs. Since the urine has a burning and itchy effect, the inflammation can be painful. Dogs often have the urge to urinate even though the bladder is not full.
Fluctuating hormone levels
A common cause of incontinence, especially in older dogs, is fluctuating hormone levels. In bitches, this can be caused by low estrogen levels. Low estrogen levels are particularly common in female spayed dogs. In older males, incontinence can be due to testosterone. It doesn’t matter if the male is neutered or not.
Neurological diseases or spinal problems
When dogs suffer from neurological diseases, the result can also be incontinence. This is because the nerve signals from the brain to the bladder stop working as usual, or in extreme cases stop working at all. Here, the four-legged friend no longer notices that he urinates at certain moments. In the case of problems with the spine, such as arthrosis or a herniated disc, dogs also find it difficult to control their urination.
Other causes of incontinence in dogs:
- Diabetes;
- Liver and kidney diseases;
- Polyps;
- Cancer in the urinary tract or prostate;
- Bladder stones;
- CDS (Canine Alzheimer’s);
- Anxiety or stress;
- Aging of the organs, nerves, or muscles.
Is incontinence in dogs treatable?
Whether incontinence is treatable depends on the cause. In most cases, however, this can be treated.
How does bladder weakness manifest itself?
In most cases, bladder weakness manifests itself during sleep or when waking up. The amount of urine can vary because even a few drops can indicate bladder weakness. Since young dogs can also suffer from incontinence due to illnesses or malformations, puppies with congenital anomalies, for example, have the problem of permanent urine dripping.
How do I know if my dog is incontinent?
If the four-legged friend urinates uncontrollably, it may be that he suffers from incontinence. This is particularly common during sleep or after waking up.
Incontinence in older dogs
As organs, nerves, and muscles age and do not function as they used to, incontinence is a common problem in older dogs. The muscle tension decreases and the nerve impulses only work very weakly. The consequence of this is that the bladder sphincter is loosened and urine is thus released uncontrollably. CDS (canine Alzheimer’s) is also a common problem in older dogs. The four-legged friends are no longer aware that they were usually taught not to do their business in the house or apartment. In phases in which the dogs are mentally absent, urine can also be excreted.
Prone Dog Breeds to Incontinence
In fact, there are dog breeds that are particularly prone to incontinence. If one or both ureters do not open into the urinary bladder, one speaks of ectopic ureters. Some breeds often struggle with this congenital malformation. The result is incontinence.
Dog breeds that are predestined for incontinence:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden retriever
- Siberian husky
- Newfoundland
- Poodle
- Bulldogs
- Entlebuch mountain dog
- Briard
- West Highland White Terriers
- Fox Terrier
Treatment options and prevention
Treatment options depend on the cause of the incontinence and the age of the dog. If the four-legged friend has a tumor or a deformity, surgical treatment helps in most cases. Radiation or chemotherapy can help with cancer. In the case of urinary stones, a stone-dissolving diet or surgery to remove the stones may be considered.
If your four-legged friend suffers from inflammation, anti-inflammatory medication can help. A bacterial infection can usually be treated with antibiotics. Hormonal fluctuations can be minimized by administering missing hormones. If castration is the trigger for incontinence, bladder weakness can be treated with acupuncture, neural therapy, or medication. In principle, every treatment option should be approved and controlled by a veterinarian.
Since castration is the most common cause of incontinence, it should be carefully considered beforehand whether castration is really necessary. Especially with breeds that have ectopic ureters, the decision should be well thought out. Urinary stones or inflammation can be prevented if the dog drinks a lot of water and eats a healthy and balanced diet.
What helps with incontinence in dogs?
Drugs or antibiotics usually help. Various therapies such as acupuncture or neural therapy can also help. In extreme cases, the dog must be operated on.
Home remedies for dog incontinence
Pumpkin seeds can have a positive effect on the dog’s health. The secondary plant substances contained in the pumpkin seeds, such as phytoestrogens and phytosterols, can help with incontinence. The pumpkin seeds should be crushed beforehand and then mixed into the feed. If the seeds are not cut small, many nutrients can be lost. Alternatively, pumpkin seed oil can be used. This strengthens the prostate and the bladder sphincter. Cranberries can also be helpful as they have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the bladder. Bladder teas can also work wonders, but these should only be administered when cooled.
Tips for dealing with an incontinent dog
It is important that a lot of patience is applied because the four-legged friend does not urinate everywhere on purpose. This behavior has nothing to do with dominance behavior or uncleanliness. Therefore, the dog should not be scolded under any circumstances. To keep mishaps from happening, many walks must be integrated into the daily routine. However, this should happen not only during the day but also at night.
Dog diapers can also help out in the meantime, but the dog should first get used to them slowly. It is important that the dog is praised for wearing the diaper so that he associates something positive with it. Water consumption must not be restricted under any circumstances, since incontinence has nothing to do with it. Every dog should have constant access to clean and fresh drinking water.
What to do about incontinence in dogs?
Patience is the be-all and end-all. If the dog is incontinent, you should make sure that you walk the dog several times a day and at night. In addition, the therapy prescribed by the veterinarian should be pursued.