As dogs age, it’s not uncommon to notice your poor pooch having urinary accidents in the house or in their sleep. They can urinate more often or have wet or stained fur on their hindquarters. You can also look out for dribbling of urine, licking of their genital area more often or a strong urine odour.
Urinary incontinence in senior dogs is a common issue that can be caused by various factors related to aging and health. It’s important to address any symptoms to ensure your dog lives through their senior years in comfort and well-being.
We’ll run through the diagnosis, and how you can help your pooch.
Let’s dive in…
What is urinary incontinence in dogs?
Urinary or urethral incontinence (UI) is the loss of control over urination. Typically, this results in involuntary urine leakage (your dog wees).
Which dogs are most commonly affected by urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is most common in middle-aged to senior dogs. Typically, medium to large-breed female dogs.
Although, any dog can be affected.
What are the causes of urinary incontinence in dogs?
The potential causes of Urinary incontinence are:
- Weakened bladder muscles – As your dog ages their bladder muscles can weaken
- Hormonal changes – In female dogs, a decrease in estrogen levels, often seen after desexing can contribute to urinary incontinence.
- Urinary tract infections – Senior dogs are more susceptible to UTIs, which can lead to frequent urination and incontinence.
- Neurological issues – Conditions affecting any nerves that control the bladder can lead to incontinence. This may include spinal cord problems or degenerative diseases.
- Underlying medical conditions – Certain medical conditions, such as Diabetes, Kidney disease, Cushing disease, and bladder stones, can cause increased thirst and urination and lead to incontinence.
- Arthritis or mobility-limiting conditions: These medical conditions are often associated with frequent urination in senior dogs since they can make it more difficult for pets to get outside in time to do their business.
Diagnosing and Treating Urinary incontinence
If you notice any of these signs of incontinence, get your dog to the vet.
Your vet will perform a thorough physical examination, feel the urinary bladder, and look around the genital region for any redness or discharge.
They will also perform a comprehensive blood test, urine analysis, and possible imaging, which can help identify the underlying cause of urinary incontinence.
Once the cause has been determined, your vet may recommend appropriate treatment options including:
- medications
- dietary changes
- physical therapy
- or other to improve your dog’s quality of life
Just like us, our dogs can start to get a bit rickety as they age. And, again, just like us, they deserve great healthcare to ensure they live through their twilight years comfortably.
Diagnosing and treating your pooch for urinary incontinence can help them live more happily in their seniority.
If you have questions about urinary incontinence in dogs or want to book a consultation for diagnosis, please get in touch. Our team are always happy to help.
