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Dogs leaking urine, or canine urinary incontinence as it is often known, is a condition in which a dog involuntarily loses control of their bladder, resulting in little accidents being left around the home.
This can be a frustrating and uncomfortable issue for both dog and owner, and it is important to get a proper diagnosis from your vet to rule out more serious health issues.
There are many reasons why your pup may be experiencing a leaking bladder, many of which are very treatable. We are going to take a look at some of the causes of leaking urine in dogs, the symptoms to look out for, as well as treatment to help get your furry little friend back to their old self.
Here are some of the most common reasons:
Sudden increased thirst could be an indicator of underlying conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease.
This could be caused by things such as childbirth or degenerative disorders.
These infections come with nasty symptoms like frequent painful urination and should be treated quickly to avoid further complications.
Caused by an over-saturation of certain minerals which then crystallize and form coarse stones. This condition is very uncomfortable for your dog and will likely cause frequent, if involuntary, urination.
A swollen prostate puts pressure on the bladder, resulting in a frequent urge to urinate in male dogs.
Most common in female dogs, natural processes such as spaying or childbirth can affect a female dog’s hormones and make her need to urinate more often or without meaning to.
A loss of mobility or sensation in the spine or lower body could be causing your dogs inability to control their bladder.
Certain medications can contribute to involuntary urination in dogs.
Here are some of things to look out for when it comes to your dog’s toileting habits:
The number one and most obvious symptom of urinary incontinence is an increase in your dog’s need to pee, and they may find they get caught short and are unable to hold it. This is a telltale sign that something may be amiss internally and should be monitored closely.
Another thing to keep an eye on is your pup’s drinking habits. Excessive consumption of water could be causing some of the little accidents, and increased thirst can be a symptom of underlying health conditions.
While your dog may need to pee often, you may notice they are struggling to pass much urine, if at all. They may also be obviously in pain or discomfort.
Your dog may excessively lick their genitals when suffering from urinary issues, so keep an eye on whether this behavior presents itself alongside additional symptoms.
Dogs leaking urine should be taken to see a medical professional as soon as possible, to rule out any underlying causes for the issue. It could be something small and easily treatable, however it is always better to be safe than sorry.
A vet will take a look at your dog’s medical history to discern whether there could be pre-existing or hereditary causes for their pee problems, followed by a physical examination to gain further insight into the dog’s physical state. This will likely then be followed by urine and blood tests, as well as further testing if they feel it is needed. After discerning the root cause, they will make a diagnosis and offer guidance on the best course of treatment. This may be a short treatment for a minimal ailment, or possibly longer term or lifelong treatment to manage more serious conditions.
Depending on your dog’s diagnosed condition, your vet will be able to offer appropriate treatment to help cure or manage the issue. For more manageable issues such as urinary tract infections, they will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to mop up the bad bacteria with the hopes the infection clears in its own time.
Hormone issues and imbalances can be treated with hormone therapy, depending on the issue at hand. Female dogs can be offered estrogen supplementation in the form of certain medications to help relieve their symptoms of urinary incontinence, and likewise male dogs can receive testosterone to ease pee problems.
When it comes to more serious conditions, for example diabetes, Cushings and kidney disease, these can take longer to amend, and in some cases may even require lifelong management. If it seems that your dog’s daily routine may be significantly affected by the discovery of a health disorder, your vet will be able to equip you with the tools and medicine needed to manage their condition and keep them happy and healthy from day to day. This can be confronting and scary, but with the right knowledge and advice you will be able to look after your pup’s needs.
Certain conditions, such as bladder stones or bodily deterioration, may require your dog to receive surgery if they cannot be effectively managed with medications. Surgery is often used as a last resort, and of course it can be distressing to see your dog undergo surgeries, however if it will improve their quality of life it can be an important and necessary step to recovery.
Leaking urine in dogs cannot always be prevented, with certain unavoidable issues such as hereditary illnesses and pre-existing health conditions all contributing to toilet troubles.
However, there are still things you can control. Giving your dog regular opportunity to urinate - whether this be walks, a trip into the garden or installing indoor pee pads - will make sure that your dog isn’t having to hold their urine for long periods of time, keeping them in a regular toileting routine.
Maintaining your dog’s genital hygiene will help reduce the risk of bacteria being able to enter the urinary tract and cause infection. And it goes without saying that regular water intake and good nutrition are vital to the smooth internal runnings of your pup!
There are certain categories of dog that are naturally more prone to urinary incontinence, and so it is our job as pet parents to be aware of this and keep an eye out for symptoms.
If a female dog has been spayed, she may experience ‘Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence’ later in life. This is caused by a drop in a dog's estrogen levels, resulting in urethra muscle tone loss and, therefore, less control over their bladder.
As our dogs age, it is natural for their bladder control to decrease as the muscles get weaker, meaning little accidents may become more frequent. Not only this, cognitive function may deteriorate and doggy dementia could be a contender - the subsequent confusion can result in a lack of awareness around their peeing habits.
Just like other common illnesses and defects that only present in certain breeds of dogs, urinary incontinence is not different, and some breeds may be more prone than others. Breeds such as Dalmatians, Old English Sheepdogs, Boxers, German Shepherds, Bearded Collies and Rottweilers have all been known to be more susceptible to urinary incontinence.
If your canine companion is suffering with urinary incontinence, your first port of call should be to get them checked out. Consult with your vet about the possible causes and once you have a diagnosis you can move forward with the more effective treatment.
Then it is all about keeping your pup comfortable and your home as pee-free as possible. One of the best things you can do is to consider investing in pee pads or doggy diapers for your dog to use around the home. This can offer your dog security and consistent access to a toilet should they need it. Dog diapers are particularly useful for those suffering with more severe and involuntary causes of urine leaking.
Potty Buddy has a wide range of Reusable Pee Pads and Doggy Diapers to choose from, made from comfortable, durable and super absorbent odor-neutralizing materials for maximum results.
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