When we talk about Urinary incontinence in dogs we are not referring to the accidents pups have during or before house training. In this guide, we will be talking about dog incontinence with reference to the loss of voluntary control over the act of voiding. Often male dogs voluntarily urinate to show aggression, dominance or mark their territory. That is again different from urinary incontinence. In dog incontinence, the pet accidentally or involuntarily wets its bed or might have an accident before s/he can go outside. In any case, it can be difficult for pet parents to deal with the condition. So let us take a look at ways to deal with female and male dog incontinence using the best dog incontinence products.
Factors that cause canine incontinence
Many factors can cause dog incontinence:
Hormonal issues
This is usually seen in middle aged spayed females. It is more or less like bed wetting in humans in that; the urine just dribbles out when the dog is relaxed or sleeping. In older male dogs, deficiency of testosterone can also cause urinary incontinence. Similarly, in females, following neutering surgery, there is a decrease in estrogen which a hormone needed to maintain muscle tone of the sphincter. This leads to lack of control in holding the urine in. Treating hormonal urinary incontinence in dogs usually involves administering estrogen in females and testosterone in males. However, in case of females, administering estrogen is linked to risk of bone marrow suspension.
Stress
Dogs undergoing stress often involuntarily pass urine. Stress and upsetting situation causes the abdominal walls to contract which in turn relaxes the urethral muscles and causes voiding. Puppies and dogs that have been abused show stress related urinary dog incontinence. For such cases, vets prescribe dog incontinence medication with phenylpropanolamine. However, drugs containing phenylpropaloamine tend to be misused as they are also used in certain human diet supplements. Therefore, these drugs are frequently taken off the market and are often unavailable. Do talk to your vet about alternatives to this medicine if your pet’s incontinence is causing serious issues.
Nerve related incontinence
Tests can show if your pet has a compromised nerve supply to the bladder which interferes with the contraction and relaxation of the muscles. Such a condition can cause intermittent uncontrolled dribbling of urine. This type of urine incontinence is rather difficult to treat. Your dog might need several dog incontinence products like incontinence beds, wee pads, diapers, medication and antibiotics as well as catheter. Dogs with spinal cord injuries stop showing this symptom once they have had corrective surgery.
Obstructed or distended bladder
These are other factors that could cause incontinence in canines. Tumors, urethral stones or strictures can also lead to bladder distension. Your vet might prescribe tests to ensure that the incontinence is not caused by neurological issue since both types of incontinences have same signs and symptoms. In distended bladder though, the nerves to the bladder are usually unaffected. With right medicine and the use of catheter, this type of incontinence can be managed.
Failing kidneys
Dogs with kidney failure need to pee more often. In many cases, they are not able to reach the yard on time and end up voiding in the house. Signs of kidney related incontinence include drinking huge amounts of fluids and having a larger-than-normal urinary output.
Breed related congenital issues
Ectopic ureters can also cause canine incontinence in bitches. Many breeds are prone to ectopic ureters, a condition where one or both ureters enter the vagina instead of the bladder. The coditio usually impacts Siberian Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, Fox Terriers and Toy Poodles. Post-surgical pelvic adhesions can also cause ectopic ureters in females.
Other factors
Diabetes, Cushing ’s disease and cystitis can also cause dog incontinence. Based on the cause, your vet will suggest the right treatment. Most common treatment options are estrogen replacement therapy, dog incontinence medication to improve sphincter and bladder muscle tone and antibiotics to cure cystitis.
Tips to deal with dog incontinence
Many senior dogs end up in shelters because of dog incontinence where they are usually euthanized. This is a very sad thing since incontinence is actually fairly easy to deal with provided you invest in the right dog incontinence products.
- Do not punish or rebuke your dog when s/he has an accident. Fear of punishment can cause even more accidents.
- Provide disposable wee pads and water proof dog beds for your senior or incontinent dogs.
- Add a doggy door for easy come and go access to the yard.
- Place newspapers in the bathroom and teach your pet to pee or poo on it.
- For severe cases, use dog incontinence medication as advised by vet.
- Catheters can also help make life a bit easier for dogs with severe incontinence caused by surgery, trauma, drugs or diseases.
- Herbal supplements with cranberry can help with cystitis or UTI related incontinence.
Dog incontinence products to make life easier
Following dog incontinence products can come in handy when dealing with this issue:
Dog incontinence pads
rocket&rex Washable Pee Pads
These pee pads have multiple uses and you can use it for incontinence, housetraining young dogs, diabetic dogs, sick dogs, whelping bitches or females in heat. They have a superior odor control technology and you can place them under your dog’s bed or wherever your pooch sleeps. It is also great to place under dog’s food bowl as well or during your travel with pet in the car. They have 4 absorbent layers and waterproof covers.
Incontinence dog diapers
Disposable dog diapers by Simple Solution
These are perfect for female dogs on heat as well as incontinence. They have spill proof and leak proof seams and offer versatile comfort on long travels. The diapers have a tail hole so your dog can still express her joy upon seeing you.
Cons– Do not stay on. Come in different sizes which may or may not fit your dog despite the breed specifications.
Diaper Keeper
A common complaint of dog owners is that the diaper does not stay in place. Use this product for ease:
SurgiSnuggly Dog Diaper Keeper
- Invented by a vet
- Holds the diaper in place.
- Comes in different sizes for various breeds from small to X-large
- You can choose from 3 attractive colors.
- Proudly made in the USA
WeGreeco Washable Dog Diapers
Reusable or washable diapers are eco-friendly and money saving products. They contain super absorbent pads on the inside and leak-proof, waterproof covers on the outside. The washable diapers come in set of 3 different colors and patterns as well as in 5 different sizes from small to extra large. These dog diapers fit well and also have a tail hole.
Incontinence dogs female pills
PETCARE Sciences Pills for Bladder Strengthening and Kidney Support
These high quality pills are completely natural and contain licorice root, marshmallow root, and cranberry and astragalus powders. They are specially formulated for spayed females. Many pet owners report seeing an immediate difference in their dog’s leaks after just a few doses. They are also tasty so dogs think it is a treat!
Cons-Did not work for many dogs.
We hope these dog incontinence products help make your life easier.
