Incontinece in Dogs
- As a dog ages, its hormones decrease. Both estrogen and testosterone maintain the muscle strength around the urethra, which helps stop the flow of urine from the bladder. Natural aging causes a decrease in these reproductive hormones. Spaying and neutering also dramatically affects the hormone levels; these procedures remove the main source of estrogen in a female dog by removing the ovaries, and, in male dogs, by removing the testes. The lack of hormones within the dog's body often causes it to suffer from incontinence, or the inability to hold its urine.
- Some female dogs often suffer from urinary incontinence at 3 to 5 years of age due to lack of estrogen. Most, however, do not begin to show signs until they are around 8 to 9 years old. Male dogs rarely suffer from hormonally-induced urinary incontinence before the age of 10.
- When an older dog begins to excessively lick itself or leaves small puddles of urine on the floor, it must be evaluated by a veterinarian. Sudden urinary incontinence can be the result of a tumor or bladder polyp. The tumor or polyp may be benign and treatable with surgery, or it may be a malignancy. If it is a malignancy, the veterinarian can determine the best course of treatment.
- Incontinent dogs often suffer from secondary medical issues such as bacterial infections of the bladder or kidneys. The infection occurs because the weak muscles around the urethra cause it to remain open; this allows bacteria to travel into the bladder and up to the kidneys if not treated. The constant dribble of acidic urine on the dog's legs and abdomen also cause skin irritation, which is made worse from the dog's continuous licking to clean the urine away from itself.
- Both male and female dogs are often prescribed phenylpropanolamine to help control urinary incontinence. The addition of hormone-replacement therapy also proves successful. Side effects are generally rare from such treatment. Once the dog is started on prescription medication, it must remain on the drugs for the rest of its life to maintain bladder control.
- Despite medications prescribed by a veterinarian, many dogs continue to suffer occasional dribbles of urine, so pet owners might want to consider purchasing pet panties from pet supply stores. The panties often come with disposable liners to help absorb the flow of urine. Doggy diapers offer thicker protection.
- Young dogs or puppies who suffer from incontinence often have congenital defects. A common defect is when the ureter, which connects the kidney to the bladder, bypasses the bladder completely and connects into the dog's urethra (or even the vagina in female dogs), according to Washington State University. This causes the urine to dribble out. This condition can often be rectified surgically.