If you’re a dog owner, you know that accidents can happen – but what if your furry friend is struggling with urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a common condition in dogs, particularly in older females, and can be caused by a variety of factors. Luckily, there are multiple treatment options accessible to tackle this condition and assist your dog in living a happy, healthy life.
In this post, we’ll explore what urinary incontinence is, the potential causes, and the different ways to treat and manage it.
What Is Urinary Incontinence in Dogs?
Urinary incontinence is a condition where your dog has difficulty controlling their bladder. This can lead to involuntary leaking or dribbling of urine or even full-blown accidents. You may notice your dog urinating in unusual places, such as inside the house or on their bedding, or you may see wet spots or stains on their fur or skin.
While urinary incontinence is more common in older female dogs, it can occur in dogs of any age, breed, or gender. Dogs with urinary incontinence are not purposely trying to go to the bathroom in inappropriate places – they simply can’t control their bladder.
Hence, it is more than important to properly diagnose the disease and take the best course of action to tackle it. To diagnose urinary incontinence in dogs, several tests and evaluations need to be performed by a veterinarian.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, the tests conducted will depend on the age of the dog and the clinical signs observed. When a dog is suspected of having urinary incontinence, veterinarians use various diagnostic tests to determine the cause and develop an effective treatment plan. These include bladder dye study to assess bladder function, urine sample collection for bacterial culture, and blood tests to detect kidney damage. X-rays or ultrasounds may also be used to examine the urinary tract.
If you suspect your dog is experiencing urinary incontinence, try to seek advice from a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Primary Causes of the Disease in Dogs
Urinary incontinence in dogs can be a frustrating and concerning issue for pet owners. If you notice that your dog is leaking urine or having accidents inside the house, you should try to understand the potential causes so that you can work with your veterinarian to find an effective treatment plan.
Listed below are a few of the common causes of the disease in dogs:
- Hormonal imbalances: A hormonal imbalance, particularly in female dogs that have been spayed, is one of the prevalent causes of urinary incontinence in dogs. When a female dog is spayed, her body stops producing the hormone estrogen, which helps to maintain muscle tone in the bladder and urethra. Without enough estrogen, the muscles can weaken and lead to leakage.
- Neurological problems: Urinary incontinence can also be caused by neurological problems that affect the bladder and urethra. This could include conditions like spinal cord injuries, degenerative myelopathy, or even certain types of tumors.
- Aging: As dogs get older, their bodies experience several changes, including changes in the urinary system. Older dogs may experience weaker bladder muscles or decreased bladder capacity, which can lead to urinary incontinence.
The American Kennel Club has also provided a list of potential causes of urinary incontinence in dogs. These causes may include the use of steroids, urinary tract infections, abnormal anatomy, prostate disorders, urinary stones, and a weak bladder. These factors can all contribute to urinary incontinence in dogs, and it is important to work with a veterinarian to determine the specific cause and develop an effective treatment plan.
Understanding the underlying causes of urinary incontinence can help pet owners to take the necessary steps to manage the condition and improve their dog’s quality of life.
Treatment Options for the Disease in Dogs
Urinary incontinence can be an irritating and uncomfortable health issue for your beloved pet. If your dog is struggling with urinary incontinence, you need to understand the causes and available treatment options.
Even though there are numerous ways to manage urinary incontinence in dogs, it is advisable to seek advice from your veterinarian to identify the most suitable plan of action.
One common treatment option for managing urinary incontinence in dogs is behavior modification. This may include changes in feeding schedules, exercise routines, or methods for encouraging your dog to urinate more frequently. Your veterinarian can offer advice on how to adjust your dog’s conduct to assist in managing incontinence.
In certain instances, surgery might be suggested to treat this disease in dogs. The procedure may involve repairing or removing the affected organs, like the bladder or urethra. Surgery is usually suggested only for severe instances of urinary incontinence that cannot be controlled through other means of treatment.
Another option for urinary incontinence in dogs is medication. To assist in managing the condition, your veterinarian might prescribe medications like Proin. Proin for dogs works by tightening the urethral sphincter muscles, which can help prevent urine leakage. However, you must follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully while administering this medication, as an overdose can lead to serious side effects.
Administering Proin with caution is vital as it can have potential adverse effects. Proin’s most common adverse reactions include anxiety, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, decreased appetite, polydipsia, vomiting, and hyperexcitability. If the recommended dosage is not maintained, it can lead to imbalanced phenylpropanolamine levels, which can result in less common side effects like lethargy, pale gums, difficulty urinating, and strokes.
The recommended dose for dogs is .4 to .8 mg per lb., administered either thrice daily or every 12 hours. Alternatively, some suggestions recommend a dose of .91 mg per lb. twice a day. However, following the exact recommendation of your veterinarian will always work in your favor.
The information related to side effects and dosages is sourced from PetCareRX, a platform that deals in various pet supplies. PetCareRX has also published a detailed blog on urinary incontinence in dogs that can be helpful for dog owners whose pets are suffering from this disease.
Prevention and Management of the Disease in Dogs
While there is no foolproof way to prevent urinary incontinence in dogs, there are several steps you can take to manage the condition and minimize its impact on your pet’s life.
Maintaining a healthy weight is a means to prevent or manage urinary incontinence in dogs. Extra weight on the body can cause more pressure on the bladder, which can result in involuntary release of urine. By keeping your dog at a healthy weight, you can decrease the possibility of them developing urinary incontinence or worsening an existing condition.
Providing frequent opportunities for urination can also help prevent urinary incontinence. Taking your dog for regular walks and allowing them to relieve themselves frequently throughout the day can reduce the likelihood of leaks and accidents.
Providing a comfortable and secure environment is another way to manage urinary incontinence in dogs. This may include providing them with access to clean and dry bedding, as well as keeping their living space free from clutter or obstacles that could contribute to accidents.
For pet owners and veterinarians alike, understanding the reasons and alternatives for treating urinary incontinence in dogs is essential. One common cause of incontinence in young dogs is the ectopic ureter, a birth defect that causes the ureter to be displaced.
According to a recent study published in BioMed Central, surgery can improve urinary incontinence in dogs, but not all dogs will regain complete control. The study followed 51 dogs who underwent surgery to correct ectopic ureters and found that the surgery alone resolved urinary incontinence in 47% of cases.
Identifying the various factors that contribute to the success or failure of urinary incontinence treatment is crucial in order to predict the outcome of the surgery accurately.
Conclusion
Urinary incontinence is a common issue in dogs, especially among older females and neutered males.
There could be many causes of this disease, as mentioned in this article. Treatment options include medications, hormone therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
However, you must consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the incontinence and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With proper care, many dogs with urinary incontinence can lead happy and healthy lives.