Incontinence in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment 

Is Incontinence in Dogs Dangerous?

Bladder weakness itself is initially not dangerous for your dog. However, the condition can be unpleasant and at times nerve-racking for both owner and dog. As incontinence in dogs can be a secondary symptom of a serious illness, a thorough examination by a vet is essential.

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Causes: How Does Incontinence Develop in Dogs?

The word “incontinence” comes from Latin and is derived from “continentia”, which means “to hold back”. It therefore describes the inability to pass urine or faeces in a controlled manner.

Far more common than faecal incontinence in dogs is urinary incontinence, which is also colloquially referred to as bladder weakness . To understand the causes of incontinence in dogs, it helps to take a look at the anatomy.

Anatomy of the Urinary Tract

The urinary bladder is divided into the bladder body and the bladder neck. From both kidneys, the ureters enter the bladder neck from the sides and transport urine into the bladder. When the dog urinates, the urine flows outwards through the urethra.

By tightening and relaxing various muscles, the body regulates the storage and excretion of urine. These include the bladder muscles as well as the internal and external urethral sphincters. The muscles are controlled by the nervous system:

• The sympathetic nervous system causes the sphincter muscles to tighten so the bladder can fill.
• The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for emptying the bladder: the bladder muscles contract and the sphincters relax.

If this process is disrupted, it is referred to as primary urinary incontinence. If incontinence occurs as a result of an illness, it is known as secondary urinary incontinence.

Primary Urinary Incontinence

Bladder weakness often occurs after neutering in female dogs. On the one hand, removing the ovaries leads to a lack of oestrogen, which can result in a weakening of the connective tissue and muscles. On the other hand, the female dog’s urethra is significantly shorter and straighter than that of a male dog, which is why female dogs are more frequently affected than neutered males.

Another cause of primary incontinence in dogs is what is known as an ectopic ureter: instead of opening into the bladder, it opens directly into the urethra. Depending on how far down the urethra the ureter opens, one or both sphincter muscles are bypassed, which affects the severity of the incontinence. This congenital malformation particularly affects Labrador Retrievers, Dobermanns, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers.

Secondary Urinary Incontinence

In addition to malformations or functional disorders of the bladder, various diseases can trigger bladder weakness in dogs. These include:

• Tumours, if they restrict the bladder or damage the nerves
• Bladder infection in dogs (cystitis)
• Bladder stones in dogs (urolithiasis)
• Kidney disease in dogs (nephropathy)
• Diabetes mellitus in dogs( diabetes)
• Accidents or injuries to the nerves caused by a slipped disc in dogs (and the associated back pain)
• Side effects of medication (diuretics, corticosteroid preparations)

In addition, stress can also lead to incontinence in dogs.

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Symptoms: What Are the Key Signs of Incontinence in Dogs?

Incontinence in dogs presents either as a continuous flow of urine or as the passing of urine in small drips. If bladder weakness is age-related or caused by neutering, it often occurs during sleep.

In the case of a inflammatory cause, the dog usually shows additional symptoms. Typical signs include:

• severe pain
• a general deterioration in condition
• loss of appetite
• the dog has a fever
• increased, painful straining to urinate (stranguria)

At What Age Do Dogs Become Incontinent?

Depending on the cause, bladder weakness can affect dogs of any age. It can occur in young animals with a congenital malformation and usually presents as continuous, painless urination.

In senior dogs , incontinence is often a result of dementia. This condition means the dog does not feel the urge to urinate, or feels it too late – the bladder effectively overflows and the dog suddenly urinates indoors.

Osteoarthritis in dogs and a general weakening of the muscles with age further exacerbate the problem. In older female dogs, the bladder sphincter can also be weakened as a result of neutering.

Diagnosis: How Can the Vet Determine the Cause of Incontinence in Dogs?

To find a suitable therapy for a dog’s incontinence, thorough investigation of the underlying cause is essential. To do this, the vet will first ask about the duration, frequency and other important details (medical history).

How Does the Examination Work?

After taking the history, this is followed by a general examination as well as a specific examination of the urinary tract:

• For a urine test, the vet takes a sterile urine sample using a syringe and ultrasound equipment. They look for structural changes in the bladder and the surrounding organs.
• Under the microscope and in the sediment, the vet can see whether bacteria or bladder stones are present. The specific gravity of the urine provides clues about the kidney’s ability to concentrate: if it is reduced, diabetes insipidus may be the cause; if it is increased, an increased loss of fluids (dehydration) or various liver diseases in dogs are likely causes.
• X-rays of the dog as an imaging technique are used to rule out tumours and positional changes of the bladder.

Therapy: What Can Be Done if a Dog Becomes Incontinent?

As bladder weakness in dogs can arise for many different reasons, treatment is dependent on the underlying condition.

Treating Incontinence in Dogs: What Helps?

The choice of treatment always depends on the animal’s general health and age. Possible treatment options include the following:

• Malformations and tumours are usually treated by the vet surgically. In the case of tumours, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are additional treatment options.
• If bladder stones are the cause of your dog’s incontinence, they are either removed surgically or treated with a special stone-dissolving diet.

Which Medication Does a Dog Receive for Incontinence?

• In the case of a bladder infection, the vet will use anti-inflammatory medication and, if bacteria are involved, also antibiotics.
• If hormonal disorders lead to bladder weakness in your dog, the vet replaces the missing hormone with replacement preparations. However, treatment with oestrogen in particular is often associated with side effects. For this reason, every treatment must be monitored by a vet.
• The symptoms of neutering-related incontinence in dogs can be alleviated or even prevented through acupuncture, neural therapy, medication and surgical treatment.

Home Remedies: What Else Can You Do for a Dog with Incontinence?

There are numerous natural remedies that have a positive effect on bladder health and can contribute to successful treatment. However, it is essential that the cause of your dog’s incontinence is first diagnosed by a vet.

Once a diagnosis has been made, herbal remedies may be a useful addition to the prescribed measures. Some dog owners also report success with accompanying homeopathic treatment.

Prognosis: Can Incontinence Go Away Again?

Whether and to what extent your dog’s incontinence can be cured depends on the cause and severity of the bladder weakness. If the nerves are irreparably damaged by an accident, for example, improvement is unlikely. By contrast, a bladder infection or bladder stones are very treatable.

Is Incontinence a Reason to Put an Old Dog to Sleep?

Incontinence on its own is generally not a reason to put an old dog to sleep. Urinary incontinence is relatively common in older dogs and is often treatable or at least well manageable.

Prevention: How can I prevent Incontinence in Dogs?

Neutering-related incontinence is one of the most common causes of bladder weakness in dogs. The risk is particularly high in large breeds such as the Dobermann, Rottweiler, Boxer or Giant Schnauzer. It is therefore important to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of neutering your dog. Your vet will be happy to advise you.

You can help prevent bladder stones and inflammatory conditions through adequate water intake and a balanced diet.

Conclusion: How to Deal with Incontinence in Dogs

Is your dog suffering from bladder weakness? If so, it’s important to never punish your dog for incontinence-related accidents . The problem is just as stressful for your dog as it is for you, and punishment only increases the psychological burden on your dog.

Instead, special pads or dog nappies can help you manage the consequences of bladder weakness.