Incontinence in senior dogs is common; however, it is often misunderstood. This condition can affect both a pet's quality of life and an owner's daily routine.
As dogs age, changes in their bodies can occur, leading to a loss of bladder control and unexpected accidents.
This condition can be frustrating to deal with. However, it is important to know that incontinence is usually a symptom of an underlying issue rather than simply a behavioral problem.
Underlying issues can range from age-related muscle weakness to hormonal imbalances or more serious health concerns.
Finding and understanding the root cause is the first step toward finding effective solutions.
In this article, we will explore the common causes of incontinence in older dogs.
We will also discuss practical strategies to help manage the condition with compassion and care.
Causes of incontinence in a senior dog
While incontinence can affect dogs of any breed or gender, middle-aged or senior females tend to be affected most often.
Some breeds also seem to be predisposed to the issue, including Doberman pinschers, Old English sheepdogs, and cocker spaniels.
In any dog, incontinence can be caused by several different issues.
Bladder Muscle Weakness
When most dogs are young, their bladder muscles are appropriately strong.
These muscles are what work to keep the bladder sealed off until the dog is ready to go.
As a dog ages, these muscles get weakened, usually due to reduced hormone production.
Spayed and neutered dogs naturally have fewer hormones in their system. These dogs may show signs of old-age incontinence earlier than intact dogs.
Injury or Illness
Illnesses and injuries can also cause incontinence in senior dogs.
The problem may be as simple as a spinal injury or bladder stones. Or, as complex as kidney failure, a protruding disc, or the presence of a tumor.
Solutions for incontinence
Just as there are several possible causes behind incontinence in senior dogs, there are also several possible solutions!
Medication
If the vet determines your dog's incontinence to be caused by hormonal issues, they may start them on hormonal replacement therapy. This is usually in the form of oral medication.
If they believe the issue can be solved without hormones, vets may prescribe the non-hormonal medicine phenylpropanolamine (Proin). This is what my dog Sallie took, and currently, my other dog Brandi takes it.
In both cases, doses of the medication will need to be continued throughout the rest of your dog's life to maintain effectiveness.
Surgery
Another way to fix incontinence is with surgery.
This is usually reserved for cases where there is an obstruction or injury that cannot be cured with medication.
In these cases, the problem may be completely fixed. On the other hand, your dog may still have an occasional accident, but not as frequently as before.
Diapers
If medication or surgery doesn't solve your dog's incontinence completely, you may have to keep them in dog diapers.
While this isn't ideal, it is a decent solution.
After a little while, your dog probably won't even remember that they're wearing a diaper! And you'll be happy not having to worry about them having accidents in the house.
Pee Pads
Another solution is using pee pads. Place them in their crate if they are leaky during the night.
You can also place them in an area that they can easily reach rather than waiting to be let out.
Final thoughts
To figure out the cause and best solution to your senior dog's incontinence, consult your vet.
They can figure out exactly what is causing your pet's incontinence, and tell you the best way to deal with it!
Whatever the bottom line is, know that your senior pet cannot help it.
Do not punish or scold your pet! They are not doing it on purpose, and it is something out of their control.
Be understanding and patient in helping them find a solution or dealing with it.
Have you ever dealt with incontinence in a senior dog before?
Rama's Mama says
I had an old dog who had issues with incontinence, poor thing. She was on several meds for other conditions and the incontinence came out of that. She was a dear, sweet dog. I have one wearing diapers right now but she is a pup. She's being naughty! Great post! Very informative!
Gone to the Snow Dogs says
My girl is not a senior yet, but she has issues because of being spayed. We have her on Proin, but on and off. When she starts leaking, we put her on it for 1 week, then stop. If she starts leaking again, we go a few more days, but normally, after a week of on, she is good for around 3 weeks with none. My vet said their own dog is the same way. I like that she isn't on the medication 100% of the time!
Heather M. Percy says
Senior dogs are the Best! Special issues simply need a little attention....the love you get in return is amazing 🙂
Christine Caplan says
Important topic for owners of seniors - we have always used the diapers and I bought a few cool materials 🙂
Spencer the Goldendoodle says
Wonderful and informative post! This can be hard on both the dog and their owners, but something that can happen.
Two French Bulldogs says
I'm 8 now so mom said she willstRtbeing more aware of senior stuff
Lily & Edward
Suzanne Dean says
Fortunately, with Mary I have not had to deal with this very often. She has had a couple of late night accidents in the house but I have learned to limit her water after a certain time of night and the problem was solved. We'll see what happens as she ages, but so far, so good. She's doing pretty good for a Lab/Shepherd mix at the age of 13 and 14 is right around the corner.
Our senior dogs just need a little extra love and care I love my senior!
Ruth Epstein says
Great info thanks
Margot C says
As you guys may know I just lost my darling, darling Señor Mike the Senior Dog. We adopted him at age 15 years! He had continence problems from his medication (a cause that you haven't listed) and adding another medication on top was just too much. So, he wore a 'male wrap' diaper. It was NO BIG DEAL, and he was able to stay with us and have his life for another year and a half.
Chelsi Smith says
This is good info. Since i have a senior dog, I hope it never comes to needing help on this issue, but you never know. Thank you for sharing.
Ireon Williams says
Great informative post never had this problem before
Nichole says
It's good to keep a close eye on our seniors... there are so many reasons for incontinence. Some not such a big deal, others big deals...
Kelly says
This is something I have not considered before, nor have I dealt with. Thank you for the information. It's always good to know ahead of time that this is something that could happen to your dog and how to deal with it.
natalie hartmann says
We are going through this now with 2 of my 3 dogs. One takes medication that causes increased urine flow and the other has poor control due to his back issues.
Andrea says
Great informative post, my two aren't at the age where this is a problem yet but I have a friend with a Doberman that sometimes has a problem so it was interesting to read that that can be common in that breed.