Urinary Incontinence in Dogs

Finding a wet spot where your dog was sleeping can be confusing, especially if your dog is otherwise house-trained. Urinary incontinence means a dog leaks urine without meaning to. It’s different from a dog having an accident on purpose or marking. The good news is that dog incontinence is often very treatable once your vet finds the cause.

Incontinence vs. house-soiling

It helps to know the difference:

• Incontinence: your dog leaks urine without knowing it, often while lying down or sleeping
• House-soiling: your dog squats or lifts a leg to pee in the house, often because of a medical problem, anxiety or incomplete training

Both need attention, but the causes and treatments are different.

Signs of urinary incontinence in dogs

• Wet spots on bedding or where your dog was lying
• Dribbling urine while walking
• Wet fur around the back legs or genitals
• Licking the genital area more than usual
• Red, irritated skin from urine scald
• A urine smell on your dog

Common causes of dog incontinence

Spay incontinence

This is the most common cause in female dogs. It’s also called urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI). After spaying, lower estrogen levels can weaken the muscle that keeps the bladder closed. It may start months or years after the surgery and is more common in medium and large breeds. Our article on spay and neuter explains what to expect from the procedure.

Urinary tract infections

UTIs can cause urgency, dribbling and accidents. Other signs include straining, peeing small amounts often and blood in the urine.

Age-related weakness

Old dog incontinence is common as muscles weaken with age. Senior dogs may also have conditions that increase thirst. Our article on when a dog is considered senior explains age by breed.

Diseases that increase thirst

Conditions that make dogs drink and pee more can lead to leaking:

• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Cushing’s disease

Other causes

• Bladder stones
• Spinal cord problems, like disc disease or degenerative myelopathy
• Birth defects, such as ectopic ureters in young dogs
• Prostate problems in male dogs
• Certain medicines, like steroids

How is incontinence diagnosed?

Your vet may:

• Ask questions about when and how the leaking happens
• Do a physical exam, including a neurological check
• Test a urine sample for infection, crystals and concentration
• Run blood tests to check kidney function and look for diabetes or other conditions
• Take X-rays or an ultrasound to look for stones or other problems

Our article on understanding your pet’s blood work results explains common tests.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Medicines prescribed by your vet to strengthen the bladder sphincter, often very effective for spay incontinence
• Antibiotics for urinary tract infections
• Treating underlying diseases, like diabetes or kidney disease
• Surgery for bladder stones, birth defects or some cases that don’t respond to medicine

How to help at home

• Use washable bedding or waterproof pads
• Try dog diapers or belly bands
• Take more frequent potty breaks, including right before bed
• Keep fur trimmed around the genitals
• Clean and dry the skin gently to prevent urine scald
• Never punish your dog, since they aren’t doing it on purpose

When to see a vet

Book a vet visit if your dog starts leaking urine. Get care the same day if your dog is straining with little or no urine, has blood in the urine, or seems unwell. Our guide to pet emergency signs explains what can’t wait.

Frequently asked questions

Can incontinence in dogs be cured?

Many cases are well controlled with treatment, especially spay incontinence and UTIs.

Is it normal for old dogs to leak urine?

It’s common, but it isn’t something to ignore. A vet can often help.

Noticed leaking? Ask a vet

Talk to a licensed vet 24/7, even on holidays, by chat, voice call or video call. Your first month is free with code FREEMONTH, then US $9.99/month, at NYPTeleVet.com. One membership covers up to 6 pets, and you can cancel anytime.

Our vets can’t prescribe medication, but they’ll tell you what’s likely needed and when an in-person visit is the next step.

Sources

• Urinary Incontinence in Dogs, VCA Canada
• Urinary Incontinence in Dogs, Small Door Veterinary
• Canine Incontinence, PubMed