Urinary incontinence occurs when a dog loses control of their bladder, leading to the involuntary leaking of urine. This condition can be frustrating for dog parents and their dogs, as it could cause wet bedding and puddles around the house.
The following are some symptoms of urinary incontinence:
- Damp fur around the rear
- Irritated skin near the genitals
- Blood in the urine
- Dog passes urine without knowing they are doing it
- Wet patches on bedding
Urinary incontinence is common among older dogs and often affects female dogs. Some of the underlying health conditions that could cause urinary incontinence include:
- Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence: This occurs when the urethra, a tube that carries urine from the bladder, doesn’t close tightly enough due to a reduction in estrogen.
- Ectopic Ureter: This is a congenital disability in which the ureters don’t have their normal insertion into the bladder and instead connect to somewhere abnormal.
- Prostate Problems: The prostate gland in male dogs is located behind the bladder. Its proximity to the bladder and urethra may cause it to affect how well a dog can hold urine if diseased.
If your dog is leaking urine, they could be suffering from urinary incontinence. You should reach out to your vet for tests, diagnosis, and treatment as soon as possible. Even if the situation seems manageable, you shouldn’t ignore it, as it is a sign that something is wrong.