Senior Dog Incontinence - Causes and Treatments
As dogs age, they often lose their ability to completely control their bladders.
You may notice as little as a few dribble spots on the carpet or a soaked dog bed.
Dog incontinence can often create a problem in households but don't worry; there are steps you can take to improve the problem.
Hormone deficiencies are essentially the cause of senior dog incontinence.
As the amount of testosterone and estrogen in their bodies decreases, they lose their ability to control the urethral sphincter, a band of muscle located near the base of the bladder.
Spayed or neutered dog are more likely to develop the condition because their reproductive organs have been removed, therefore they have smaller amounts of hormones.
Older female dogs are also more likely to be affected by incontinence because they have shorter, wider urethras.
Although urinary incontinence is usually harmless, there are some underlying problems that may be the cause of it, including: • Cystitis • Kidney stones • Bladder stones • Bladder tumor • Bladder infection • Urinary tract infection • Liver disease • Kidney infection • Kidney failure • Diabetes • Cushing's Disease • Steroids and other medications • Neurological disorders Because there are so many possible causes for old dog incontinence, the condition requires veterinary attention.
Your vet will need to do some investigation to determine the underlying cause should there be one.
Initially, your dog will need a full physical exam, a urinalysis and a urine culture to determine if there is a urinary tract infection.
Further tests, including blood work and X-rays, may need to be administered to rule out other possible problems.
There is a variety of treatments that go with dog incontinence, depending on the cause.
Your vet may prescribe medication as well as provide you with advice as to how to manage the incontinence.
You can also use a supplement such as Pet Naturals Bladder Support for Dogs which is recommended to help senior dogs maintain bladder control.
There are several steps you can take to make the incontinence more manageable.
First of all, you will want to keep your dog as clean and dry as possible to avoid skin irritation.
Take your dog outside often to try and avoid accidents (this may be difficult for people with busy schedules).
Keep her well groomed, with her fur trimmed short.
Make sure to provide her with plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Areas in the house where the dog has urinated should be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner.
If you notice that you dog's urinary habits have changed, it is advisable to bring him/her to the veterinarian right away.
This way, the vet can help you treat or cure the problem as soon as possible.
You may notice as little as a few dribble spots on the carpet or a soaked dog bed.
Dog incontinence can often create a problem in households but don't worry; there are steps you can take to improve the problem.
Hormone deficiencies are essentially the cause of senior dog incontinence.
As the amount of testosterone and estrogen in their bodies decreases, they lose their ability to control the urethral sphincter, a band of muscle located near the base of the bladder.
Spayed or neutered dog are more likely to develop the condition because their reproductive organs have been removed, therefore they have smaller amounts of hormones.
Older female dogs are also more likely to be affected by incontinence because they have shorter, wider urethras.
Although urinary incontinence is usually harmless, there are some underlying problems that may be the cause of it, including: • Cystitis • Kidney stones • Bladder stones • Bladder tumor • Bladder infection • Urinary tract infection • Liver disease • Kidney infection • Kidney failure • Diabetes • Cushing's Disease • Steroids and other medications • Neurological disorders Because there are so many possible causes for old dog incontinence, the condition requires veterinary attention.
Your vet will need to do some investigation to determine the underlying cause should there be one.
Initially, your dog will need a full physical exam, a urinalysis and a urine culture to determine if there is a urinary tract infection.
Further tests, including blood work and X-rays, may need to be administered to rule out other possible problems.
There is a variety of treatments that go with dog incontinence, depending on the cause.
Your vet may prescribe medication as well as provide you with advice as to how to manage the incontinence.
You can also use a supplement such as Pet Naturals Bladder Support for Dogs which is recommended to help senior dogs maintain bladder control.
There are several steps you can take to make the incontinence more manageable.
First of all, you will want to keep your dog as clean and dry as possible to avoid skin irritation.
Take your dog outside often to try and avoid accidents (this may be difficult for people with busy schedules).
Keep her well groomed, with her fur trimmed short.
Make sure to provide her with plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Areas in the house where the dog has urinated should be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner.
If you notice that you dog's urinary habits have changed, it is advisable to bring him/her to the veterinarian right away.
This way, the vet can help you treat or cure the problem as soon as possible.