Dog urinary incontinence - Human hand comforting cute dog on floor near dog pad with wet spot

When a dog has persistent accidents, it may be due to a medical problem.

Written by Victoria Lewis, Veterinarian and Pharmacist

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is when your dog has persistent accidents that are not intentional, and not behavior-based. You may notice urine leaking or dribbling from your dog when they are walking or after they have finished urinating, or find pools of urine or wet spots on the floor or furniture where your dog has been lying to rest or sleep. You may also notice wet fur and red, irritated skin (called urine scald) along with the distinctive smell of urine on the back legs and hind end. Often, dogs are completely unaware they are leaking urine.

Urinary incontinence is commonly seen in medium to large breed female dogs that have been spayed, although the condition can occur in any dog.

What can I do to help my dog at home?

In addition to seeking medical treatment from your veterinarian, there are many steps you can take to manage your dog’s symptoms, and accidents at home. By making a few lifestyle and environmental changes, you will be helping to keep your dog healthy, happy and supported. These steps include the following:

  • Purchase dog beds, blankets, and furniture covers that can easily and regularly be washed, or replaced. Maintain clean bedding and change daily, or as needed.
  • Use leak proof pads under bedding and on furniture to protect surfaces and make clean up easier.
  • Use disposable diapers and male wraps to absorb and contain any urine leakage.
  • Gently wash the areas of skin that routinely become urine soaked by using a mild dog shampoo, and towel dry. By keeping these areas clean and dry you will help prevent urine scald and breakdown of the skin barrier which can lead to infection

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What are the causes of urinary incontinence?

There are many medical reasons why your dog may be showing signs of urinary incontinence. Some of the main reasons include the following:

Can urinary incontinence be treated?

Yes, in most cases urinary incontinence can be effectively treated. For instance, to treat urethral incompetence, your veterinarian may prescribe hormonal-based medications such as estrogen compounds for females, testosterone for males, or phenylpropanolamine to strengthen the muscles and tissues in the urinary tract that help retain urine in the bladder. Other treatments such as antibiotics for infection, anti-inflammatory and pain medications for arthritis, and medications for diabetes and other metabolic diseases may be prescribed. Surgery may be required in cases of spinal cord injury, bladder stones, and anatomical defects of the urinary tract.

It is very important that you have your dog seen by a veterinarian if you notice any signs of urinary incontinence. Your veterinarian will perform specific diagnostic tests to narrow down the wide range of causes, and prescribe the most appropriate treatment for your dog. The type of treatment your dog receives will depend on what is causing the incontinence.