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Dog Incontinence Dog Urinary Problems
Dog incontinence can occur at any age.
Puppies usually just need potty training, but older dogs who lose bladder control may have more serious dog urinary problems--not just a simple dog urinary tract infection.
Incontinent dogs are usually middle-aged to senior dogs.
However, in some dogs, problems can occur in a much younger pet.
Keep in mind that your dog may be incontinent due to a simple dog urinary tract infection, or his loss of bladder control can be the first sign of a more serious illness.
Incontinent dogs can ruin your home furnishings, unintentionally!
Some breeds are more susceptible to canine incontinence than others. Interestingly, large dog breeds that get to be over 40 pounds, are more likely to be incontinent than small breeds.
The breeds most often affected by incontinence are:
Weimaraners
Boxers
Doberman Pinschers
Giant Schnauzers
Irish Setters
Springer Spaniels
Rottweilers
Old English Sheepdogs
Puppy Incontinence
If you have a puppy and he has had a few accidents, you probably don’t have to get too excited about it. Your puppy probably just needs a little more attention and a few more lessons on potty training.
Puppies cannot hold their urine as long as adult dogs can, so make sure that your puppy goes outside frequently and regularly (the same time every day).
And give your puppy lots of praise when she pees outside.
Puppy incontinence is usually due to improper house training. In most cases, your puppy will soon be fully trained, and she will gain better bladder control, for longer periods of time.
Older Dog Incontinence
If your dog is middle-aged or older, bladder control loss can be temporary--or it can be a major medical problem.
Frequently mistaken for dog submissive urination, canine incontinence is not a behavioral problem and it needs to be addressed, medically.
Your dog probably doesn’t even know that she lost her urine.
Punishing an aging dog that has lost bladder control--will do only harm. It will not resolve the issue!
Canine Incontinence Signs and Symptoms
If you think your dog has a dog urinary problem, look for these signs and symptoms:
Doggie odor - Your dog may have an offensive odor because her hair has been soaked with urine around her bottom.
Urine wetness - Your dog may have obvious wetness from pee. If her skin is always wet from urine, skin irritation can develop. You'll need to wash her wet areas often with water and an antibacterial soap.
Dampness where she rests or sleeps - Dogs who are incontinent often lose urine while resting or sleeping. You may notice an odor or dampness on your dog’s bed or where she rests or sleeps.
Increased thirst - If your dog is drinking LOTS of water, he may have an endocrine disorder, like dog diabetes.
Straining to urinate - Your dog tries, but can’t pee - or he is only able to pee small amounts
Urinary tract infections - dogs with incontinence often suffer from frequent infections. Look for blood or pus in his urine.
Incontinence Treatment
To treat incontinence effectively, you need to know WHY your dog has a bladder problem.
Treatment can be very simple and administered by you, at home. Or, it can be very serious and require a veterinarian’s help.
If you find that there are no major medical problems, you can use simple measures to make your life (and your dog’s) happier.
Fortunately, you usually don’t have to consider putting your dog to sleep because of incontinence! There are now some great canine incontinence products on the market to help you.
You will find very effective homeopathic natural incontinence supplements like
Better Bladder Control.
And, if your dog has a severe problem, you might need to use Dog Diapers--all developed in recent years to help your pet's incontinence and to keep your home clean and sanitary.
Dog incontinence can often be addressed, without medical intervention like surgery. With a little extra work on your part, your dog can be comfortable, and your home will stay clean and odor-free.