Urinary incontinence in dogs can be both an uncomfortable and stressful experience for a pet. Understand the causes of this condition, such as age-related changes, hormonal imbalances, or an underlying medical condition, and learn how to recognise it so you can seek the proper treatment for your canine friend.

Is urinary incontinence in pets more common in older pets?

Yes, urinary incontinence is more common in older pets, as the bladder muscles can become weakened with age. Other factors, such as diet, medical conditions, and medications, can also contribute to urinary incontinence in pets of any age.

Is urinary incontinence painful for my dog?

No, urinary incontinence is not usually painful for your dog. However, if the condition is left untreated, it can lead to secondary issues, such as urinary tract infections, which can be painful and cause additional discomfort. 

What are the symptoms of urinary tract infections in dogs?

Symptoms of urinary tract infection in dogs can include frequent urination, straining to urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, discomfort or pain when urinating, and increased thirst. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Can cats suffer from urinary incontinence?

Yes, cats can suffer from urinary incontinence. The causes and symptoms aresimilar to those in dogs and can include frequent urination, straining to urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, discomfort or pain when urinating, and increased thirst. Some cats may urinate outside of their litter tray, this can be an indicator of stress. If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.

How do I Manage Urinary Incontinence in Cats?

Managing urinary incontinence in cats depends on the underlying cause. Your vet may recommend medications, dietary changes, or supplements to help manage the condition. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. It is also important to keep your cat's litterbox clean and comfortable, as this can help to reduce unnecessary straining.

One of the key things to help manage urinary issues in cats is to ensure that their environment is calm. Pheromones can be effective in treating stressed cats. Facial pheromones are natural chemical signals that cats use to communicate with one another, you will often see your cat rub their face on your leg or furniture. These are important to keep your cats wellbeing in balance, especially if they are unwell. Synthetic versions of these signals are available in the form of diffusers and sprays and can be used to help reduce stress and anxiety in cats. Additionally, ensure that your cat is getting plenty of exercise and a balanced diet to help maintain a healthy weight.

Other Practices to Consider for Managing Urinary Incontinence in Your Dog

It is important to talk to your veterinarian about other approaches that can help manage incontinence in your dog. These can include lifestyle changes, such as looking for patterns in behavior and food intake that could trigger accidents. Other practices to consider may include bladder training, supplements, and medication. Remember, it is always best to be proactive and take action as soon as possible if you start to notice undesirable leakage.

Understand the Causes of incontinence in dogs

To properly address urinary incontinence in your canine companion, it’s important to first understand the different causes. These can range from genetic predispositions to various illnesses or an obstruction of the urethra. Young dogs and senior dogs are more likely than adult dogs to suffer from urinary incontinence due to aging and weaker bladder muscles among other potential causes.

Monitor Water Intake & Diet

It’s also important to monitor your dog’s water intake and diet as too much or too little of either can lead to an increased frequency of accidents due to incontinence. Make sure you provide a balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs appropriate for their age, size, and activity level so they remain healthy overall. It is also recommended that you limit access to large amounts of water in one sitting but rather offering smaller servings throughout the day is encouraged.

Increase Toilet Breaks & Walking Habits

To help prevent an increase in accidental urination, it’s recommended that you take your dog outside every few hours throughout the day as well as before bedtime when possible. Engaging in regular activities such as walks around the block will ensure proper muscle growth so your dog can learn better control over their bladder function which could go a long way towards preventative measures against urinary incontinence episodes. 

Revisit basic toilet training for senior dogs

Toilet training senior dogs can be challenging, but it is possible. Start by ensuring your dog’s physical needs are met—make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Then, create a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks, and reward your dog for eliminating in the right place. You can also use a puppy pad or litter box to encourage your dog to eliminate in the right place. Finally, be patient and positive with your dog, as it may take some time for them to understand what you’re asking them to do. Ensure you have the correct toileting products to help with this training process.

Can toilet training products help with incontinence in dogs?

Yes, toilet training products can help manage incontinence in older dogs. These products are designed to help train dogs to eliminate in designated areas, such as a puppy pad or litter box. They can help reduce messes and keep your home clean until your dog's incontinence can be effectively managed.

As written in a previous Pet Care Blog, 4 common reasons why pets urinate in the house, cleaning up any accidents thoroughly is essential in managing your pet's incontinence. Pets are drawn back to urinating in the places they have gone previously. Often people clean the urine up with household cleaners and although you may not be able to smell the urine, your pet with up to 6 times the number of smell receptors compared to your nose certainly can. This is because uric acid crystals remain behind after cleaning, and these reactivate with the presence of moisture in the air. To ensure all traces of urine are removed it's best to use one of the many enzyme-based urine removing products. These products use a combination of enzymes to break down the crystals which greatly decreases the chance of your pet urinating in that spot again. You should use this product no matter the surface type, whether it's wood, tile, carpet or concrete.

Add a Doggy Door!

Modern Australian Dog Doors are an excellent tool to help manage incontinence in your dog. Installing dog doors is simple and most pet owners can install them as a DIY project. Our range of dog doors fit into timber, sliding, security and glass doors. After a period of training, your dog or cat will have access to get themselves outside for a toilet break without having to alert you. Dog doors will help relieve some of the stress for both you and your dog or cat as you minimise accidents indoors. We have a guide on How to Install a Pet Door in our Pet Care Blog!

Toileting attractants are useful to encourage your dog to urinate outside on toilet breaks or as you train them to use their dog door. The attractant product is based on a pheromone that mimics territory markings of other dogs and encourages your dog to go to the toilet in that area.
Just like toilet training a new pup, training an older or incontinent dog can take time and patience. Be prepared, there may be setbacks and accidents!

when should I use incontinence wraps or nappies on my dog?

Incontinence wraps or nappies should be used when your dog’s incontinence requires further attention. They can help to keep your dog and your home clean and dry, and can reduce the risk of skin irritation and infections. If you choose to use incontinence wraps or nappies, it is important to choose products that fit your dog correctly and to change them regularly. We recommend selecting the correct size for your breed of dog to prevent any leakage. View the range of nappies and wraps here.

Place Training Pads or a Pet Potty at Toileting Hotspots

Puppy pads are an excellent resource to use. The best place to position training pads is  beside their bed, at the back door (or door they normally use to wee outside) or in commonly used locations in your house.

Modern puppy pads have four strips of sticky tabs to secure on your floor or in your dog's puppy pen or crate. They are super absorbent with 5 layers of leakproof protection to keep floors dry and will hold up to 1.3L of urine. These are also available with odour neutralising & antibacterial properties. Training pads will make life easier for your incontinent dog overnight and for times when they can't make it outside.

A pet potty is popular for dogs who are reluctant to go outside to urinate. This is a common problem when dogs don't want to go outside in bad weather, and for overnight toileting.