Speaking from personal experience there is nothing more frustrating than having a dog that is urinating uncontrollably. The medical description for this is incontinence, which can be defined as the involuntary passing of urine. For dog owners far and wide having a pet that urinates uncontrollably presents a number of serious challenges both from a pet health perspective and personal perspective. In this article we will zero in on the possible causes.
Why your dog is urinating uncontrollably is a question not easily answered. Nevertheless, it can be narrowed down to a handful of possibilities and of those there is a better than average chance you will be able to determine why your dog is urinating uncontrollably.
Number one on the list of possibilities is a bacterial infection of the bladder. While some medical purist may not include this in a their strict definition of incontinence it certainly is a cause you should be aware of. When a dog becomes infected it triggers a number of symptoms including a strong urge to urinate, oftentimes in inappropriate places. If you visit your vet for answers this is likely the first possibility he will consider on his way to providing you with the answers and solutions.
It could be nothing more than old age. This is likely the second possibility your veterinarian will consider. Uncontrollable urination as a result of aging is quite common and is generally caused by one, or a combination of, three things. These are weakening of the bladder muscles, diseases common to older dogs such as diabetes, or possibly deterioration of mental function such as senility.
Birth defects are always a possibility in young dogs. The most common birth defect associated with incontinence is an ectopic ureter. The breeds most often affected are Miniature Poodles, Fox Terriers, White Terriers, Collies, Corgis, and Siberian Huskies.
Hormone responsive incontinence could be the answer if the uncontrollable urination your dog is experiencing happens primarily when they are sleeping or resting.
Partial blockage of the urethra. This can be caused by a tumor or one of three different types of urinary tract stones with struvite being the most common. Small dogs are the most at risk and if partial blockage results in total blockage the dog can die within 48 hours.
Spinal cord or brain diseases. This is a complicated one best discussed with your veterinarian. Generally speaking their will be signs of nervous system disease if this is the root cause of your pets incontinence.
Stress, nervousness, or anger. Yes, even your loving canine can get mad, have their feelings hurt, or be depressed if they feel left out or left alone. Be sure and rule these behavioral possibilities out before considering other causes.
Possible contributing factors as to why your dog is urinating uncontrollably include drinking too much water, liver disease, and kidney disease.
First on our list was bacterial infection of the bladder. If this is indeed the cause there will be other symptoms present as well. Among these will be painful urination, cloudy urine, foul almost ammonia like smelling urine, fatigue, and possibly blood in the urine.
If your dog is incontinent it is important to consult your veterinarian for answers. If the cause is found to be bacterial he will likely prescribe a 2 week regime of antibiotics. If the cause is weakening of the bladder muscles there are drugs that can help with that as well.
Additionally, many dog owners have found natural pet urinary tract supplements containing ingredients such as cantharis, staphysagris, and berberis, to be helpful for pet incontinence. These all natural supplements are very safe, and can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with more conventional medicines providing an extra level of protection for concerned pet parents.
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