Urinary Incontinence

Senior Pet Problem: Urinary Incontinence.

Urinary incontinence is a common problem in older dogs, especially desexed females. It can affect up to 10% of dogs as they age, but is often left undiagnosed.

Many people only seek help for incontinence when the dog is leaving puddles when it sits or sleeps. By the time the dog is doing this, it is quite severe and often they have secondary problems such as a urinary tract infection.

One of the earliest signs we get of urinary incontinence is a bad smell. Often the owners can’t pinpoint where the smell is coming from, but it is most often a slightly fishy smell. This can be a sign of a very mild incontinence, with the smell being produced by bacteria that grow in the damp fur and folds around the vulva.

Left untreated, urinary incontinence can significantly affect quality of life. The effect I find most distressing for the dog is the way owners will shut the dog outside or not allow it into areas where it previously had access because of it’s bad smell. This isolation can be very difficult for an old dog to adapt to.

Urinary tract infections are also quite common in incontinent dogs, which can be very uncomfortable and contribute further to the incontinence. In rare cases I have also seen dogs become fly-struck because of the damp fur and smell attracting flies.

Fortunately in most cases urinary incontinence is very easy to treat. It normally responds to medication within days, though the earlier it is detected and treated the faster the response.

In rare cases, particularly when the dog is relatively young or when they don’t respond to the medication, there is a surgical treatment available.

If you are concerned your dog may be suffering from incontinence, please take advantage of our Senior Pet Month and book them in for a check-up. With a $15 Senior Pet Discount there will never be a better time.