What Is Dog Incontinence?

Dog incontinence means that your dog has lost her ability to control her bladder.

This condition allows urine to dribble unchecked, and most often occurs when she is sleeping or lying down. She is often unaware of this embarassing habit and may be as shocked as you are to find a puddle.

Schatzi looked from me to the puddle and seemed to be wondering, "Oh my gosh, did I do that?" Since she normally does not have accidents in the house, especially on her bed, I called my vet after it happened the second time.

My vet said it was likely that she had become incontinent.

Causes of Incontinence

Typically caused by a hormonal imbalance, it is more common in female and elderly dogs. Size can also play a role as it is more frequently seen in larger dogs - those that weigh over 40 pounds. Urinary incontinence in dogs can be caused by several factors.

See causes of urinary incontinence

Female Dog Incontinence

Up to one in five female dogs have canine urinary incontinence, which is why it is sometimes called "spay incontinence." Male dogs can also develop incontinence, but it is not very common.

See spay incontinence

Dog Incontinence Products

If your dog is unable to control her bladder, there are several things you can do to make her more comfortable and keep your house clean. My hesitation to put Schatzi on Proin spurred research into incontinence products information.

See urinary incontinence product information for dogs

Dog Urine in Carpet

Make a household mixture as a dog urine eliminator. Remove dog urine spots with this easy concoction.

See removing dog urine odors