Remedy for Doggie Incontinence

Older dogs often have problems controlling their bladder as their bodies start to age. The muscles in the bladder can start to weaken and allow urine to escape while they are sleeping or when they get excited. Although many dog owners believe incontinence in older dogs is a behavioral problem, it is actually a physical problem that they cannot control. Help keep your home and your dog clean by determining the cause of the incontinence and accommodating its living space to prevent your dog from soiling it.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can determine if the incontinence is the result of a urinary tract infection or old age. Antibiotics can clear up an infection, but incontinence due to old age will need a different remedy. Getting to the root of the problem will help determine how to solve it.

    • 2

      If the incontinence is due to old age, medication can be prescribed to the dog to help. Medication such as phenylpropanolamine can help your dog's bladder muscles retain urine. Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are sometimes used when incontinence is a result of hormone deficiency in older dogs.

    • 3

      Dog diapers are often used for dogs that are menstruating or having problems controlling their bladder or bowels. They fit over the rear-end of the dog just like a diaper and can come in disposable or reusable versions. The diapers have to be checked and changed often because urine resting against a dogs skin can cause redness and irritation.

    • 4

      Place absorbent pads on the floor. Many pet supply companies make absorbent pads that can be placed on the floor for your dog to urinate on if it cannot get outside in time. You can train your dog to use the pads when it feels the urge to urinate or you can place the pads underneath of the dog when it is resting.

    • 5

      For dogs that urinate while sleeping, put together bedding that is absorbent and will collect the urine while keeping the dog clean and dry. Place a plastic sheet on the floor, add a layer of newspapers or absorbent pads and then add a synthetic fleece blanket on top. The urine will drain through the fleece onto the absorbent materials underneath.

    • 6

      Switch to a raw, grain-free diet, which will help prevent kidney stones from forming in the urinary tract. Kidney stones will often press on the walls of the urinary tract or bladder and cause incontinence issues. Preventing the stones will prevent the cause of the incontinence.