Leaky Bladder in Dogs

A leaky bladder can occur in male and female dogs of any age or breed. Not only can a leaky bladder in a dog be messy, it can also cause skin irritation for the dog. A veterinarian can help determine the reason why a dog is leaking urine and suggest management and treatment options.

  1. Leaky Bladder

    • When a dog has a leaky bladder, it involuntarily releases urine from its bladder. Urinary incontinence is not the same as not being housetrained or urinating in the house. In these cases, a dog might not be able to hold its urine until it gets outside, but it is aware that it is urinating. A leaky bladder is completely out of a dog's control, according to Washington State University.

    Causes

    • Some dogs are born with birth defects, and their ureters do not connect to their bladder. This makes them incapable of controlling their urine flow. Some female dogs develop leaky bladders after they are spayed. A dog with hormone-responsive incontinence will urinate normally, but will also leak urine. An older dog's bladder muscles can weaken, allowing bladder to leak out.

    Symptoms

    • A puppy with a birth defect will dribble drops of urine. This can irritate the dog's skin, causing it to turn red. Dogs with hormone-responsive incontinence tend to leak urine while lying down, leaving behind a small amount when they get up. Dogs with leaky bladders often spend large amounts of time grooming themselves to clean away the urine, according to the ASPCA.

    Treatment

    • Birth defects causing urinary incontinence can be corrected by surgically moving the ureter so it connects to the bladder properly. If a female dog's incontinence is cause by being spayed, then giving her estrogen can stop the leaky bladder. Other medications, like ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, can improve the tone of bladder muscles in older dogs, giving them improved bladder control.

    Considerations

    • While a dog is being treated for urinary incontinence, an owner can help manage the its leaky bladder at home. Keeping waterproof pads under towels or blankets can reduce the mess. Walking a dog often can help keep its bladder empty, reducing leakage. Keeping a dog's skin clean will help reduce the irritation caused by urine. Diapers designed for dogs are available in many pet stores.