A loss of bladder control in dogs is more common than many dog owners might think. The loss of bladder control may be temporary due to an infection, or it may be something more serious. Knowing the common causes and symptoms of a loss of bladder control in dogs will help the owner know when it is time to seek professional help.
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Significance
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If you suspect bladder control issues with your dog, it is important to seek treatment immediately. Not treating the issues could result in many problems such as behavioral issues, where the dog is more skittish due to being reprimanded for indoor accidents, skin problems, and more serious or systemic illness. Untreated loss of bladder control in dogs can, in some cases, be life-threatening.
Symptoms
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Some of the more common symptoms of a lack of bladder control include a previously housebroken dog who is experiencing regular indoor accidents and a dribbling of urine. In addition, the dog may have nighttime accidents or even urinate in its sleep, even if it has never done these things before.
Features
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Dogs of any age can suffer from bladder control problems. Younger dogs, usually those who have been neutered or spayed in the last year, may begin to have bladder control issues. Older dogs are often known to lose control of their bladder. Older female dogs, as well as medium or large breed dogs, are more likely to suffer from bladder control issues.
Causes
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There are many reasons your dog may suffer from bladder control symptoms. The most common cause of these problems is urinary tract infections, also known as bladder infections. As many as 64 percent of dogs suffer from a bladder infection at some time in their life. A trip to the vet will be needed to diagnose a bladder infection.
A weak bladder sphincter is also responsible for dogs that have bladder control problems. Age, obesity and an inability of the brain to communicate with the sphincter are usually the causes of the weak sphincter. This is a more common problem in female dogs, but can also affect males.
Other problems that can cause bladder problems in dogs include diabetes, kidney failure, thyroid disorders and Cushing's disease. These diseases will usually be ruled out if there is not an obvious reason for the loss of bladder control.
Treatment
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The treatment for problems with bladder control in dogs will depend on the underlying issue. In the case of an infection, a course of antibiotics is all that will be needed. In cases where the sphincter is the problem, medications may be tried, but if they fail surgery may be necessary. In cases of chronic conditions, those will need to be treated, and usually the bladder control in dogs will return with proper treatment.
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