Bed-wetting in dogs is most likely due to a medical problem, and is rarely bad behavior. Whether it's a little dribble or a flood, take your dog to see a vet if he suffers from bed-wetting. This problem has many possible causes, including infection, a weak bladder and physical disorders or abnormalities. Your vet will examine your dog and possibly run some tests, then prescribe treatment and advise on how to care for your dog at home.
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Medical Treatments
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Bed-wetting solutions for dogs vary, depending on the cause of the problem. Vets usually test the dog's urine and do a physical exam. They also may test the blood and take X-rays or ultrasounds. If the cause of the bed-wetting is a urinary tract infection, a course of antibiotics usually is prescribed. Middle-aged, spayed female dogs often lose bladder control. In this case vets can prescribe hormone therapy or medication to strengthen the bladder muscles. Collagen injections are another promising treatment. For bladder stones, a protruding spinal disc or other physical problems, surgery is sometimes recommended.
Bed-wetting in Puppies
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Puppies who wet their beds could be suffering from a physical defect. Certain dog breeds such as Siberian huskies, miniature poodles, Labrador retrievers, collies, Welsh corgis and West Highland white terriers can be born with abnormalities that cause them to leak urine. Female dogs are more likely to have an abnormality than male dogs, according to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The dog may develop bladder infections that clear up with antibiotics but soon return. Surgery sometimes cures the problem, but dogs occasionally can remain incontinent.
Home Solutions
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Dog owners can help prevent their dogs from wetting their beds. Bed-wetting occurs most often at night when the dog hasn't been outdoors for a while, or after a nap. To help prevent your dog from wetting his bed, take him for a walk as often as you can. Take him out first thing in the morning, and as soon as he wakes up from his daytime naps. Don't limit his water intake unless it's under your vet's advice because he could suffer from dehydration.
Bed-wetting Hygiene
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Keeping your dog clean is essential if he wets his bed. Dogs who wet their beds can suffer from sore, infected skin around the leakage site. Place towels, blankets or water-absorbing pads in or under his bed to soak up the urine, or put a doggy diaper on him at night. Wash your dog if he becomes soaked in urine from an accident, and check him often for red, raw skin. This could indicate a skin infection, which will require a trip to the vet.
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