Bladder Control Problems in Dogs

Some dogs experience the inability to control their bladders (urinary incontinence) as the result of an infection, trauma or a medical disorder. Diagnosis of the underlying disorder may be difficult, according to the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," because more than one organ may be involved, resulting in overlapping or conflicting symptoms. While young puppies may not yet have developed sufficient muscular control over their bladders, older dogs may have behavioral or physical disorders.

  1. Submission

    • Dogs are pack animals. In the pack, the weaker dogs show submission by releasing a little urine when they encounter the pack leaders. Unfortunately, some dogs exhibit this behavior around humans. Submissive urination is more common in insecure dogs or new puppies when they first come home. Most puppies will outgrow the problem if it is ignored. Avoid scolding or punishing a dog for submissive urination. Increased stress in the dog is likely to make the problem worse.

    Hormones

    • Usually seen in spayed female dogs during the second half of their lifespan, the inability to control their bladders may be the result of a deficiency of estrogen production, which is necessary for control of the urethral muscles. Occasionally, a neutered male dog will suffer from the same problem. Treatment includes the administration of estrogen to female dogs and testosterone to male dogs in low dosages.

    Spinal

    • A dog who suffers a trauma to his spine that results in damage or pressure to the spinal cord may develop bladder control problems. In addition, a tumor or an infection may damage the nerves that run from the spinal cord to the muscles that control urination. Some dogs may have no problem as long as the bladder does not fill completely, while other dogs may not be able to control any amount of urine in the bladder. Antibiotics may help if the problem is the result of an infection. In time, nerve damage from an injury may repair itself, but some dogs may require catheterization.

    Kidney disease

    • When a dog's kidneys fail to function properly, the bladder may fill very quickly with excess fluid, and the dog may not be able to hold it. Kidney failure is the result of an underlying disorder that your veterinarian must address. During this time, make sure your dog has access to the outdoors frequently, or he may be unable to control his bladder and may urinate inside.

    Additional

    • Occasionally, a congenital disorder may prevent your dog from being able to successfully control urination. Urethra deformity is more common in female dogs, and it is often corrected by surgery. By nature, a dog will not urinate near its food bowl or its bed. Therefore, a dog that wets its bed or urinates in its feeding area should be examined by a veterinarian.