Helping Your Older Dog Through Incontinence: A Comprehensive Guide

As our dogs enter their senior years, they may face a host of new challenges, and urinary incontinence is a common issue that can affect older dogs of all ages, though much more prevalent in elderly (10-12 years old) and senior dogs (12+ years old).

While it's a sensitive topic that can impact both the dog and the owner, understanding the causes and implementing a proper management plan can significantly improve your canine companion’s comfort and quality of life during this stage.

Understanding Incontinence in Older Dogs

Incontinence is the inability to control urination. In older dogs, it's often linked to the weakening of muscles and nerves, which leads to decreased control over bladder (and bowel movements, too!). It can also be part of canine cognitive dysfunction which is similar to dementia in humans. However, this is not just an issue caused by aging. Medical conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and liver disease can also contribute to incontinence.

It's essential to differentiate between incontinence and behavioural issues. Some dogs may appear incontinent when, in fact, they are anxious or responding to stress. If there are no changes to your dog’s environment or living situation, and incontinence is a new behaviour in a senior dog, ageing is very likely the cause and an assessment from your vet is important to diagnose the underlying issue.

Signs of Senior Dog Incontinence

Urinary incontinence of senior dogs is not easy to spot at first. Check for wet spots on their bedding, if they lick their genitals a lot, or if there is any lingering smell of urine. You may also observe little spots of urine after your dog has been lying down, or leaking urine when they walk or sleep. Some older dogs may also drink more and urinate more often than normal. If you see these signs, speak with your vet for a clinical diagnosis and to find out how best to help.

Tips on Dealing with Senior Dog Incontinence

Managing canine incontinence can feel overwhelming, but a multi-pronged approach can significantly improve your dog's comfort and quality of life. This section outlines key strategies, from the essential first step of consulting your vet, to dietary adjustments, medication, and creating a supportive environment. We'll also cover practical tips for maintaining hygiene and providing the emotional support your dog needs during this time.

Consult your Vet

An examination from your vet is the first and most important step in managing your dog's incontinence, as it's important to determine the underlying cause. Your vet may conduct a series of tests, including urinalysis (examination of urine), blood tests, ultrasound, or X-rays, to find the reason for the incontinence. Based on the diagnosis, the treatment will vary and could include medications, dietary changes, environmental or behavioural modifications, surgery, or a combination of these approaches.

Dietary Adjustments

Nutrition plays an important role in managing incontinence. Ensuring your dog stays well-hydrated can support kidney function and urinary health. One way to increase water intake is by feeding them wet dog food, which has a significantly higher moisture content than dry food. It's important to note that dietary needs differ across age groups, and what works for an adult dog may not be suitable for a senior dog. Consulting with a vet can help you tailor your dog's diet to their specific needs.

Medication

Medication can be prescribed to treat many underlying conditions or to help strengthen bladder muscles. For example, hormone replacement therapy can sometimes help spayed female dogs, who are more prone to incontinence due to lower oestrogen levels.

Environmental Changes

Simple changes in your home can make a significant difference in managing your dog's incontinence and maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for everyone. Easy-to-access and comfortable bedding, waterproof covers for furniture, and strategically placed absorbent pads can help manage accidents and minimise cleanup. Keeping the home clean with pet-safe cleaning products is essential to eliminate odours and stains, which can encourage repeat accidents in the same area.

Training and Behavioural Strategies

Re-establishing a toilet routine for your dog can aid in managing incontinence. More regular, scheduled trips outside can help your dog relieve themselves in an appropriate place. Rewarding your dog with a treat when they successfully go outside can help reinforce this new routine and encourage them to repeat the behaviour. It's also important to manage stress and anxiety, as these can worsen incontinence. This means being patient yourself. Some dogs find their loss of control very distressing and so your frustration will just make that worse for them. Creating a calm environment and sticking to a routine can help keep your dog relaxed – as is accepting mistakes as just part of living with an elderly dog.

Exercise and Weight Management

Regular, gentle exercise will help your dog maintain their muscle tone, including the muscles that control bladder function, which is important for incontinence management. It's also important to keep your senior dog at a healthy weight, as obesity can put extra pressure on the bladder and weaken supporting muscles, exacerbating incontinence issues and potentially leading to more frequent accidents.

Hygiene

Maintaining your dog's hygiene is key when dealing with incontinence, as urine can irritate the skin and cause painful infections or irritations. Regular baths with a gentle, pet-safe shampoo and keeping the fur around the affected area clean and dry can prevent skin infections and discomfort. Dog nappies or pants can also be helpful in managing accidents, especially when you're not able to be home and can't immediately clean up after them however these are likely to cause irritation as the urine is trapped against the skin, so use sparingly.

Emotional Support

Incontinence can be frustrating for both the dog and the owner, leading to feelings of stress and embarrassment. It's important to remember that your dog isn't at fault and to provide them with plenty of love, reassurance, and positive reinforcement. Patience is key, as is recognising the effort your dog is making to adapt to their changing body; scolding or punishing them, or even sensing your frustration, will only worsen their anxiety and potentially make the incontinence worse.

Incontinence in older dogs can seem challenging, but it is manageable. With advice from your vet, changes in your dog’s living situation, and showing your dog extra love, it is possible to live with canine incontinence. By knowing the causes, getting the right treatment, and making your home suitable for your dog, you can help your older dog live comfortably and happily.