Dog Bladder Control: What You Need to Know
Dog bladder control is essential for your pet’s homeostasis and we need to pay attention and make sure it all works as it should.
If you work long or irregular hours, you may be concerned about how long you can leave your dog alone at home. How long can dogs go without peeing? Are you going to have an “accident” when you get home?
There’s also one additional item to consider: bladder leaks in dogs. Urinary incontinence occurs when your dog loses control of its bladder unintentionally.
This may vary in severity from little leaks to significant quantities of pee. Incontinence is distinct from behavioral urination disorders. Incontinence is often caused by a medical problem and your dog is likely unaware of it.
So, let’s look at some elements that might assist you in making the best and safest decisions for training your canine bladder control. We’ll also say a few things about dogs’ most common bladder disorders.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Urinary Tract?
- Where Is the Urinary Tract Located in Dogs?
- What Is the Urinary Tract’s General Structure and Function?
- Which Are the Most Common Bladder Problems in Dogs?
- How Does an Owner Detect a Problem?
- Can Owners Prevent Bladder Problems in Dogs?
- What Is Incontinence in Dogs?
- The Takeaway
- Nutrition Strength Dog Incontinence Support
Check out our Nutrition Strength Dog Incontinence Support here.
What Is the Urinary Tract?
A dog’s urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. These organs collaborate to create, transport, store and eliminate urine.
The urinary system also rids the body of various fluid waste elements and products, performing other critical duties such as managing the amount and composition of bodily fluids.
Where Is the Urinary Tract Located in Dogs?
Dogs have two kidneys in the abdominal cavity under the backbone, near the last rib. The ureters connect the kidneys to the bladder (one from each kidney).
The bladder is placed in the abdomen, immediately in front of the pelvic pubic bone. The urethra, the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside, runs along the pelvic floor. It terminates in the vaginal vestibule in female dogs and at the tip of the penis in male dogs.
What Is the Urinary Tract’s General Structure and Function?
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are paired. The hilus is the hollow of the “bean,” where the blood arteries, nerves and ureters enter and exit the kidney.
The nephron is the structural and functional unit of the dog’s kidneys. There are hundreds of these small filtering units, each of which may produce urine on its own.
Each nephron is made up of a glomerulus, which is a round, ball-shaped collection of tiny blood vessels and a renal tubule, which is a small tube. Nephrons are in charge of excreting urea, mixed with water and other waste items to form urine.
The urine is drained into the kidney’s pelvis, a collecting chamber positioned in the center of the kidney near the hilus.
Urine from the kidney enters the ureters, tiny tubes connecting the kidney to the urinary bladder. The urine travels towards the bladder in small spurts due to muscle contractions in the ureter walls.
The bladder is a collapsible muscular organ at the rear of the abdomen that looks like a balloon. It allows for the temporary storage of urine.
Ligaments connect the bladder to other organs and the pelvic bones, which keep it in place. A sphincter is a circular muscle that regulates the bladder’s outlet hole and prevents urine from spilling out.
When the bladder reaches a specific level of enlargement, neurons in the bladder wall signal to the brain that it is time to empty the bladder.
When necessary, the animal willfully relaxes the sphincter and permits urine to pass. The pee that has been discharged enters the urethra, a tube that transports urine to the outside.
The male urethra is long and narrow, ending at the tip of the penis. The female urethra is substantially shorter and broader, opening immediately before the vaginal opening.
Which Are the Most Common Bladder Problems in Dogs?
Pet and human urinary system disorders, ranging from urinary tract infections (UTIs) to urinary stone production and incontinence, may surprise owners. However, there is one significant distinction.
Humans may settle for cautious waiting while a problem develops. Still, bladder disorders in dogs can quickly escalate into significant concerns.
The most prevalent problems are UTIs, cystitis (bladder wall inflammation) and urinary stones in the kidneys, bladder or urethra.
In addition, like people, elderly male dogs may develop benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which an enlarged prostate prevents urine from exiting the bladder.
Worst-case scenario: urinary tract tumors, which may occur in the bladder or prostate and cause urinary problems.
Smoking and chemical exposure may aggravate bladder issues in humans. However, bladder issues in dogs are usually caused by heredity or as a result of another illness.
Urinary stones, for example, develop more quickly in Dalmatian and Bulldog dogs, dogs with portosystemic shunts and metabolic or endocrine problems.
How Does an Owner Detect a Problem?
Keep an eye out for changes in your dogs’ urine patterns. Do you notice an increase or reduction in volume, frequency, discoloration or strong odor?
Is your pet drinking a lot more water lately? This is the body’s way of cleaning toxins and may suggest dog bladder control problems.
This is a warning if your dog generally gets three walks per day but suddenly wants six. So are “accidents” from dogs that don’t ordinarily have them overnight.
If your pet postures to often pee and produce little urine or vocalize / whines while straining, they may need treatment. If your pet’s belly is swollen or seems uncomfortable, this might indicate something is wrong.
However, don’t put off making a treatment choice for too long. Dogs should urinate many times every day. If they don’t, particularly if they’re vocalizing and displaying indications of distress, your veterinarian should examine them immediately.
Pets that get blocked and cannot pee may have electrolyte abnormalities that harm the heart and may even result in death.
Can Owners Prevent Bladder Problems in Dogs?
Vets often prescribe dry diets to deal with plaque accumulation in healthy animals. Still, canned food has a greater moisture level that helps the kidneys and urinary system stay hydrated.
If your pet develops urinary stones, you may change their food to produce more acidic or alkaline urine, depending on the stones’ form. Low magnesium and phosphorus diets may also help.
Male canines that are neutered when young are less likely to develop prostate enlargement. However, if a female is neutered early, it may result in urine incontinence.
When considering the best time to neuter your pet, weigh the advantages and downsides with your veterinarian.
What Is Incontinence in Dogs?
Dogs may develop incontinence — the involuntary loss of pee or feces control — for several causes, including age, illness and others.
It can be stressful for you and your dog, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. Fortunately, in most circumstances, you can address your dog’s incontinence and help them pursue a higher quality of life.
Incontinence is distinct from inappropriate elimination, which happens when your pet eliminates itself at an unsuitable moment, generally due to heightened emotion or immaturity.
For example, if your dog suffers from separation anxiety, the extended state of stress might lead to incorrect excretion.
In other circumstances, false elimination may be prevalent throughout the puppy potty training process unless your young dog learns where and when to go pee.
Understanding incontinence might help you replace frustration with knowledge. If you’ve tried and failed to house train your dog, incontinence might be the source of the problem.
Types of Incontinence in Dogs
Your dog may be suffering from either urine or fecal incontinence. The signs, causes and treatment for your pet’s incontinence will vary depending on the type.
Urinary incontinence is characterized by an acute need to urinate, followed by a lack of bladder control. That condition is difficult to predict since your dog may have just seconds between the need to urinate and bladder discharge.
Some dogs only have minor urine incontinence, while others lose complete bladder control.
Signs and Symptoms of Incontinence in Dogs
As a pet parent, you should be observant of signs of incontinence. The sooner you can spot possible incontinence indicators, the sooner you can get your dog the care he or she needs.
No matter how thoroughly a dog has been toilet trained, it might become incontinent. Even though your dog does not regularly have accidents in the home, it may have incontinence occasionally.
When your well-behaved pet exhibits these signs, it’s critical to take a compassionate attitude. Avoid penalizing your dog for their conduct or raising your voice in an angry or frustrated tone.
Instead, answer quietly in a gentle manner that acknowledges their mishap and stresses your patience.
Canine incontinence may be indicated by a range of signs and symptoms. These are some examples:
- Spots of urine around the home.
- Urine leaking from your dog.
- More frequently required bathroom trips.
- Increased water or food intake.
- Evidence of painful urination or excretion.
- Frequent licking of the genital area.
Consult a veterinarian if these signs of incontinence do not resolve within a few days.
Causes of Incontinence in Dogs
You should be able to teach your dog to quit peeing in the home under typical conditions. Incontinence might be to blame if this issue does not improve over time.
Incontinence in dogs may be caused by a variety of factors. These are some examples:
- Bladder infections or dysfunction.
- Tumors.
- Natural aging.
- Urine retention.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Injuries to the spinal cord, bladder, genitals or other vital areas.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Genetic defects.
Because of their gender or breed, certain dogs are more likely to develop incontinence. Bulldogs, Boxers, and Irish Red Setters are the breeds most prone to incontinence.
Female dogs are more prone to develop incontinence than male dogs, partly due to a decline in estrogen levels.
Age is another crucial element that might influence your dog’s susceptibility to develop incontinence. Be careful with your senior dog, as bladder control might be challenging.
Treating and Managing Incontinence in Dogs
The best treatment for your dog’s incontinence will be determined by the reason. Visit a veterinarian clinic to specify the underlying cause of your dog’s urine incontinence.
Once you’ve found local veterinarians you like, collaborate with them to create a treatment plan tailored to your dog’s individual requirements.
The treatment for your pet’s incontinence starts with your reaction. Remember that even highly potty-trained dogs might develop incontinence due to circumstances beyond their control.
Instead of expressing your anger or displeasure to your dog, react generously in ways that demonstrate patience and support.
You may also help your dog control his or her incontinence at home. Among these options are:
- Pee pads that may help restrict the extent of your four-legged friend’s mishaps while also promoting quick cleaning.
- Dog diapers that collect spills before they hit the ground.
- Frequent, safe walks that enable your dog to relieve themselves outside.
- Grooming your dog correctly to eliminate any urine or fecal waste and rejuvenate his coat.
These at-home alternatives assist in keeping your dog happy while limiting messes and promoting quick cleaning.
Consider using one or more of the incontinence mentioned above control techniques in conjunction with your veterinarian’s suggested treatment plan.
If your dog is incontinent, you must regularly change their diaper, sleeping place or kennel for comfort and hygiene.
Check to determine whether your dog has emptied their bladder regularly. You will eventually discover when times of day your pet is most prone to get wet.
Dogs, like humans, may get diaper rash if their hair and skin are exposed to pee for an extended time. Leaving a diaper on for an extended period might result in urinary tract infections.
You may lessen your dog’s chances of having these problems by keeping him clean. Although a complete bath is not required, a daily sponge bath with a washing cloth might be beneficial.
It’s also a good idea to keep your dog’s hair cut to avoid rashes and infections.
Your vet might recommend natural bladder control for dogs and taking specific supplements to change the dog’s behavior. They are beneficial for senior canines. As a result, their condition will improve.
The Takeaway
You should understand how the urinary system works if you have a dog. Urine production is one of its primary tasks, although it might be difficult for your dog to regulate at times.
Bladder leakage in dogs is accidental, instead of deliberate peeing or urinating while aroused, scared or afraid.
Some dog breeds are more vulnerable to urine leaking than others. It happens in elderly dogs or is a warning that your dog has a condition that needs veterinarian treatment and should not be disregarded.
Knowing the indications of urine leakage and when to seek medical attention if it persists is critical. So, be cautious and don’t get angry: if you have a puppy, bladder control might take some extra time.
Nutrition Strength Dog Incontinence Support
Check out our Nutrition Strength Dog Incontinence Support here.
Nutrition Strength’s Dog Incontinence Support, Supplement for Dog Bladder Health, Organic Support for Dogs Leaking Urine, Promotes Dog Bladder Control offers a holistic solution to help with urinary incontinence in dogs and promote bladder health. Urinary leakage frequently occurs in spayed and elderly dogs.
Our premium canine incontinence tablets are specifically formulated with the ingredients needed to help your pets by:
- Delivering cranberry and a blend of organic ingredients which promote urinary tract health.
- Supplying the optimal blend of organic ingredients which work together to help maintain bladder control.
- Featuring organic marshmallow root and astragalus, which together help to clean toxin build-ups from the urinary tract.
- Providing organic licorice, nettle seed and d-mannose in the proper ratio to help detox the kidneys.
- Helping to manage urine leakage by working to support weakened muscles in the bladder and sphincter.
Our dog incontinence formula features the organic ingredients the body uses to keep a dog’s kidneys and bladder healthy and functioning at their best for more comfortable urination.
Used daily, our premium supplement for dogs leaking urine may help strengthen your four-legged friend’s bladder wall and facilitate bladder emptying.
Image source: Wikimedia / Joshua Ganderson.
