Is Incontinence a Reason to Put a Dog Down

Is Incontinence a Reason to Put a Dog Down

Incontinence is what happens when a dog loses control of its bladder, it’s not a great sign for the health of a Havanese. This generally happens in older dogs, and it is not at all uncommon. You will know your dog has incontinence when it can no longer control when it uses the toilet. This generally shows with urine, specifically with urinating in places around the house without control. 

You may find that your dog has started urinating in its bed, in its crate, on your bed, on the carpet, and literally everywhere else. It is not the dog’s fault, and it is not a behavioural problem, it is simply the dog getting old and things starting to not work the way they should. The same thing happens to us when we get old. 

The big difference between humans and dogs is that you don’t put a human down when they can’t control their bladder anymore. However, putting down dogs because of incontinence is the main reason it happens. There is no doubt that this is a very stressful and tedious condition, and it often causes owners to lose hope and put their dog down. 

What Are the Main Reasons for Incontinence?

• UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
• Weak Bladder Sphincter
• Urinary Stones
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Injury
• Prostate Disorder
• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Anatomic Disorders
• Improper Medication

What to Do if Your Dog is Incontinent

If you think your dog is incontinent, there are a few important steps you should take before even thinking about putting them down. You will know for sure there is a problem when your dog has dripping urine, when it is licking itself in the groin area excessively, and when it is urinating where it sleeps. Also, you will notice stains on the dog’s fur, and this is a sure sign it has started urinating on itself. 

If you notice any of these signs, the first thing you need to do is consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian will determine the cause and give you advice on how to proceed. You’ll probably need to have a physical exam done on your dog to see whether there is an infection and to see whether you will need to give your dog antibiotics.

Many bouts of incontinence come and go, and so it is not something that you would immediately need to put your dog down for. However, this can be the beginning of the end, as the incontinence can lead to bladder infections and kidney infections. You might also notice your dog has a skin infection because of so much contact with urine. 

This is generally a condition that occurs with older dogs. However, it can occur in middle-aged females that are spayed, in cocker spaniels, in Dobermans, and in sheepdogs. These three breeds are the most common to suffer from incontinence, along with spayed females. 

How to Treat Incontinence

Treatments for this condition depend drastically on the underlying cause. There are many medications out there that can help to effectively manage incontinence, preventing daily accidents. There are also other treatments that help with hormone therapy, while even more treatments will work to strengthen the urethral sphincter, which can give your dog back control of its urination. 

Sometimes, surgery is necessary. In the case of surgery, you are looking at a lot of money. And this is what generally ends up leading to euthanizing the dog. People cannot afford the expensive surgery it takes to fix the dog’s leaking bladder. Because of this, many pet owners choose to preemptively euthanize. 

But this is not necessary. Even if you can’t afford surgery, there are ways of living with a dog that suffers with this.

Managing a Dog with incontinence

Now it is time to answer the big question. Do you euthanize your dog when it becomes incontinent?

Absolutely not! Unless your dog is in absolute misery, horribly unhappy, and urinating uncontrollably all over themselves and clearly embarrassed about it, there is no need to put them down. You can take some measures to alleviate the stress suffered by your dog and keep your house free of urine. 

Doggy diapers are a big one. Believe it or not, your dog does not actually care how it looks. While it may be a little uncomfortable to start wearing a diaper, at least your dog won’t be peeing on the floor. These diapers are specially designed for this exact situation, and they might be the solution you need to keep your dog alive a little bit longer. 

Place clean blankets and clean towels in the places where your dog sleeps. You can put waterproof pads beneath the bedding to absorb urine, and you can layer their different beds with the same pads. Continuously change the blankets and towels to keep them comfortable – never let your dog sleep in its own urine – and this should bring a bit of relief. 

Taking your dog for a lot of walks is also a great idea, especially early in the morning after waking up. This will get lots of the urine out right away, though be warned these walks may take a considerable amount of time since your dog will stop to pee over and over again. 

It is important during this time that you also provide proper hygiene to your dog, to keep their skin from being infected. A little bit of urine on the fur is going to be OK, but it needs to be cleaned regularly. Your dog always needs to be clean. 

Also, regardless of what steps you take to live with the incontinence, always keep a close eye on the animal in case things worsen. If your dog becomes lethargic, distant, reclusive, plainly unhappy, and generally unwilling to do anything accept sit around looking miserable – and if you notice any extreme bloating – it is time to visit the veterinarian again.

The bottom line is that you and your dog can live with incontinence, at least for as long as the dog is happy.

Dog Incontinence FAQ

Dog incontinence is a condition that can affect older dogs, with many senior canines experiencing some form of it as they age. It can be distressing for both the dog and the owner, affecting the quality of a dog’s life. In many cases, this condition manifests as a dog being unable to control their urine, but fecal incontinence is also a concern for some senior dogs. Veterinary medicine has made strides in addressing this condition, but it’s not always completely treatable, making management strategies crucial for affected dogs.

Dog owners, especially those who are true dog lovers, often seek out solutions to enhance the comfort of their incontinent dog. One such solution is the use of diapers for dogs. Available for both male and female dogs, dog diapers can prevent unwanted accidents in the home, making daily life more manageable. Female dog diapers are designed to cater to the anatomy of female dogs, while those for male dogs have a different structure. In addition to diapers, waterproof dog beds can also be a boon for dogs with incontinence issues. These beds ensure that even if an accident happens during sleep or rest, the dog remains dry and comfortable.

Managing a senior dog’s incontinence can be challenging for dog owners, but with compassion, the right tools, and guidance from veterinary professionals, it’s possible to offer a dignified and comfortable life to an old dog. The bond between a dog and its owner is resilient, and with products like dog diapers and waterproof dog beds, it becomes easier to navigate the challenges that come with aging.

Why is my Dog Starting to Be Incontinent?

Dog incontinence can arise due to various reasons, and it can be concerning for dog owners. If your dog is starting to display signs of incontinence, understanding the potential causes can guide you in seeking the right intervention. Here are some reasons why your dog might be becoming incontinent:

1. Aging: Older dogs can develop incontinence as their body functions slow down and their muscles, including the sphincters controlling the bladder, weaken.
2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs can cause frequent urination, which may appear as incontinence. Along with incontinence, symptoms might include blood in the urine or frequent licking of the genital area.
3. Bladder Stones: Stones can irritate the bladder, leading to symptoms of incontinence.
4. Spinal Cord Issues: Diseases, injuries, or degeneration of the spinal cord can affect the nerves responsible for bladder control.
5. Hormonal Imbalance: Especially in spayed female dogs, a decrease in estrogen can lead to a condition known as estrogen-responsive incontinence.
6. Congenital Issues: Some dogs are born with conditions that affect their urinary system, leading to incontinence.
7. Behavioral: Sometimes, what appears as incontinence might be a behavioral issue, where the dog might be marking or urinating due to anxiety.
8. Medications: Some medications can increase urine production, leading to potential incontinence.
9. Other Medical Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, kidney disease, or other conditions might cause increased water intake and urination, which can appear as incontinence.

If your dog is displaying signs of incontinence, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide a definitive diagnosis and recommend treatments or interventions appropriate for the underlying cause.

Should I Take My Dog to the Vet for Incontinence?

Absolutely, if your best friend is showing signs of incontinence, a visit to the vet is essential. Dogs, much like humans, rely on their caregivers to ensure they receive adequate nutrition, proper care, and medical attention when needed. An incontinent dog may suffer silently, possibly experiencing chronic pain or discomfort. Incontinence can be indicative of underlying health issues that might be treatable or manageable with the right care. While other dogs might have occasional accidents, making incontinence a reason for concern.

Ensuring a good life and quality of life for our furry best friends is paramount. By managing incontinence early on, you can prevent further complications and provide relief from a leaky bladder. No one would ever want to put a dog down for a condition that might be manageable or treatable. By consulting with a vet, you’ll be taking a proactive step in ensuring your dog’s well-being and potentially extending the joyful years you spend together.

Why Is My Dog Peeing While Lying Down?

If your dog is peeing while lying down, it can be concerning and may indicate various underlying issues. Here are some potential reasons:

1. Urinary Incontinence: This is the involuntary loss of urine, and it’s one of the most common reasons dogs might pee while lying down. Incontinence can be due to weak bladder sphincter muscles, especially in spayed female dogs.
2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs can make it difficult for dogs to hold their urine. A dog with a UTI might pee frequently in small amounts and might not have the control or awareness to get up before urinating.
3. Bladder Stones or Crystals: These can irritate the bladder, leading to frequent urination and potential incontinence.
4. Aging: Older dogs can sometimes lose muscle tone and control over their bladder, leading to accidents.
5. Spinal Cord or Nerve Issues: Injuries, degenerative diseases, or other issues affecting the spinal cord can interfere with nerve signals related to bladder control.
6. Behavioral Causes: Sometimes, stress, anxiety, or submissive behavior can cause a dog to urinate involuntarily.
7. Hormonal Imbalance: Especially in spayed female dogs, a decrease in estrogen can lead to urinary incontinence.
8. Medications: Some drugs can increase urine production or relax bladder control, leading to incontinence.
9. Other Medical Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and Cushing’s disease might cause increased water intake and urination.

If your dog is peeing while lying down, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment. Addressing the underlying issue can improve your dog’s quality of life and prevent potential complications.