Urinary Incontinence in Older Dogs

Urinary incontinence is a common condition we see in older dogs, particularly desexed female dogs and larger breeds.

Managing Urinary Incontinence in Dogs

Urinary incontinence is a common condition we see in older dogs, particularly desexed female dogs and larger breeds. While it can be worrying to discover your dog has wet bedding or is leaking urine while resting, the good news is that in many cases it can be successfully managed once properly diagnosed.

What are the signs?

Incontinence often appears as:

Wet patches on bedding
Dribbling urine when lying down or relaxed
Damp fur around the back legs
A mild urine smell or skin irritation (urine scalding)

Sometimes the leakage is small and can go unnoticed, so it’s important to regularly check your dog’s bedding — especially as they enter their senior years.

Is it definitely incontinence?

Not always. Other more serious conditions can cause similar symptoms, including:

Bladder infections
Bladder stones
Kidney disease
Hormonal disorders
Conditions that increase thirst and urination

Because of this, it’s very important not to assume bed wetting is “just old age.”

How do we diagnose it?

At Elgar Road Vet, we start with a thorough history and clinical examination. We’ll ask about:

Appetite
Water intake
Changes in urination habits

We commonly recommend a urine test, which can conveniently be performed during your pet’s Senior Wellness Check or annual vaccination visit. In some cases, blood testing may also be advised to rule out underlying disease.

If other causes are excluded, many dogs are diagnosed with hormone-related urinary incontinence, where the bladder “valve” loses strength.

Can it be treated?

Yes. There are several effective medications that help restore bladder control and significantly improve quality of life.

Most dogs respond very well to treatment.

It’s important to note: water should never be withheld from dogs with incontinence, as this can lead to dehydration and worsen urinary tract health.

Elgar Road Veterinary

Book a Check-up

If you’ve noticed any signs of urine leakage or changes in your dog’s toileting habits, we encourage you to contact our friendly team. Early assessment can prevent skin scalding, urinary infections, and kidney complications — and most importantly, keep your pet comfortable and happy in their senior years. Please call us to book a check-up or discuss your concerns.