If a dog Loses urine uncontrollably while lying down, There are usually physical suffering behind it. Some can be fixed quickly and easily, others are more treacherous and can even be dangerous for your four-legged friend.
What all the reasons have in common: They are anything but pleasant for both the animal and its human family. That's why you should tackle the problem quickly, But you have to know exactly what’s behind it.
That's why I have you in this article The 10 most common reasons for incontinence in lying dogs compiled. You will also find 6 possible solutions, that may come into consideration.
10 common causes for incontinence in lying dogs
1. Consequences of castration
When a dog loses urine while lying down, it is common neutered four-legged friends affected. Incontinence is a very common long-term consequence in female dogs. It occurs less frequently in male dogs, but is also possible – especially if the animal was castrated relatively late.
The reason for this is that during castration the Hormone release is fundamentally changed. The four-legged friends therefore not only often gain weight, but also lose it Connective tissue in the bladder. That's why it no longer closes as usual, and you can often see urine dripping out of the ureter while you're lying down.
Veterinarian Dr. Axel Wehrend on the advantages and disadvantages of castration for dogs. Source: Martin Rütter DOGS Schwerin / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOxkLryhv1o .
In many cases, this phenomenon does not occur immediately, but rather slowly: Occasionally several years pass, until there are clearly visible signs of incontinence.
But that doesn't mean that foregoing castration is always the better solution: In many breeds it not only prevents pregnancy, but also also prevents cancer such as breast and uterine tumors, to which some four-legged friends would otherwise be very susceptible.
2. Inflammation
Also Inflammation are often responsible for the dog no longer being able to control its bodily functions and losing urine even when lying down.
Often it is about bacterial infections of the urinary tract, which quickly into one Cystitis mouth. The dog is not only in pain, but also has to urinate very often – even at night. Cystitis – as the technical term is – can also become chronic or affect other organs such as the kidneys. This is typical dark, smelly urine.
Female dogs can also have one Inflammation of the uterus come into question. Purulent discharge can often also be observed.
3. Prostate problems
This can also happen in male dogs prostate lead to the animal no longer being able to control its urge to urinate and also excreting urine while sleeping.
Mostly affected older animals. Typical clinical pictures include: inflammation of the organ as well as one Prostate enlargement.
Prostate cancer, on the other hand, which has almost become a widespread disease in humans, fortunately only occurs very rarely in dogs.
4. Tumors
Unintentional urination while lying down can also occur tumors lay. Bladder cancer in particular is often responsible: around two percent of all cancers in dogs fall into this category.
Such tumors are often malignant and very treacherous. The larger they get, the more they injure the connective tissue and nerves of the bladder. The muscle can no longer close, and urine leaks out uncontrollably even when lying down.
Other symptoms, Signs of cancer include clearly visible pain when urinating, loss of appetite and weight loss, as well as apathetic or withdrawn behavior.
5. Urinary stones
Furthermore, some dogs are also used by urinary stones Haunted: These are crystals that are formed from various urine components and occasionally settle in the four-legged friend's urinary tract.
This is often the case Long-term consequences of an untreated bladder infection. Genetic predispositions or a feed that is too rich in minerals can also be beneficial factors.
If a dog suffers from urinary stones, he can often no longer urinate in a controlled manner. In some cases, the urinary tract is even blocked, and instead the urine slowly trickles out – even when lying down.
6. dementia
Unfortunately, there are more and more dogs suffering from symptoms dementia resemble. Experts refer to this as the canine “Cognitive dysfunction syndrome” or CDS. The causes are still largely unexplored, but what is certain is that the disease especially in older four-legged friends occurs from the age of 8.
Affected animals repeatedly forget where they are: This is why they are often no longer reliably housetrained; for example, they no longer announce when they “have to”. They often no longer wake up when their bladder is squeezing, but simply urinate while lying down.
Other signs of dementia in dogs
- Dogs are often anxious and nervous
- Disturbed day-night rhythm
- Problems recognizing your caregivers
- Four-legged friend barks at things or people for no apparent reason
- Dog withdraws more and more, is apathetic and listless
- Changed appetite, dog is always hungry & begs for food.
Source: VetSpezial Center for Small Medicine, Lehrte.
Such dementias are incurable. However, it is possible to still enable the dog to live a happy, dignified life for a longer period of time. This includes veterinary treatment, lots of love, attention and a daily routine tailored to the animal's needs.
7. Nervous disorders & -injuries
Incontinence in dogs can also happen damaged nerves be caused. Then urine comes out of the body without the dog having to do anything – for example when lying down.
Often responsible for this herniated discs, which press on the nerves of the urinary tract. But also other diseases like that “Cauda Equina Syndrome” (Nerves in the sacrum become constricted) or injuries are possible causes.
8. Metabolic diseases & Hormonal problems
Also Metabolic diseasesn can make the dog incontinent. Disorders of organs such as liver, kidneys and pancreas provoke inflammation, which also spreads to the bladder.
This includes in the broadest sense Diabetes, In dogs, “Type 1” predominates. Affected dogs are more thirsty, so their bladders are fuller than normal. Furthermore, the nerves are damaged, meaning that the urinary tract does not close as reliably as in healthy dogs.
Another related disease complex are Hormonal disorders: A lack of estrogen in bitches or Cushing's syndrome with excess cortisol provoke incontinence in dogs.
9. Ureterectopia
In most cases, dogs that leak urine while lying down tend to be older. But there is also younger four-legged friends, who do not have their bladder under control. According to a study, in around 55 percent of cases this is due to one Malposition of the ureters.
Experts also call this phenomenon “Ureterectopia”. This disease is very painful for the dog. Urination occurs very slowly, so the bladder is not completely emptied along the way. Instead, the urine flows out drop by drop – even when lying down.
10. Joint problems
Furthermore, a dog can also lose urine while lying down because it is easy for him unable to get up, to let water. This can of course happen because he is temporarily restricted in movement due to an injury, but it is often stuck Joint problems behind it.
The most common diseases in this spectrum include: Arthritis, osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. When the dog tries to get up, he is in so much pain that he often gives up. If the bladder is too full, he often empties it while lying down.
Other, general causes for bladder weakness in dogs
But there is also still other causeswhich can cause the dog to show signs of incontinence. However, these occur less when lying down, but rather rather on other occasions. These include, for example:
- Boredom, frustration & defiance
- Territorial behavior
- Excessive joy or excitement
- Stress, for example due to separation anxiety
- Exit too short/incorrectly timed.
Dog loses urine while lying down: 6 things you can do
If the dog loses urine while lying down, the four-legged friend can rarely do anything about it: So you shouldn't scold him or even punish him, because such measures are really not a working solution.
Instead, it is important to do things that address the cause. Depending on the reason for the incontinence, one of the following may occur 6 solutions come into question.
1. Dog toilet
One Dog toilet is a small, box-shaped device in which a dog can relieve itself without having to leave the house.
They are particularly suitable for physically weak or injured dogs, who can still get up, but can no longer walk long distances. They are also often used when the four-legged friend has to stay alone for a long time.
In addition, there is also “Training toilets” which are used to house train the dog.
2. Dog diaper
If there are physical reasons behind the incontinence, it can also be one Dog diaper at least a temporary solution. Often they become Bridging used before surgery or medication to provide lasting relief. In some cases – for example in the case of dementia – they are also used for a longer period of time.
Further information & comparison
If you need more information on the topic, I recommend our “dog diaper” test and comparison.
They are available in both single-use and reusable versions. There are also models for male dogs and female dogs. The urine is then reliably absorbed, which has a positive effect on the dog's hygiene and self-confidence. However, these diapers must be changed regularly and fit well so that they do not disturb your four-legged friend.
3. Let the dog drink a lot
If your dog is under one Urinary tract infection or even a bladder infection, he should take the first step lots of liquid receive. Then he has to urinate more often, but in the process he also excretes a lot of germs, which alleviates the infection.
This strategy helps also against urinary stones. If you suspect these causes, the water bowl must always be well filled.
If your four-legged friend has little desire for liquids, it can help to “trick” him a little. For example, you could leave a treat floating in the bowl or soak the dry food – in both cases the dog has to drink in order to eat
4. Feed change
In some cases, a Feed change be a step in the right direction:
- A variety with possible few minerals For example, it can help prevent urinary stones
- There is also special food for neutered dogs
- Special senior mixtures often help with joint problems
- In the case of metabolic diseases…