Sometimes some dogs can’t stand the urge to pee and they do it at home , even though they have recently gone out for a walk. It is an action that can be taken as a habit of the furry, but with which you must be alert since it could hide a problem of urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence is a disease that causes the animal to not be able to hold the urge to urinate, doing it at any time and place. It ranges from small leaks to large puddles of pee. Although it is more common in older and large breed dogs, it can affect dogs of any age, sex or breed. In addition, older or spayed females tend to present this problem more frequently, as it occurs with some breeds of dog such as the pinscher, the bobtail or the cocker spaniel.
Symptoms
The main symptom of urinary incontinence is that the dog urinates on himself, so it is common to see a pool of urine. It can also draw attention that your bed, your blanket or your accessories are wet . However, there are other not-so-obvious symptoms that should create concern and alert:
- The dog licks the area a lot to the point of causing redness or irritation.
- The skin around the genital area is inflamed.
- Urinary tract infections.
Causes
Although incontinence does not understand age, gender or race, there are many factors that can motivate it. Obesity is one of the most common causes, in addition to overactive bladder syndrome , prostate problems or hormonal imbalances. It can also develop for other reasons such as:
- Spinal injuries.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Diseases such as diabetes or kidney diseases in which the dog drinks a lot of water.
- Some medications
- In females, an influencing factor is castration. It is usually temporary and once they learn to control their muscles everything returns to normal.
Diagnosis and care
Going to the vet is essential, since a specialist will have to determine the reasons why the furry can not stand the pee. In general, the veterinarian performs a physical examination and a urinalysis , although other tests such as a blood test, a urine culture or an abdominal ultrasound may also help to confirm the diagnosis. The veterinarian will prescribe the most appropriate treatment based on the results of the tests. This can range from a specific medication to surgery.
In order to avoid any skin infection, it is very important that the dog maintains good hygiene. The owner must ensure that his furry is clean at all times. In addition, to keep your sleeping area as clean as possible it is advisable to stack clean towels to help prevent urine from seeping into your bed. Another option is to put a waterproof pad to absorb moisture. Dog diapers are also a good alternative.
When a dog suffers from incontinence, it is advisable to take it for a walk frequently. It is not pleasant for him to pee at home, since he will feel guilty about doing it. Therefore, if we offer you the possibility of doing it on the street, you will feel much safer.
