Older Dog Incontinence Causes
Stress and anxiety can cause incontinence in dogs and we all know that older dogs may have higher levels.
Older dog incontinence causes. The most common cause it occurs when there is a decrease in the production of estrogen and testosterone. And while sometimes the cause of the incontinence can be something more serious more often than not it is just a leaky bladder and in the case of fecal incontinence many times it is related to a spinal issue and not life threatening. Cocker spaniels springer spaniels doberman pinschers and old english sheepdogs are among the breeds often prone to incontinence. Unfortunately dog incontinence while sleeping can be a real problem.
When a dog is suspected of incontinence an important first step is to establish that the problem really is incontinence and not just an increase in the need to urinate which causes the dog to urinate in the house because he must. Al in the journal of the american veterinary medical association dogs weighing 15 kilograms 33 pounds or more are seven times. This condition is the most common cause of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs. This condition occurs most often in older spayed female dogs.
In older female spayed dogs incontinence can develop due to the weakening of bladder muscles. Older dogs tend to be more prone to developing this condition. This is because there are several different possible causes of a dog leaking urine when lying down. Also as they age their estrogen levels decrease that can affect the normal functioning of the bladder s smooth muscles.
While many people associate a dog urinating when sleeping with older dogs it can happen to pets of all ages. Is it truly incontinence. In older dogs the most common cause of fecal incontinence has to do with a disorder of the nervous system. Often they are mature or middle aged when the incontinence starts.
The most common cause of incontinence in senior dogs is a weakening of the urethral sphincter muscle that controls urination. Sadly incontinence both bladder and bowel is one of the main reasons people put their dogs down. According to a research article by forsee davis mouat et. Incontinence can affect dogs of any age both male and female but typically it is seen in middle aged to older female spayed dogs.
Although urinary incontinence can afflict dogs of any age breed or gender it is most often seen in middle aged to older spayed females. As the aging process takes over the anal sphincter becomes less efficient at holding in bowels and allowing a dog to detect when he needs to eliminate. Incontinence in senior dogs is a fairly common problem that starts when a dog enters middle age and normally stays. Causes of incontinence or an increased need to pee.