URINARY INCONTINENCE (UI)

UI creates barriers between dogs and their owners

Inappropriate urination is a common problem for dogs, especially as they age. Spayed female dogs tend to be more prone to urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence (UI) due to urethral sphincter hypotonus causes dogs to urinate uncontrollably while they are sleeping or resting, which can cause worry for both dogs and their owners.

Signs of urinary incontinence include:

  • Dripping, leaking urine
  • Wet spots where dog sleeps
  • Excessive licking of genitals
  • Red, irritated skin in the genital area
  • Inappropriate urination indoors
Up to 1 in 5 spayed female dogs may develop urinary incontinence.1
1Kendall A, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2024.

Medical or behavioral?

In most cases, repeated accidents should prompt a veterinarian visit. To help you narrow down whether your dog is misbehaving or has a medical issue, click through the four scenarios below.

Wets when relaxed or asleep
Usually unaware of soiling

Possible Problem
Urinary Incontinence – Medical

Causes
Weakened muscles of the urethral sphincter

Most Commonly Seen In

  • Middle-aged and older spayed females
  • More common in mid-sized and larger breeds

Possible Treatment

  • Ask your veterinarian about PROIN ER™ (phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride extended-release tablets), an FDA-approved tablet

Voids small amounts of urine frequently

Possible Problem
Frequent urination – Behavioral or medical

Causes

  • Urinary tract infection
  • Urinary stones
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Prostate disorders
  • Some medications

Most Commonly Seen In

  • Can occur in dogs of all ages and breeds
  • Some breeds are more susceptible to certain
    conditions than others

Treatment

  • Varies based on condition

Urinates during greetings, play, physical contact or scolding
Passes small amounts when upset or in stressful situations

Possible Problem
Submissive urination – Behavioral

Causes

  • Anxiety
  • Excitement

Most Commonly Seen In

  • Puppies
  • Adult dogs, especially those who lack confidence

Treatment

  • Puppies will likely outgrow the condition
  • Reduce stress
  • Teach the dog to ask to go outside
  • Consider contacting a dog trainer or canine behaviorist

Urinates small amounts on vertical surfaces, though may also occur on horizontal surfaces

Possible Problem
Urine marking – Behavioral

Causes

  • Anxiety
  • Social/territorial triggers
  • Nonresident dogs in their environment

Most Commonly Seen In

  • Males and females of all ages and breeds
  • Reproductively intact dogs

Treatment

  • Neuter or spay your dog
  • Thoroughly clean previously marked locations
  • Restrict access to things the dog is likely to mark
  • Consider contacting a dog trainer or canine behaviorist

Who’s to blame for repeated accidents?

Additional resources

Urinary health issues

Urinary problems can happen due to both medical and behavioral issues. Understanding the cause of urinary incontinence is an important step in finding the right treatment.

PLAY VIDEO

Urine leakage in spayed female dogs

This video addresses urinary incontinence and its treatment in female spayed dogs. Hear firsthand from pet owners who are experiencing a better relationship with their dogs.

PLAY VIDEO

Common urinary issues in senior dogs

Senior dogs with abnormal urinary tract signs require full diagnostic and clinical attention. This article discusses some of the issues, such as periuria, polyuria, orthopedic or neurologic, and cognition as well as the steps in properly diagnosing such issues in senior dogs.

Author: Gary P. Oswald, DVM, DACVIM (Int Med)

Read ARTICLE

Urinary incontinence in the dog

This article focuses on two of the most common causes of urinary incontinence, including urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI), and functional urethral obstruction or detrusor urethral dyssynergia (DUD).

Author: Julie Byron, DVM, MS, DACVIM, The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine

READ ARTICLE

Is PROIN ER right for my dog?

Since urinary incontinence may be new to you, here’s a helpful list of questions your veterinarian may ask to help in the diagnosis (along with performing tests like urine culture, blood tests, abdominal imaging, or ultrasound). Answering these questions before the first appointment could be the first step in managing your dog’s leaking issues.

SEE DISCUSSION GUIDE
PET OWNER Resources