Did you know that a German Shepherd peeing problem or urinary incontinence in dogs is a very common problem? But luckily for the dog and the owner, this urinary problem has a solution! In this article, you will discover the reasons for urinary incontinence in German Shepherds and the best methods for treatment.
German Shepherd peeing problem: what is urinary incontinence in dogs?
Generally, urinary incontinence in dogs is a condition in which a dog is unable to control their bladder and may leak urine. This can be a problem for any breed of dog, including German Shepherds. This problem is also very common in dogs of advanced age.
Why do German Shepherds have urinary incontinence? (Urinary incontinence causes)
In addition to the signs of the pet’s advanced age, a German shepherd with a peeing problem or urinary incontinence may be a reflection of the presence of a more serious disease in the pet’s system. Some possible causes include:
- Hormonal imbalances: German Shepherds with low estrogen or testosterone levels may experience peeing problems or urinary incontinence as a result of these hormonal imbalances.
- Bladder infection: Infections of the bladder or urinary tract can cause urinary incontinence in dogs by disrupting the normal functioning of the urinary system.
- Neurological problems: German Shepherds with neurological problems such as spinal cord injuries or degenerative diseases like intervertebral disc disease can experience peeing problems or urinary incontinence due to damage to the nerves that control the bladder.
- Bladder stones: The presence of bladder stones can cause irritation and inflammation of the bladder, leading to canine urinary incontinence.
- Urethral sphincter incompetence: In this condition, the muscle responsible for holding urine in the bladder is weakened, leading to German Shepherd peeing problems or urinary incontinence. This is more common in female dogs and can be caused by various factors such as hormonal imbalances, obesity, and genetics.
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The most common causes of urinary incontinence in dogs happen due to the incompetence of the urinary sphincter mechanism, popularly called urethral sphincter weakness. This type of problem mainly affects spayed female dogs and elderly and obese dogs.
How do you know if your dog has urinary incontinence or peeing problems? Symptoms of urinary incontinence
German Shepherds with peeing problems or urinary incontinence present some signs that serve as a warning. The most common are:
- Leaking or dribbling urine: This is the most common symptom of urinary incontinence in dogs. You may notice your dog’s urine leaking or dribbling when they are resting or sleeping.
- Urinating more frequently: If your German Shepherds are experiencing peeing problems or urinary incontinence, they may need to urinate more frequently than usual. This may be due to an underlying medical condition that is causing their bladder to be overactive.
- Straining to urinate: Your dog may seem to be struggling or straining to urinate, even though they are producing only a small amount of urine. This may be a sign of a urinary tract infection or blockage.
- Wet spots on bedding or furniture: If your dog is leaking urine while they sleep, you may notice wet spots on their bedding or furniture.
- Change in appetite: Some dogs with urinary incontinence may also experience a change in appetite or weight loss, as they may be less interested in eating or drinking due to discomfort or pain while urinating.
Therefore, when you notice sudden changes in the pet’s behavior, look for a veterinarian. Only a specialist will be able to make the correct diagnosis and indicate the treatment according to the severity of canine urinary incontinence.
German Shepherds with urinary incontinence: diagnosis
The diagnosis of a dog with urinary incontinence is done in two stages. The first one is the urinalysis, a clinical exam that determines the existence of some type of infection in the animal’s bladder.
The next step is to perform X-rays and ultrasounds to be able to analyze the severity of the disease. From the image results collected, the veterinarian will be able to prescribe the most appropriate treatment to leave your pet free from urinary incontinence in dogs.
How do you treat a dog with urinary incontinence?
According to Silvana Badra, a veterinarian at MSD Sade Animal, the correct treatment depends on a series of factors:
“It is necessary to understand the cause of the urinary incontinence in dogs; the treatment can range from medication, control or treatment of the associated disease, or even surgical interventions, depending on the case,” he says.
Therefore, it is recommended that, when you notice any sign that your German Shepherd has peeing problems or urinary incontinence, you seek the help of a veterinarian. Only a specialized professional can indicate and prescribe the best treatment for your pet.
For example, in a situation where the cause of urinary incontinence in dogs is a bladder infection, treatment is given with the administration of antibiotics. However, if the origin is a neurological problem, medication and even surgery for decompression are recommended.
In cases of urinary incontinence in female dogs, a good alternative for treatment is Incurin, an exclusive probiotic for female dogs with urinary problems. It is a type of medication called an estrogen agonist, which means it works by stimulating the estrogen receptors in the bladder and urethra, helping to strengthen the muscles in these areas and improve bladder control.
Habits that help dogs with urinary incontinence
To assist in the medical treatment of urinary incontinence dogs, the owner can adopt some habits that contribute to the well-being of the pet. Among the measures recommended by experts are:
Dog grooming care
During the period of treatment of canine urinary incontinence, the ideal thing to do is to reinforce the pet’s hygiene. A good practice is to increase the frequency of baths and keep the hair in the genital area clean and trimmed.
Read also: Types of dog brushes and how to choose the right one
Keep the environment clean.
To keep the house clean without puddles of urine, the dog owner has two options. Place more sanitary mats in the main areas of the house or use disposable diapers, as long as it does not interfere with the animal’s comfort.
Increase the frequency of walks.
When you notice your German Shepherd has a peeing problem or urinary incontinence, another way to keep the dog from peeing around the house is to take it for more frequent walks at the dog park.Whenever possible, take a walk with him in the early hours of the day and just before bed. Thus, you avoid the accumulation of urine in the bladder.
Now that you know everything about dogs with urinary incontinence, it’s simpler to keep your pet’s health up to date. Is it not? Please share this post on your social media platforms.