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Dog Incontinence Euthanasia: How to Know When Its Time

Updated: Oct 26

It is tough to see your beloved pet getting old and sick. In dogs, incontinence is common, and it can make their life miserable. Though it is a curable disease, sometimes there could be hidden issues behind it. Those issues often push us to make the toughest decision of euthanasia. In this blog, we’ll explore dog incontinence euthanasia and try to understand when it’s time.


If you have a dog with incontinence and you want to know, what to do, then keep on reading. Here you will find the causes, symptoms, treatments, and more about dog incontinence. Let’s begin.


What Is Incontinence in Dogs?

Incontinence is the lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation. Along with all the aging animals, it is a common issue among older dogs.


Urinary incontinence is when your dog loses control of their bladder. It is a condition that differs from behavioral problems related to urination and develops a medical issue.

Bowel incontinence is when a dog loses control of their bowels. It results in the inability to retain their fecal matter.


This condition may occur due to age, illness, or injury. Regardless of breed, gender, or age, any dog can suffer from this. However, senior dogs are more likely to be affected and this impacts the dog's quality of life.

old dog incontinence euthanasia

What Are the Causes of Incontinence in Dogs?

Sometimes, your dog might urinate or stool out of stress or fear. But if it happens frequently, then you need to consult the vet. There could be an underlying disease that might be causing the issue. Here are some of the causes of incontinence in dogs:


  • Nerve issues: If your dog suffers from spinal injuries, it can affect bladder control nerves. That will cause urinary incontinence.

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): If your dog has infections or injuries in the urinary tract, that can cause leaks.

  • Birth defects: Some dogs are born with bladder function abnormalities, causing leaks from a younger age.

  • Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormone levels can disrupt your dog's bladder control. It is common in middle-aged and older female dogs. But, it has been seen in younger spayed female dogs and occasionally in male dogs.

  • Weak bladder muscles: Weakness in these muscles can lead to difficulty holding urine. This happens mostly in old dogs.

  • Health conditions: If your dog suffers from diseases like diabetes or kidney problems, it may increase its water intake. This can result in more frequent urination and potential leaks.

  • Tumors: If dogs grow tumors near the bladder can interfere with its function. This may cause incontinence in dogs.


Additionally, there are many illnesses that can make it difficult for your dog to control his bowels. Any type of gastrointestinal problem can cause bowel incontinence.


Bowel incontinence is common in older dogs due to a lack of muscle tone. Or from a medical problem such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, liver or kidney disease.


However, you should have the veterinarian check your dog if the incontinence goes on longer than a few days.


Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence in Dogs

Identifying the symptoms helps in quick diagnosis and treatment of incontinence in dogs. Here are some key things you need to watch for:


  • Dripping urine: One of the most noticeable signs of urinary incontinence is the presence of urine dribbling. This can cause your dog skin irritation and redness due to constant wetness.

  • Wet bedding or fur: Your dog frequently wet their bed due to their inability to control urination. Their fur also might be constantly wet.

  • Excessive genital licking: If you observe your dog licking their genital area more often than usual, it might be a subtle indication of urinary incontinence.

  • Increased thirst and urination: Monitor any changes in your dog's water intake and urination frequency. An increase in these behaviors could suggest underlying problems.

  • House soiling: If your dog frequently causes accidents indoors, then you should not ignore it. Multiple instances of urination inside the house suggest a trip to the vet.

  • Additional symptoms: Be alert for any other abnormal behaviors or signs like blood in the urine, limping, or difficulty moving. These may be linked to urinary incontinence or its complications. You may observe behavioral changes like anxiety, fear, and confusion in your dog.


When talking to the vet about your dog's condition, it's important to provide detailed information. This helps an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Observing the symptoms will also help you not to get confused between urinary and bowel incontinence.


Treatments for Urinary Incontinence in Dogs

In most cases, urinary incontinence in dogs is curable. The veterinarian offers different treatments, medicines, and lifestyle adjustments to help your dog.


Before starting the treatment of your dog, an accurate diagnosis is important. The veterinary doctor will perform in detailed assessment. Then, they would suggest a solution. Some of the treatment options are the following:


  • Hormonal therapy: Estrogen therapy for female dogs and testosterone for male dogs.

  • Medication: Phenylpropanolamine is given 2-3 times daily (always consult your vet).

  • Surgery: Sometimes surgery might be the cure for your pet.


However, the veterinarian might often suggest some lifestyle adjustments as well, like giving your dog frequent bathroom breaks.


These solutions are effective. But if they don’t work for your dog, there might be an adverse underlying health issue.

dog bowel incontinence euthanasia

How Is Incontinence Managed in Dogs?

With an incontinent dog, you must be more aware and adopt new habits. To manage this issue, you have to combine medicines and at-home measures. You can create a dog-friendly environment to help your dog.


You can use dog diapers or add a waterproof bedding for your pet. You may also set up absorbent pads on the furniture and floors.


Long walks for dogs often provide comfortable relief. You can adapt to new cleaning methods and routines to maintain the issue properly. Cleanliness will help prevent infection. Sometimes, changing your pet's diet helps, especially if your pet is old.


This condition can be physically and emotionally exhausting for both you and your dog. But still, try to stay calm as your dog can sense your emotions.


Making the Decision

Sometimes incontinence can lead you to decide on euthanasia. When none of the treatments work, and the quality of life of your dog keeps decreasing, talk to the vet. Quality of life includes your dog's comfort, dignity, happiness, and the ability to enjoy life. Mostly, if you have an elderly dog, you may need to decide to put it down. Here are some signs that it’s time:

  • Your dog is always in pain and medicine isn’t working.

  • If your dog loses interest in his favorite activities.

  • If he frequently vomits and suffers from diarrhea, resulting in unhealthy weight loss.

  • Your dog refuses to eat or has to be force-fed.

  • Your dog can not stand or work

Consult the veterinary clinic for advice, if they can help your dog in any way. If they are unable to do anything, they will have a conversation about euthanasia with you.


Euthanasia is a hard decision for a pet owner. But watching them constantly suffer is the hardest. At some point in their life, they stop living for themselves and live only for you. If this is your case, you should consult your veterinarian to put your dog down. Euthanasia can give them relief from this suffering.


Providing Comfort and Peace

Once you have made the decision, it's okay to feel sad. Over time dogs become our closest friends. Letting them go is a difficult decision.


Before euthanizing, you can give your dog some comfort and peace. You can consider taking your dog to his favorite place and spending some quiet time with him.


You can take your canine to the vet or arrange an at-home euthanasia. Carry your dog's favorite blanket and toys to comfort him. Take time to say goodbye, don’t rush the moment.

Euthanasia is a humane way to put down your pet. The veterinarian first injects some drugs to put the dog to sleep and gently stops his heartbeat.


You can choose to be with your dog during the process or not. Both are okay and the veterinarian will support your decision.


You can cremate your pet's remains and arrange a burial at the pet cemetery. If you have space you can arrange a home burial.


To show some gratitude to your dog you can put a headstone on its grave, make a photo frame, or donate to pet charities.


Their absence will take a toll emotionally. It’s okay to grieve, you are not alone. You can reach out to a friend, family member, or a pet loss support group. You can always consult a professional, too, if you need help.


Conclusion on Dog Incontinence Euthanasia

Incontinence is a common issue among dogs. Sometimes this could suggest some underlying medical conditions. If your dog is old and apart from all the efforts, its condition keeps getting worse, then you have no other choice but euthanasia.


Don’t feel bad; every decision you make is out of love and concern for the dog’s well-being. You should trust yourself and understand your pet's needs.


If you see your dog is suffering, you can consider contacting our trustworthy Peaceful Veterinary Care. We are a mobile veterinary service specializing in at-home and at-office euthanasia services. We can offer you the best advice for your pet and help you deal with this grief. Call us today!

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