As dogs age, incontinence (the inability to control urination) often becomes an issue. This can be frustrating and stressful for both you and your senior dog. The good news is there are many things you can do to manage your dog’s incontinence and improve their quality of life. This article outlines tips on dealing with old dog incontinence​ and everything from veterinary care to products and environmental changes that can help an incontinent older dog.

Understanding Incontinence in Older Dogs

Incontinence in older dogs usually occurs because of a decline in bladder and urinary sphincter muscle tone. The sphincter is the muscle that closes tightly to hold urine in the bladder. When the sphincter relaxes inappropriately or becomes weak, urine will leak out. This is known as overflow incontinence.

Other age-related changes like hormone imbalance, urinary tract infections, prostate disease, and cognitive dysfunction can also contribute to or cause incontinence. Your veterinarian can help diagnose the underlying cause and rule out treatable medical conditions.

Veterinary Care

Seeing your veterinarian for a senior wellness checkup is the first step when you notice your older dog incontinent. Your vet can:

Diagnostic Testing

• Evaluate for urinary tract infection – this can cause temporary incontinence that resolves once the infection is treated
• Check for signs of diabetes, kidney disease, prostate disease, bladder stones
• Look for neurological issues like spinal cord disease or dementia that could contribute

Treatment Options

If your dog is diagnosed with hormone-responsive incontinence, your vet may recommend:

• Prescription medications to strengthen sphincter tone, replace hormones, or calm bladder irritability
• Supplements like glucosamine to help rebuild bladder lining
• Special prescription urinary or mobility diets
• Physical therapy exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles

For overflow incontinence due to weak sphincter muscles, your vet may suggest:

• Medications to reduce urine production
• Collagen supplements to help tone connective tissue
• Surgical options like colposuspension or urethral bulking injections

Stay in close contact with your vet, monitor your dog’s symptoms, and report any side effects. Finding the right treatment protocol takes patience, persistence, and partnership with your vet. Read on for more tips on dealing with old dog incontinence.

Products for Incontinent Dogs

There are many products available to help contain urine and limit accidents when an older dog can’t make it outside. Consider the following:

Dog Diapers, Belly Bands, & Pads

Reusable or disposable dog diapers, male belly bands, and dog pads can be lifesavers for keeping urine contained and helping an incontinent dog feel comfortable indoors. Place absorbent pads inside the diapers or bands and change frequently. This will help avoid skin irritation or infection.

You can also place waterproof pads covered with absorbent pads or dog pee pads anywhere your dog likes to lay around the house. Layering the pads catches leaks before they hit the floor.

Washable Dog Beds

Washable dog beds and waterproof mattress covers allow you to quickly clean up any accidents on your dog’s bed. They come in handy when an aging dog can no longer “hold it” through the night.

Look for waterproof beds with removable, machine-washable covers and replaceable foam inserts. This makes cleaning and replacing parts a breeze.

Indoor Turf & Potty Spots

Indoor potty spots provide a designated area for senior dogs to relieve themselves without the need to go up and down stairs or walk far to the door.

These turf boxes resemble patches of fake grass. They often have tray systems underneath to collect urine for easy disposal. These “potty boxes” give older incontinent dogs a familiar place to go while keeping your home clean.

Creating an Incontinence-Friendly Home

Make your home easier to navigate for an aging, incontinent dog by setting up potty paths, reducing slipping hazards, and containing accidents. Try these tips:

Potty Paths

Create an obvious path to let your senior dog navigate easily to their potty area, especially helpful at night. You can use baby gates, furniture barriers, even strips on the floor to delineate a path. Remove any physical obstacles or slipping dangers along the route.

Limit Access

Block off rooms or areas of your home you want to keep clean and dry. Use baby gates to contain your dog in rooms with tile or wood floors when you can’t supervise. This allows quick, easy clean up.

Limit access to furniture, dog beds, and carpeted areas unless your dog is wearing a diaper or belly band to avoid accidents.

Accident-Proof

For rooms your dog has access to, choose washable rugs over carpeting. Place waterproof mattress covers over dog beds and furniture your dog uses. Keep cleaning products handy for easy clean up.

Help Your Dog Ask to Go Out

As cognitive function declines in aging pets, so does the ability to communicate basic needs. Make sure your dog has ways to let you know when they need to go out.

Relearn Signals

Re-teach cues like ringing bells on doors, bringing a leash, or vocalizing. Take your senior dog out frequently to reinforce training. Respond promptly when they signal to avoid accidents.

Set a Routine

Stick to a consistent feeding and potty schedule, especially first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. Older dogs do better with structure and routines. Write it down if needed to track progress.

Confine Strategically

When you can’t watch your dog, confine them to an area with washable floors using baby gates. This way you can respond quickly to signs they need to go out to avoid indoor accidents.

Have Patience With Your Old Dog

Caring for an incontinent, aging pet requires extra patience and compassion. Even with treatment, products, and environmental changes, accidents still happen. Here are some tips on dealing with old dog incontinence and how you can make this easier for both of you:

Use Positive Reinforcement

If your old dog has an accident, resist scolding or punishment. This can create anxiety and make the problem worse. Instead, gently encourage using their designated potty spot and praise every outdoor success, no matter how small.

Tend to Potty Needs ASAP

Respond promptly whenever your senior dog indicates they need to go out. This prevents accidents and reinforces proper potty communication instead of random indoor eliminations.

See It From Their View

Remember that your dog isn’t being stubborn or spiteful. They want to please you and likely feel bad about accidents. Reacting calmly without frustration or anger will help keep your old dog comfortable and content.

Conclusion

Caring for an aging, incontinent dog presents many challenges and opportunities to improve their quality of life. While frustrating at times, remember that products, routines, and environmental changes can help manage your dog’s condition.

Most importantly, show them patience and compassion. This will help you both navigate their later years with dignity and grace. With some adjustments and tips on dealing with old dog incontinence, your senior dog can live happily despite incontinence issues.