Janis
Independence, MO

The trials and tribulations of aging are emerging as themes in this week’s posts. Incontinence is a relatively common problem in older dogs (and in older people–the success of the Depend® undergarment company testifies to that).

As dogs mature, neurological control of the bladder diminishes . The sphincter muscles that control urination weaken. These factors can lead to incontinence.

As well, a variety of medical problems can cause incontinence. Bladder infections are extremely common in older dogs, and are a leading cause of house soiling. Other medical causes of incontinence include diabetes, kidney disease, hormone imbalances, growths or tumors in the urinary tract and (for intact male dogs) prostate problems.

Your best bet is to have a veterinarian evaluate Amy to make sure that a medical condition isn’t playing a role in her house soiling. The vet will want to run blood and urine tests, and may recommend diagnostic imaging (X-rays and ultrasound).

If no problems are uncovered, a medicine called PPA (short for phenylpropanolamine) may help reduce incontinence. You and your vet can decide together whether to use it.

Patrizia
Marikina,Metro Manila, Philippines

Reagan most likely does have a urinary infection.

Urinary infections, or bladder infections, are the most common cause of difficulty urinating in both cats and dogs. Bladder infections often cause frequent attempts to urinate, often with marked straining. The urine may have a foul odor, and blood may be noted in the urine. Some afflicted pets show all of these symptoms; others show only one or even none.

Bladder infections almost never resolve on their own, and if they aren’t treated they can lead to kidney infections and serious illness.

Uncomplicated urinary infections respond to antibiotics. If Reagan has been having trouble for a long time, he may require several weeks of medicine to recover completely.

Be aware that a urinary infection isnot the only possible cause of the symptoms you are noticing. Prostate problems, bladder stones, urinary crystals, and bladder inflammation may cause them as well.

A veterianarian should evaluate any pet that is having trouble urinating. In the best case the pet may be uncomfortable. In the worst case, he could have a serious medical problem.