What is incontinence in dogs?
Incontinence is a term that can either relate to urination or defecation. But sometimes it may affect both. Nevertheless, one of the two usually gets affected. Incontinence is often seen in bitches, most especially among older dogs. The bladder’s sphincter muscle can also weaken, which leads to this condition. For younger dogs however, neutering can also influence incontinence. This can affect both sexes. Congenital problems too can cause incontinence. For example, the ureter (the tube that drains urine from the kidney towards the bladder) can get connected to the bladder neck – this is known as ectopic ureter. This condition can occur after the bladder has been paralyzed or if the bladder failed to empty in a timely manner that leads to overfilling. Such cases eventually lead to urinary incontinence.
Incontinence may also be a direct product of a traumatic experience like road accidents. At times it can also be the presence of a balder tumour. Neverthless, it is also important to know how to differentiate a simple case of inappropriate urination as opposed to urinary incontinence. Inappropriate urination happens when the dog pees within the house for other reasons. If the dog unconsciously loses urine, then that is incontinence
With regard to defecation problems, when the anal muscle sphincter weakens faecal incontinence can occur. Anal problems or disease like: presence of tumour, loss of general nerve control because of paralysis and generalised weakness can all lead to the condition. Trauma caused to the pelvic cavity after a road traffic accident causes the latter.
Take note, both faecal and urinary incontinences can bring about to unwanted complications. This can be due to both urinary and faecal blistering near the perineal and anal areas. As a result, secondary skin infections take place.
Dogs are just like humans when it comes to health related problems. Exercise is a standard intervention that can be employed when it comes to maintaining a healthy body for your dogs. Take your dog for regular exercise trips like walking down the street or a jog in the park. Assuredly, your dog will be free from those very preventable illnesses. Remember, exercise can help reduce the symptoms of both faecal and urinary incontinence and can also enable him to live a healthy lifespan. An established habit of sufficient exercise can trigger healthy metabolism and proper excretion of wastes from your dog.
So why not give your best when it comes to taking care of your dogs? Read online articles or journals that can help you take care of your pets. These reading materials can also advice you about certain grooming techniques. Grooming your dog is a way to ensure that he does not get depressed easily because psychological and emotional health too plays an important role in preventing incontinence in dogs.
Overall, always seek the proper advice from your vet when your dog contracts incontinence. Your pet should always be taken to a professional in the case of any ailment occurring. Your vet will be able to identify most of the problems happening in your dog and therefore help you take the necessary treatment measures. Taking care of a dog needs a lot of attention, as well as, doing immediate action whenever necessary.
This pet health article is for reference only.
If your pet is showing any symptoms or distress, and you suspect your pet is ill CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY.