Remedies for Incontinence in Older Dogs

Behavior, Health & Wellness, Senior Pet Health

Health related issues are never fun to deal with but it is important to understand how or why your senior pet is acting a certain way.  Senior pet incontinence is an easy problem to identify but what exactly is incontinence?  Dog incontinence is when your senior pet loses their ability to control when they go potty.  Loss of control can range from an occasional urine leak to urinating a great deal…as if they were going potty outside like normal. 

If your senior pet seems to have developed an incontinence problem, there a several things that you can use to help.  Below are five dog incontinence products that might be just perfect for your fur baby and their potty problem!

As always, regardless of the amount your pet is unintentionally going, you should definitely talk with your vet to determine the root cause of why your senior pet is doing this.  There may be options only a vet has access to!

Also, check out our article on the challenge of senior dogs peeing in the house. We dive deep into what causes urination problems in dogs. It's an information packed article worth perusing.

Now, let's dive into remedies for incontinence!

Best Overall

Zesty Paws has an extensive and effective pet supplement line of products.  We have even reviewed several other senior pet health supplements, which you can check out here!  In the area of senior pet incontinence, Zesty Paws Cranberry for Dogs is a great option looking for a well-rounded “vitamin style” supplement. By “vitamin style”, we mean a supplement that is primarily intended for a specific issue but that also includes other beneficial additives.  These all-included supplements are a bit like multivitamins which is why we say “vitamin style” supplement.  Not only does this supplement include a very high concentration of cranberry, proven to promote bladder and urinary health, but it includes Marshmallow Root and Astragalus to help flush toxins out of your senior pet’s system and to decrease inflammation.

Best Premium

Nutramax Denamarin is not directly related to the treatment of incontinence but, indirectly, may have a major impact on your senior pet’s problem.  Denamarin works to maintain your senior pet’s liver function.  The liver is responsible for filtering out all the bad stuff that goes through your senior pet’s system.  Denamarin also provides protection and detoxification of their liver.  Healthy liver function is vital for the healthy removal of waste from your senior pet’s body.  Incontinence could be a sign that your senior pet doesn’t have liver in top shape.  Denamarin would be the ideal supplement for that!

Best Under $20

Nutri-Vet Bladder Control is a great supplement that works directly on your senior pet’s bladder to decrease the amount of incontinence episodes.  This product is specifically engineered for dogs of all ages and sizes but works particularly well for senior pets like yours!  The five active ingredients in this supplement are designed to work together and include wild yam, pumpkin seeds, cranberry extract, and Vitamin C.

Best Wearable Option

For those who prefer not to give your fur baby a supplement, Pet Magasin Washable Dog Diapers are a great choice!  Not only are they reusable, these dog diapers are machine washable.  This makes them particularly cost effective, as they can be used long-term.  These diapers were especially helpful for one of our recently passed senior dogs as she could walk really fast and we couldn’t always ensure she wouldn’t pee somewhere she wasn’t supposed to.  We knew that she would have an accident but, because she was wearing these diapers, that the house would stay clean.  Similar to regular baby diapers, these doggie diapers have a waterproof exterior to prevent leaks and staining of things around your house.  Also, these diapers have Velcro attachments meaning they are super fast to get on and off.

Best Single Ingredient

Coco and Luna Cranberry for Dogs is the perfect supplement for those looking for a product containing just one pure ingredient to treat incontinence.  With a high concentration of cranberry extract, Cranberry For Dogs enhances kidney health, bladder health and is an effective antioxidant.  Cranberry has proven urinary health benefits in both humans and pets so you can’t go wrong with this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do with an incontinent dog?

There are many incontinent dog solutions you should consider if you find out that your senior pet is incontinent.  There are a range of reasons why your fur baby is incontinent.  It is important to keep in mind that there are many ways to effectively help your senior pet handle this issue.  

First, speak to your vet as they will be able to properly diagnose your dog as incontinent and will be able to provide effective medical advice.  

Second, consider allowing your senior pet to wear a doggie diaper so they have freedom to move around the house without causing any accidents and ruining carpets, furniture, and other things on the floor.  

Finally, consider a high-quality supplement specifically designed to address the issue of dog incontinence. An incontinent dog can live a full and happy life with proper attention and medical care!

Why do older dogs lose bladder control?

In senior dogs, there are many potential causes for loss of bladder control. Some of the more common causes are hormonal imbalance, weak bladder, urinary tract infections possibly involving stones, and spinal injuries or degeneration.  The incontinence could also be a combination of age-related senility, as well as a loss of muscle tone, or leakage due to excitement.

Why has my dog suddenly become incontinent?

There are lots of reasons why your dog might seem to be incontinent.  The most important thing you can do is to take your senior pet to your vet to determine if your fur baby really is in continent and to discuss your options for treating the condition. However, just because your senior pet might occasionally uncontrollably pee, it doesn’t mean that your fur baby is truly incontinent.  

Many dogs will pee with excitement and, as your senior pet ages, it might just be harder for them to keep “things in” when they get excited by seeing a squirrel or you after a long absence.

“Uncontrollable” peeing could also be the side effect of other issues your senior pet might be having.  A senior pet that drinks excess water could have kidney issues. They may not be able to hold in that extra water they are drinking.  Or maybe you aren’t consistently taking your senior pet out to relieve themselves.  They may find it easier to relieve themselves on your floor than to try to wait for you to take them out.  

Another area to watch out for is when moving into a new home.  Senior pets don’t do so well with major changes, such as a new home, and may be confused about where to go to show you they need to go out.  In those instances, they may just find it easier to go in the house.  

Keep these things in mind when you see possible changes in your pet’s behavior.  We like to jump to a worst-case scenario and think the worst when the reality is that something as simple as a change in your senior pet’s environment!


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