Reasons for Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control in Dogs

Let's discuss about reasons for loss of bladder and bowel control in dogs. With every puppy you have to go through house breaking. It can be a long and frustrating process. You think you will never have to deal with accidents in the house, but your adult dog keeps having accidents. What does this mean? Lack of bladder or bowel control can be caused by various things. This article will discuss these conditions including symptoms and possible causes.

Urinary or bowel incontinence is when a dog can't hold it and has accidents indoors. It is most common in older dogs and larger breeds, however it can occur in any dog if they have an obstruction or a condition that impairs their bladder. Sometimes urinating in the house occurs in adult dogs as a behavioral issue, but your veterinarian can help you determine if your dog has a behavioral or medical issue as the underlying cause of its incontinence.

Symptoms of lack of bladder or bowel control include urinating and defecating indoors, scooting its bottom around on the floor, inflammation around genitals, bloated abdomen, and tenderness around tail. Your dog may not always urinate somewhere noticeable, they sometime urinate in their bedding, so check for wet spots where they sleep.

There are various conditions that can cause incontinence. If your dog appears to have lack of bladder control it may be caused by an underdeveloped bladder, urinary tract infections, overactive bladder syndrome, obesity, lesions on spinal cord or brain, nerve disruption or injury, chronic inflammatory disease, or by a mass pushing on the bladder causing extra pressure.

If your dog has lack of bowel control it may be caused by nerve damage, infections, abscesses, spinal cord disease, parasites, muscle damage, and it could also be caused by the dog's diet or any medications they are on.

Take your dog to a veterinarian for an examination and tests in order to determine the underlying cause so you can properly treat and eliminate indoor accidents.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.