Frequent Urination in Dogs

Frequent urination in dogs can be divided into two categories—an incessant need to urinate which can be a sign of other diseases, and incontinence, which is more of a lack of awareness of urination. While incontinence can be the result of other diseases, it is also an affliction itself, and maybe a sign of other problems in the body such as bladder infections, urethral blockage, or even natural aging. If you notice your pet urinating in abnormal places or at abnormal times, it may be incontinence. 

Urinary incontinence is involuntary urination. When your pet is experiencing urinary incontinence, they will likely have accidents in the house. This may happen when they are sleeping or when they are moving around the house. It’s important to meet with the veterinarian to determine if the incontinence is just that or if it is the sign of another illness.

Types

To distinguish between the types of urinary incontinence, the cause needs to be determined. Some of these might be:  

• Urinary incontinence caused by ectopic ureters: This is more common in younger dogs
• Urinary incontinence caused by decreased urethral closure pressure: A decrease in urethral closure pressure can result from neurological problems and cause urinary incontinence
• Bladder infection
• Blockage of urethra
• Hormone-responsive incontinence
• Age-related incontinence

As discussed in the types of urinary incontinence, there are three main causes of urinary incontinence.

• Urinary incontinence caused by ectopic ureters: An ectopic ureter is an abnormal urethral opening. This is most common in female dogs, and the following breeds are particularly susceptible: Miniature Poodle, Collie, Welsh Corgi, Fox Wire-haired Fox Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, Newfoundland and English Bulldog. Urinary tract infections are common with this form of urinary incontinence.
• Urinary incontinence caused by decreased urethral closure pressure: Typically the result of neurological problems, a thorough neurological exam is required. The urinary incontinence will vary in occurrence, duration, and intensity.
• Bladder infection: Though a bladder infection isn’t true incontinence (the pet is aware of urination), it presents in a very similar fashion. A bladder infection increases your pet’s urge to urinate or scars the bladder (when long standing) so that it cannot hold urine. This may cause urination in abormal locations or frequent urination.
• Blockage of urethra: If the dog is unable to completely empty their bladder because of the blockage, the built up pressure may force leaking.
• Hormone-responsive incontinence: This occurs most commonly in female dogs though it can occur in male neutered dogs as well. This happens after the pet is neutered and may occur months or years after the actual procedure. It is more common in larger breeds of dogs.
• Age-related incontinence is a more natural form of incontinence as it results from normal aging. This can result from a weakening of muscles or an overall susceptibility to disease that younger pets don’t have. Older pets can also become senile and not realize that they are urinating.

There are a variety of tests that can aid in the diagnosis of incontinence. What test is used will depend on what signs are present and other health factors, such as age. Some tests used in diagnosis might include:

• Blood and urine testing
• X-rays
• Ultrasound 
• Urine cultures
• Cystoscopy (endoscopy of the urinary bladder through the urethra)
• Helical computed tomography (CT scan)

Treatment can vary depending on the cause of incontinence and other related signs. Some common treatments include:

• Surgery
• Medications– which drugs are prescribed depends on the cause. If no specific cause is determined, the veterinarian will likely prescribe drugs in trial periods and monitor results to determine if the treatment is successful
• Hormone replacement therapy

The post-treatment recovery and management will largely depend on the course of treatment administered. In the event of surgery, there will be a post-surgery recovery period and monitoring by the veterinarian. Should pharmaceuticals or hormones be administered, you will likely need to monitor effectiveness and try multiple treatment options to find something that works. In all courses of treatment, you will need to monitor your pet’s urination frequency, duration and severity to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.