Dogs urinate unintentionally at home. This seemingly ordinary phenomenon has many possible reasons hidden behind it. We generally believe that, unless there are special circumstances, dogs usually choose to eliminate when going out rather than at home. But sometimes, we find that dogs urinate unintentionally, which is called "urinary incontinence." This is not the same as enuresis in dogs when they are excited, scared or nervous.

There are many causes of urinary incontinence, the most common of which is neutered dogs. Caused by insufficient secretion of estrogen and testosterone. In addition, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, weak bladder muscles, congenital defects, nerve damage, prostate disease, medication side effects, and a number of other conditions can cause urinary incontinence.

When we find that a dog has urinary incontinence, we should take it to the hospital for examination as soon as possible. Collecting a urine sample at home is the best option, but can be difficult to do in practice. Your doctor will analyze your urine and may take an X-ray of your bladder to determine the specific cause of your incontinence.

The key to treating urinary incontinence is to treat the cause. If incontinence is caused by a urinary tract infection, antibiotics are necessary. Other causes require treatment with other medications or surgery. Additionally, dietary modifications are part of the treatment.

Although many causes of urinary incontinence cannot be effectively prevented, we can take some measures to reduce the chance of developing it. For example, in female dogs, neutering too early may increase the risk of urinary incontinence, so it is best to discuss the pros and cons in detail with your doctor before spaying. Keeping your external genitalia clean can also help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Bathe your dog regularly and make sure his sleeping environment is clean and tidy.

Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to urinary incontinence, such as German Shepherds , Rottweiler, English Springer Spaniel, etc. In addition, female dogs with a history of childbirth, obese dogs, dogs with a history of urinary tract infections and bladder stones, dogs with back injuries or surgeries that affect the nerves in the bladder are also more likely to suffer from urinary incontinence.

In order to prevent the occurrence of urinary incontinence, we need to pay attention to the health of dogs, especially those high-risk groups who are prone to the disease. Early detection and taking corresponding preventive measures can help dogs stay away from the trouble of urinary incontinence and improve their quality of life.

Overall, understanding the causes and prevention of urinary incontinence is crucial to your dog’s health. As owners, we need to always pay attention to changes in our dog's behavior, and seek professional medical help immediately if we find any abnormalities. Only in this way can we take better care of our pets and ensure their health and happiness.