We are going to take Tyler a trip to the vet real soon as we think she is becoming incontinent (she's now 7 1/2 years). Over the past few months we've found very occasional small drops of urine where she's been lying, but last weekend during the day whilst fast asleep on her duvet bed she totally soaked it. Tonight whilst lying awake on the sofa, another huge urine leak. She's not been under any stress to bring this on. The past few months I've also noticed her rear end has become urine stained, which has proved difficult to remove. Over the past few weeks she has been getting us up occasional nights for the toilet. She last did this in the winter time - could be when the temperature drops she feels the need!!
I know a urine infection will have to be ruled out, but I'm thinking more on the lines of incontinence as it seems to happening slowly over a long period of time. I know medication can be got from the vet to help incontinence, but I'm just wondering how others cope with this if their dog has this?
We currently put cotton blankets on the sofa, but as we are getting new sofas in a couple of months, I'm wondering if there's anything additional we could cover the sofa with to help protect it?
Hi Lita, just a quickie to say RE: Vet Treatment, we recently homed a dog called Gemma who had exactly the same problem, she was put on Propalin by the vet and has been dry ever since (about 4 years now!) In addition the drug is not too expensive (Gemma's cost £30 every 6 months...)
So sorry to hear about Tyler. Hopefully the vet will be able to do something to help. My in laws elderly lab was prescribed a form of HRT when she had incontinance probs which helped.
As for the sofas getting Scotch gard put on them to give you time to clean up things before it sinks in would help or if Tyler has a particular place on the sofa she likes you could try putting pampers care mats (the water proof disposable changing mat things) underneath the blankets to protect the sofa.
Really sorry about Tyler's leaky problem. Poor girl! I'm sure the vet is able to prescribe something to help her overcome this.
What about covering your sofas first with the plastic sheets used for children when they wet the bed, topped with the cotton blankets she lies on now. You can always wash the cotton blankets and wipe down the plastic easily enough leaving your sofas dry. Hopefully, Tyler won't need them for long if the vet sorts her out.
Good luck, Lita. Let us know how Tyler gets on at the vet.
Thanks everyone for your very helpful info & advice. I didn't know Pamper care mats even existed (out of touch with baby things!!) I will let you know the outcome after the vet visit.
Oh my poor Tyler, she must be so distraught at this happening to her. Its so difficult knowing what to do and sorry, I cannot offer any help on this one, except old Kaz did do this now and again.....age doesn't come alone. Hopefully its just something that will pass, but if not, I'm sure the medication will help. Our beloved dogs are so like 'humans'. I'm sure the vets treatment will work, and Mac can give Tyler an extra hug at the next event.
Tyler went to the vet this morning. We've to take urine sample to rule out Diabetes or infection. If urine tests come back clear then she will be prescribed Propalin for (as mentioned).
So out early in the morning for us to catch the urine in a scoop!!!
Just had urine test results from Vet and its all clear, thank goodness. So the vet will try Tyler on Propanil.
I just need to find something that will return her bum back to white instead of yellow stains! as washing with doggy shampoo didn't really have much effect. (poor girl would be mortified if she could read, me telling the world about this!! )
After my investigations on the internet, seemingly its not unusual for middle aged female dogs that have been neutered to become incontinent. On the downside, incontinence can also be a sign of Diabetes or Cushings disease, kidney problems, etc. So needless to say we are happy that its not so serious.
Good news, Lita, that you'll be able to control Tyler's wee problem with Propanil. Bet you're relieved - I know it must have been a worry for you until the results came back.
A weak solution of vinegar in water may help her coat to get back to its normal white.
Not sure of the correct ratio, but hydrogen peroxide diluted in water, will help to whiten Tyler's fur. However, I would be extremely careful not to soak the area, or get too close to her "sensitive" bits. My daughter in law used to clean the fur around the eyes of her Bichon Frise with it.