What Causes Dog Bedwetting? Will it have an impact on my dog’s long-term health? Let’s read this article from Kittyworldly to get a better understanding
What exactly is dog bedwetting?
As a puppy, your dog may require bathroom breaks every few hours.
However, this is completely normal. What is unusual is if your dog does not wake up to urinate but instead goes to the bathroom in bed while sleeping.
This problem usually occurs when the bladder sphincter is so weak that the dog cannot control his urination. Possible causes of such issues include:
- Infection of the urinary tract
- Uncontrollable needs’ of a young neutered older dog
- Spinal cord degeneration or injury
- Diabetes and kidney disease are two conditions that cause frequent urination.
- Prostate cancer
- Urinary calculi
If you notice your dog wetting the bed while sleeping, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the cause.
While a weak bladder is not fatal, untreated medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease can kill a dog.
Why do dogs pee in their beds?
Uncontrolled urges are the most common cause of bedwetting in dogs.
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a urinary tract infection or bladder stones.
Age can also have an impact on a dog’s bladder control, but this is not always the case, as some young dogs have this issue as well.
Infection of the urinary tract
The inflammation caused by a UTI can make your dog unaware that he is urinating while sleeping.
A dog with a UTI may be thirsty and urinate more frequently, and he may not wake up when his bladder is full.
Changes in Hormones Following Castration/Neuterization
One in every five female dogs will develop urinary incontinence after neutering, also known as urinary incontinence.
This is due to the baby’s estrogen levels plummeting, which affects the tone of the sphincter.
Dogs who are neutered prior to their first mating season are frequently affected.
The same weakened sphincter is to blame in male dogs. However, it is uncommon.
Prescription medications are available from your veterinarian to treat both conditions.
Spinal cord injury
Dogs suffering from spinal cord disease may experience loss of mobility or sensory disturbances, resulting in an inability to control wakefulness or sleep.
Your veterinarian can examine your pet to see if the underlying condition that is causing bedwetting has resolved.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause excessive thirst in dogs, resulting in frequent urination, which for some babies can mean urinating while sleeping.
Diabetes can also cause lethargy and weight loss despite an increase in appetite.
Kidney disorder
Water retention is a symptom of kidney disease. Weakness and disorientation caused by kidney disease can lead to pets having accidents.
Prostate cancer
Urinary incontinence can be caused by an enlarged prostate. You might notice blood in your baby’s urine as well.
Males who have not been neutered frequently develop enlarged prostates as they age. Medication or castration are usually effective treatments.
Bladder tumors or stones
When dogs have bladder tumors (such as polyps or stones), they may leak urine.
Anything that obstructs the flow of urine will eventually result in damaged and uncontrollable muscles.
What should you do if your dog wets the bed?
Once you’ve determined that your dog is having bladder control issues while sleeping, keep an eye out for any other unusual behaviors.
For example, if you drink more water that day or exhibit signs of leakage, there could be a more serious underlying issue.
After you’ve monitored your dog, take him to the vet to find out what’s wrong and how to begin treatment.
While a weak bladder will not harm your pet immediately, if it is combined with any other more serious issues, the condition must be addressed immediately.
Before prescribing any specific treatment, your veterinarian may request a urine sample to rule out any potential issues. Once the test results are available, the treatment will be discussed.
Stop your dog from wetting the bed while sleeping
- UTIs, crystals, and stones can be reduced by eating a moist diet and staying hydrated.
- Similarly, prompt treatment of any bladder infection is advised to avoid bladder damage. Some dogs, especially those who are prone to crystal formation, may require a prescription diet.
- Spaying your dog can prevent prostate growth and lower the risk of prostate disease.
- While spinal cord disease cannot always be avoided, it is best to keep susceptible dog breeds (such as Shih Tzus and Sausage Spaniels) in good health and consider controlling them. They have control over their environment.
With the information provided above, hopefully you will be prepared if you notice signs of bedwetting while your dog is sleeping!
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