Incontinence In Old Dogs

[Kelpie-i]

Hi Guys

Well I never thought that my beautiful old GSD boy would ever show any signs of ageing, apart from arthritis etc, but unfortunately over the last 2 nights, he hasn't been able to hold his bladder in his sleep and has wet his bed.

On the morning after the first 'wet' night, it wasn't too bad and i just washed the cover etc, but this morning his whole bed was saturated and there were even small puddles of it on the floor around his bed.

I contacted the vet (she is a good friend of mine) and she stated that there isn't any medication for male dogs with incontinence unfortunately, but to ensure that I put something over the bed to draw up the moisture as lying in urine causes skin irritations.

Has anybody experienced this with their dogs and if so, what did you use to absorb the moisture? Also, are there any dietary supplements that may help with this sort of problem?

Any suggestions would be great....Thanks in advance.

[4 Paws]

years ago with my 1st shepherd the vet put her on 1/2 sudafed tablet a day for similar problem

Good luck with it

[_PL_]

I didn't know there was no medication for male incontinence! Sorry Kelpie-i. There is a product called Vet Bed or Dry Bed that's washable and absorbent, it might help draw the urine away from his coat. Ask your friend if she can get some in for you.

[Erny]

Oh, poor Bud!! One of those things I guess that comes with living to the very good age that he has.

Kelpie-i ..... what about a belly band that he can use when he sleeps over-night? Seems they also come in colours, so you could pick Bud's favourite one (although he has to like either green, white or blue) .

Dog Healthcare : Male No-Leak Wrap

I didn't know that incontinence in male dogs couldn't be helped with Veterinary science?

Edited April 20, 2009 by Erny

[shepherdpower]

My vet also has recommended Sudafed tablets for incontinence.

[cowanbree]

I used the one that comes in a syrup and starts with p with my old boy. Vet said it shouldn't work with males but it does sometimes so worth a try

[puggy_puggy]

I am pretty sure that they can use the female incontinance drug for males with some success.

Does he go to the toilet on command? If he does then take him out last thing at night and get him to go so there is less there overnight.

[Kelpie-i]

Hey guys thanks so much for your responses.

I'll look into the 'Dry bed' stuff and will also ask the vet about the sudafed. I'm assuming you would give this before bed time only??

I took him out for a last piddle at around 11pm last night and this morning he was dry. Will do again tonight and see what happens.

Erny, I'll look into the belly bands...sounds interesting.

I guess it's the joys that comes with owning an elderly dog.

[dianed]

My 11 year old female shepherd started having the same problem late last year, out of the blue like your boy. First thing I did was get a sample and have it tested for an infection, it came back negative. For whatever reason? it cleared up after a few months, touch wood! I couldnt give my girl medication because of previous cancer problems.

I got some polar fleece throw rugs(they dry fast) and a waterproof towelling bed liner from K mart which I adapted to her bedding. We now go outside last thing at night and I did take the water bowl away.