Urinary Incontinence in Dogs & Cats

Causes   Natural remedies   Complementary care

Urinary incontinence is common in both cats and dogs as they age. Urinary incontinence should not to be confused with the behavioral issues associated with inappropriate urination. Two indications of incontinence are wet spots in your pet's sleeping areas and skin irritation caused by prolonged contact with urine.

Causes

The most common form of incontinence is caused by weakness of the urethral muscle. Spayed female cats and dogs are the most likely to be afflicted.

In young animals a birth defect may cause incontinence; the most common of these defects is an ectopic ureter(s). Other causes can include bladder infections, disorders of the nervous system, a stone or a tumor that is blocking the urethra, hormonal problems, brain or spinal cord diseases, and feline leukemia.

Natural Remedies

• Be sure to take the incontinent dog out for a walk as late in the evening and as early in the morning as possible and avoid leaving her home alone for extended periods.
• Leave a litter box near the incontinent cat's sleeping space.
• Your pet's diet can contribute to urinary problems, so consider feeding her raw foods.
• For the older pet suffering from incontinence, you can support their aging brains and bodies with appropriate herbs and supplements.