Life goes on and time continues to take its toll – and before you know it, your cute little puppy has become a senior. There are many changes that need to take place as your dog gets older. You may have to switch their food, alter the way you exercise them, and make some household changes to accommodate them. One common occurrence is incontinence, especially in aging females. Besides medication, there are a few tools and training tips to adjust to life with seniors dogs with weak bladders.
What Causes Weak Bladders?
There are a few possible causes for incontinence. Weakened bladder muscles are common in females and can lead to some urine leaking out involuntarily. Some dogs experience age-related senility, which may affect their ability to remember where they are and that they should not go in the house. Infections or other illnesses can also cause incontinence. Regardless of why your dog is struggling with their potty training, you should never scold or punish them for it. They are not doing it intentionally, so punishment will only increase their stress.
Tips and Tools for Incontinence in Senior Dogs
- Keep Them Clean: The primary concern should always be your dog’s comfort and well-being. Not only is it uncomfortable to have damp hind legs or bedding, but if left I cleaned it can cause chaffing or infections. Keep a container of unscented baby wipes nearby so that you can quickly and easily wipe down your pup’s hind legs when they get up from their bed. Suddenly being touched with a cold, wet wipe can be jarring, so introduce this new experience as you would any unfamiliar item. Allow them to sniff the wipe, and reward them with treats before, during, and after you’ve cleaned them. A small towel can be used to dry them off and prevent chaffing.
- Maintain Clean Bedding : Instead, get something to make cleaning their bedding easier. Absorbent pads laid on the bedding wick away liquid so they aren’t sitting in a wet puddle. The pads are easy to clean as well. You could also try putting a plastic cover over the bed, then topping it with a blanket. While this won’t wick away moisture, it will prevent you having to constantly wash their entire bed.
- Introduce a Diaper: Though they may look a little silly, doggy diapers are a great way to ensure your dog doesn’t have an accident on the floor or their bed. Just be sure to check it frequently so that your dog isn’t sitting for a long time in a wet diaper. As with e-collars or harnesses, it’s likely your dog will need some time to adjust to the feel of the diaper. Reward them with treats when they relax while wearing it, and prevent them from tearing it off.
- Make it Easier: Set up an indoor potty area with fake grass. Having accidents is just as stressful for dogs as it is for owners. A dog who has been potty trained their whole life may feel ashamed or that they are a bad dog because of an accident, even though they couldn’t control it. To make it easier for them, get an indoor potty mat. You may need to train them that it’s okay to use, but once they understand that they are allowed to go there, it can make life much easier. They no longer have to wait for you to open the door, or walk a long way to the door and then outside.
In addition to incontinence, senior dogs may also experience other struggles with behavior and obedience. If appropriate for your situation, Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training offers “refresher” training classes for mature dogs. Call today for more information.
