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My Dog Has Incontinence Due To Slipped Discs. What Can I Do At Home?

My Dog Has Incontinence Due To Slipped Discs. What Can I Do At Home?

It is common for dogs with slipped discs to be incontinent, even if only for a short time.

There are two types of urinary incontinence that can develop because of dog IVDD.

Type 1 Incontinence

Type 1 is a result of a dog being unable to stand, or squat normally, to pee or poo. This can be a very uncomfortable situation for them. You may have to learn bladder expression.

Type 2 Incontinence

The second type is when a dog has lost the ability to control urination because the nerve impulses to and from the bladder have been reduced, or completely lost. 

Then, rather like a baby, your dog will pee when their bladder is overflowing or when they try to get up/are lifted up. You might notice leaks around the house. This isn’t their fault. They won’t be able to feel that this is happening and can’t control it.

You should still take your dog out - carry them out and then on a short lead - to their normal toilet areas even if this is happening. This is because most house-trained dogs won’t like peeing indoors. Not taking them outside might introduce the idea to them that peeing in the house is OK.

Incontinence outside

Outside, the cues that your dog associates with toileting are all present, e.g. feeling the grass on their paws, the scent of where they’ve been before. Time these outside toilet breaks for when they’d normally need to go: when they wake; after a meal; and last thing at night.

Consider absorbent bedding or reusable, washable incontinence pads, and give them regular bed baths - sponging with warm soapy water, rinse with clean water and then pat dry.

Bowel incontinence can be challenging to cope with. If your dog has developed this as a result of their dog IVDD, check with your vet whether a change of diet will help. 

Ensure that their coats are clean - you’ll need to inspect the back legs and tail regularly, especially if they’ve coughed, barked, been resting, or playing. Keep their bedding clean and blankets clean and dry. Your vet may prescribe pain relief or anti-inflammatories.

Read further about Non-Surgical and Conservative Management IVDD treatments here: https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/conservative-management-ivdd

Read more about IVDD Causes, Prevention, Early Signs of IVDD in Dogs, and Help at Home: https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/dog-ivdd-or-intervertebral-disc-disease

Find the best dog Back Braces here: https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/dog-back-brace

Find washable and waterproof dog incontinence mats here: https://zoomadog.co.uk/products/dog-incontinence-pads

Previous article Our 10 year old Cockapoo had two spinal surgeries in April for slipped discs which unfortunately failed. She is now paralysed from the waist down and only her front legs work. What would you recommend?
Next article Would A Back Brace Help My Dog Who Has IVDD Or Slipped Discs?

Comments

Mrs C - January 31, 2025

What are the best incontinence products for my westie? She has temporary incontinence from a back problem and my vet said she will recover from it but I need something to protect my rugs.
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ZOOMADOG replied:
We recommend the washable, waterproof dog incontinence mats. These environmentally friendly mats are made of recycled waste polyester and unlike normal incontinence mats, aren’t disposable. You can get up to 300 washes out of them on a low heat in the washing machine and even tumble dry them on a low heat. There are 4 layers to these mats for comfort and hygiene. They’re backed with polyurethane, so completely waterproof and absorbent. They’re also much larger than standard incontinence pads, making them very convenient. Suitable for beds, sofas, or floors, they’re a low fuss approach to managing incontinence. Remember to keep your westie clean and comfortable around that area, so she’s not suffering from urine burns etc.

Gordon - January 31, 2025

My corgi has degenerative myelopathy. He has started losing control of his bowels and bladder. I’m worried about his quality of life. What should I do?
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ZOOMADOG replied:
We’re sorry to hear that your corgi is suffering from Degenerative Myelopathy. We know it’s an incredibly cruel disease. Bladder and bowel incontinence imply that there’s been a progression of the disease. Our washable, waterproof incontinence pads can remove a lot of the stress around the incontinence, by protecting floors, beds, and furniture. They are very convenient, as they can be washed up to 300 times and also are larger than standard disposable incontinence pads. Some owners opt to use dog nappies (Zoomadog doesn’t currently stock) although these need to be changed frequently otherwise they cause skin irritation and/or infections. However, sadly, the incontinence is not going to get better as DM is a progressive disease. There comes a point when the quality of your dog’s life needs to be considered. As DM travels along the spine towards your dog’s front legs, it is probably a good idea to consult with your vet, and go through the 7 questions about a dog’s quality of life, including reflecting on whether your dog is having more bad days than good.

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What is IVDD? Causes, Prevention and How to Help

IVDD in dogs - also known as a slipped disc in a dog - is a degenerative disease that affects your dog’s spinal cord

Read about IVDD

Doris, my French Bulldog, has IVDD

Almost 4 years ago Doris didn’t seem herself, she was really quiet and just sat in her bed

Read about Doris

Dudley, my Shihpoo dog, has Stage 5 IVDD and Scrapes his Back Paws

Dudley was an energetic, loving, playful 3 year old Shihpoo. In March last year Dudley suddenly became paralysed

Read About dudley
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