My dog pees while he's sleeping.
It is common for some dogs to urinate while sleeping, which is known as urinary incontinence. This situation is usually related to physical and cognitive health problems rather than the animal's behavior 🐾💙
The inability to retain urine is involuntary and, therefore, the animal is not aware of what is happening while it is asleep 💤. In these cases, it is recommended to go to the vet to identify the cause of the incontinence and begin the appropriate treatment.
Diet influences kidney health
Here are some of the main reasons your dog might be leaking urine during rest.
1. Hormonal Problems After Spaying Dogs
Recent research suggests that spayed dogs ❤🐶 if they have undergone an ovariohysterectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries) are three times more likely to develop urinary incontinence than those who have not undergone surgery. This is because sex hormones play a crucial role in controlling the urinary system, so a lack of these hormones can affect sphincter control. Incontinence is more common in large breed dogs.
Treatment: If you notice your dog leaking urine after spaying, consult your veterinarian 🩺 to discuss hormonal treatment. Although this type of incontinence is not usually dangerous, treatment can improve your dog's quality of life.
2. Urinary Tract Infection
Cystitis and other urinary tract infections can cause dogs to lose small amounts of urine while sleeping. This occurs due to irritation of the bladder and urethra, which creates a constant need to urinate. If not treated promptly, the infection could spread to the kidneys, seriously affecting their health.
Treatment: In these cases, your veterinarian will perform a urine test to confirm the infection and prescribe antibiotics. Additionally, it is recommended to add natural anti-inflammatory foods to your dog's diet to strengthen their kidney health, such as Superpinkkun, which combines synergistic ingredients and is ideal for protecting the urinary tract and preventing future infections, thanks to beets, coconut pulp, and cranberries and blueberries.
Cranberries and Blueberries - Natural Antioxidants
3. Polydipsia
Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is another cause that can lead to your dog urinating more than usual. Diseases such as diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, or pyometra increase urine production, which can cause episodes of incontinence.
Treatment: To identify the source of polydipsia, blood and urine tests, as well as ultrasounds, are recommended. Once the condition is diagnosed, specific treatments can be implemented. It is essential to complement this treatment with supplements such as Superpinkkun, which strengthens kidney health and helps balance urinary tract health.
4. Neoplasia
The presence of tumors in the urinary system or adjacent areas can compress the bladder, reducing its capacity and causing involuntary urine loss. In less common cases, tumors can affect the nervous system and make sphincter control difficult.
Treatment: Tests such as ultrasounds or CT scans are essential to detect and analyze the extent of the tumor. In many cases, masses can be surgically removed in their early stages. If the tumor affects the nervous system, palliative treatment can improve the dog's quality of life.
5. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a degenerative condition that affects some senior dogs. This syndrome can alter a dog's behavior and cause urinary incontinence.
Treatment: The syndrome can be managed with treatments that slow its progression, such as nutraceuticals like Elderkun, and behavior modification exercises. Enriching the dog's environment and providing a specific diet tailored to its age can also improve its well-being. In these cases, Superpinkkun is also beneficial, as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory formula supports kidney health in senior dogs.
6. Bladder Stones
The formation of urinary stones is a common cause of incontinence in dogs. These bladder stones cause irritation and reduce the amount of space available for urine, which encourages involuntary leakage, especially while the dog is sleeping.
Treatment: Depending on the severity, treatment may be dietary or surgical. For mild cases, special diets and supplements may be recommended, such as Superpinkkun, which helps dissolve struvite stones (we do not recommend using it for oxalate crystals) and prevents their recurrence. Thanks to its synergistic ingredients, this supplement protects the urinary tract, reduces inflammation, and prevents sediment from accumulating in the bladder.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace veterinary diagnosis. If your dog shows symptoms of urinary incontinence, we recommend seeing your veterinarian for a full evaluation. 😉