Symptom: Urinary Incontinence – Why is my pet incontinent?
Signs that my pet is incontinent
Damp areas on your pet's bed, favourite spots on furniture, or the floor
Damp hair if your pet has long hair along his/her legs and hindquarters
A consistent smell of urine around your pet or their sleeping areas
Urine dripping out as the pet walks or after they've just urinated
An increased tendency to lick or groom their rear end
Skin around the rear end can become irritated, red, or develop burns from constant exposure to urine
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published October 2025 | Review date October 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Frequently asked questions
What are the common reasons for my pet's inconstinence?
- Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence (USMI): this is the most common cause in adult female dogs, where the muscles in the bladder and urethra become weak, leading to urine leakage
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause urge incontinence
More reading: Dog UTIs , Cat UTIs
- Neurological issues such as spinal cord injury, disease, or brain lesions can affect the nerves controlling the bladder
- Underlying diseases such as conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing's disease can lead to increased thirst and urination, which contributes to incontinence
More reading: Diabetes in Dogs, Diabetes in Cats
- Obesity (excess weight) can put pressure on the bladder, contributing to loss of control
DOs - My pet is incontinent, what to do at home:
- Use waterproof covers and blankets on beds, sofas, and other soft furniture. These can be easily laundered and keep your pet's favourite spots comfortable and clean using absorbent pads.
- Regularly wipe your pet's hind legs and genital area with pet-friendly wipes to prevent urine scalds, skin irritation, and infections.
- Take your dog outside more frequently to give them a chance to empty their bladder.
- Gentle, regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles that control bladder function. Frequent short walks or playtime sessions are beneficial.
- When accidents happen, clean them with an enzymatic or hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner designed for pet messes. This will break down urine odors and stains at the source and discourage your pet from repeatedly marking the same spot.
DON'Ts - My pet is incontinent, what not to do at home:
- Don't get angry or punish your pet
- Don't restrict your pet's water intake
- Don't let your pet lie in soiled bedding
- Don’t use ammonia products for cleaning
When should I think about going to the vet if my pet is incontinent?
Contact your vet as soon as you notice your pet is unintentionally leaking urine, and particularly if incontinence is accompanied by signs of severe distress, such as paralysis, collapse, or a completely blocked urinary tract, which can indicate a life-threatening blockage.