Bladder weakness in dogs.?

Question

I have a 12 year old GSD male,unfortunatly he regulary dribbles wee, especially when he is in a deep sleep.
I don't want to take him to the vets unless I really have to, as I am worried they will say he has to be put to sleep.
He is a very fit and healthy dog, he eats and drinks well, and still loves going for a walk.

Answer 1

we have people come in ALL the time at the clinic after waiting too long and they admit they were afraid we'd say the dog has to be put down. Just remember putting the dog down is YOUR choice, if at anytime you question the suggestion, you can alway get a second opinion. They can't put your dog down until you sign a paper that says they can. If you don't feel the dog needs to be put down, don't sign the paper. There's no reason to be afraid. ust like when people are afraid to go to the doctor because he'll tell them they're going to die; it's not the doctor's fault you're going to die, it would have happened anyway. If you're dog's happy, why not keep him around a little longer?

Now on to your dog's problem. From just what you tell me, I would recommend Proin, which is a prescription drug that helps with urinary incontinence in dogs, and this can be age-related. As they get older, they just can't control it as well as they used to, some thing with some people. I know of a GSD thsat's on it, and it does wonders for her! It comes in pills and drops, whichever is easier for you. The GSD that I know that's on it is on pills, but I think drops would be better for her because she HATES taking pills, but will drink anything you put in front of her. Now you do have to go to the vet to get it, but keep in mind what I said earlier of you're afraid. Proin does have a tendency to make dogs more nervous/skittish/hyper, but I would think it's worth it to have a dog that's not "leaking." At his age he could use a checkup anyway and maybe some bloodwork to make sure there's nothing else going on, and if there is something else brewing you can catch it early.

Remember, if the vet says your only options are to treat something or to put the dog down, walk out with your dog and find another vet. You can always skip the treatment and let your dog live just like he has been, since he obviously isn't in any pain from your description. He must be a really health GSD to not only be happy a that age but also enjoying walks. My dog is only 9 and his hips are starting to go out...they actually started going out when he was 4 or 5. My other GSD is 7 and acts like a puppy, no problems at all. And my little mixed dog is going on 13 and still acts like a puppy, too.

Good luck, and I really think you can find a good solution to your problem:) You might even want to mention Proin to your vet if the vet doesn't mention it first!

Answer 2

No vet will tell you to euthanize your dog unless the animal is NOT thriving.
So with that said get a urine sample in a clean container and bring said sample to your veterinarian to rule out a possible bladder infection. If there is no infection it's time for an exam and the possibility that there is something else going on such as bladder stones or old age incontinence.
You don't want to leave this too long since incontinence in male dogs is not all that common and bladder stones don't always mean an active urinary infection.

Answer 3

I had an elderly Toy Poodle who had this problem, she used to wet herself a lot - especially when she was asleep - I tried everything - even putting little babies nappies on her (which she hated!)

I was afraid to ask the Vet about this as well as I was scared they'd say she had to be put to sleep, but my father in law (who's a dog trainer) said it could be treated with medication. In the end the vet prescribed me some medicine which seemed to do the trick. Apparently it works to tighten the urethral spincter so the wee can't dribble out. I guess it can be used for male dogs as well as female.

She had to be put to sleep last February as her kidneys had failed and I miss her like mad.

Answer 4

I could not believe this question. I also have a 12 yr old GSD. He is partiallly deaf, cannot hear the door bell etc, but last week he squatted like a ***** and just dribbled wee, he kept asking to go out and just dribbled. He is now back to normal, someone suggested it may be cystitis or a stone which has shifted. He recently does not know he is pooing, and walks along leaving a trail. If it is to be believed, 12x7 = 84yrs, so old age. Like you, I am staying away from the vets, 12 is a good age, spending money will not help that much.

Answer 5

Stop worrying first. Really. Incontinence in older dogs isn't a reason that a vet would suggest destroying it. Could be an infection, but if it isn't, help can be given. Old age incontinence is common. Make that appointment, you'll be glad that you did.

Answer 6

They won't say that and there is medication that can help him to have more control - a vet cannot force you to have your animal put to sleep and that will always be the last course of action taken. Go to the vets cause they can do a lot to help your dog be dry

Answer 7

Is the question if he is healthy and if this is normal? lol. I owuld say as long as nothing else is wrong and he is otherwise acting normal than there is no problem. I can understand your disgust at this new development, and so i suggest you duy some type of doggy-training pads that they sell to keep the pee from getting on his beds. or an old towel you are willing to keep watching. It's probaby jst a sign of old age. Good Luck!

Answer 8

They have bladder meds for female so I am sure they might have a mediaction to help.I would never go back to a vet that would tell me to put my dog down for that reason at 12.

Answer 9

my German Shepperd did the same it ended up that he had an enlarged prostate glad they operated and he was fine if i were you i would take him in case its the same because the longer you leave it the worse it will get the vet will sort your dog out they never put a healthy dog down.Or at least phone the vet for advise

Answer 10

When dogs get older they can have Urine Incontinence problems, this causes them to leak urine where they sleep of have been napping. There are medicines that can help with this that are given on a daily basis most like indefinitely. Do not worry its not uncommon.