Is there anything to give a dog that can't control it's bladder and bowel movement?

Question

my dog is almost 13 and in pretty good health as far as all her organs are concerned. She can't control her bladder or bowel movements. I don't think it is fair to put her down since her bloodwork is fine and she eats everyday and still plays. Is there any medicine to give her?

Answer 1

Ask your Vet about giving your dog some pumpkin pie filling for the bowels. As far as the urine goes, PetSmart sells dog diapers for incontinent elderly dogs from sizes extra small to extra large.

Answer 2

Hi iluvmytwi,

I admire the fact your not giving up on your dog. I do know there is a medication that you can get through your Veterinarian and if I remember correctly its to control the bladder but not the bowels. I got creative and use Depends (the fully elasticated pull up type)and tightened it on each side as necessary with rubber bands on my Pit Bull once he grew out of the baby diapers, it's just a matter of cutting a hole in the back of the diaper for the tail.

My dog is totally disabled with neurological problems and has had the same issues with neither control over his bladder or bowels including limited use of his back legs since he was a little puppy he is now a year and a half old. If you chose to use either the Depends or baby diapers be sure to change it often enough due to diaper rash. Huggies Baby Wipes A&D Ointment and Desident work well I've found. It's truly just like having a baby! :o)



Sincerely,

Alice H.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is there anything to give a dog that can't control it's bladder and bowel movement?
my dog is almost 13 and in pretty good health as far as all her organs are concerned. She can't control her bladder or bowel movements. I don't think it is fair to put her down since her bloodwork is fine and she eats everyday and still plays. Is there any medicine to give her?

Answer 4

if she is in as good health as you indicate I would suggest you have her back x-rayed to make sure something isn't pressing on a nerve that has caused these problems. one or the other separately could be several problems but both together usualy means some kind of nerve damage. bladder alone can be helped with oral hormones from your vet. the bowel is a little more difficult as you run the risk of constipating the animal. consult your Vet for the best answer

Answer 5

Serious? Yes, it is serious. You have a mix of 2 breeds that are known to have spinal problems that can result in paralysis. Shaking and panting are the signs that the dog is in pain. It could be anything from arthritis to a herniated disc.. Get the dog in a crate now to prevent all movement. Take her to the emergency vet. Yes, they are open all night. The problem is most emergency and general vets do not have the specialized equipment (MRI) to accurately diagnose spinal injuries. The best they can do is to see a bulging disc on an x-ray.

Answer 6

Poor girl is just getting old. I am not sure that they do have any meds that will help her. Just lots of bleach,paper towels, and a loving owner(which it sounds like she has). You can always contact your vet for a quick over the phone consult. They are the authorities on pets.

Answer 7

Our lab mix has the same problem, plus a little trouble with her hind legs. Vet says possibly a slipped disc or something pressing on the nerves that control her bowels. She's on pain medications to help her with pain and inflammation, but at age 13 an operation isn't an option, unfortunately. So an expensive MRI doesn't make sense. We try to stay calm and not upset her. We just pick up the "eggs" she lays, flush them and disinfect the area. We take her out on our terrace as many times as we can so she doesn't have to walk too far (we are in the city) and cover her beds in every room with things that can be easily washed/bleached. It's getting more frequent and uncontrollable, so I'm looking into modifying some Huggies tomorrow. It's inconvenient but mostly just sad. She was always such a good and sweet thing. She still is--just more complicated.

Answer 8

Only your vet could tell you for sure. Wouldn't it be nice if there were such a thing as Depends for dogs? (And who knows....maybe there is!)

Sorry I can't be of more help, but this is definitely a question for your dog's vet!

Best wishes to the both of you!

Answer 9

To sleep she is getting to old to hold her bladder and bowel

Answer 10

You can try giving her less food and water and take her out more often or get newspaper or some kind of mats and put down for her in case she cant hold it while your asleep or gone somewhere.