Answer: While it is not normal behaviour, it is also not uncommon in the middle-aged to older spayed female dog. The most likely cause for your pet's urinary accidents is a condition called "hormonally responsive urinary incontinence." As its name implies, it is a condition that manifests itself as urinary incontinence (i.e., urinary leakage), generally while the dog is at rest or asleep with most dogs not aware it has occurred until after the fact; it is often medically responsive to hormonal (i.e., estrogen) supplementation. However, this condition must be differentiated from other causes of urinary incontinence, such as diseases of the internal organs or urinary tract infections, and the urinary leakage can often result in irritation of the skin surrounding the vaginal opening that may perpetuate the problem. Therefore, a trip to your veterinarian is in order. He/she will perform a thorough physical examination and likely suggest that a blood and urine sample be evaluated to investigate the various possible causes of her problem. To prepare for the visit, fast your dog and avoid access to the outdoors for a minimum of 8 hours before your visit so that these samples can be taken and some answers provided to you very quickly. If she is diagnosed with hormonally responsive urinary incontinence, both hormonal supplementation or other, more recent medications can be used to control her urinary leakage. In rare situations, surgery may be recommended although is not commonly required. Something that you can do to immediately help is to provide more frequent visits to the outdoors to encourage her to empty her bladder regularly -- the smaller the volume of urine stored in the bladder, the less likelihood of accidents in the house. Best of luck!
Page 2 of 3 -- On page 3, Dr. Walt gives advice on feline bullying
