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Why can't my older dog hold his pee and keeps having accidents?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 11 years and 10 months old

Older dog seems to have a lack of bladder control in the last few days. He knows when he wants to go out, but can't get all the way to the door or pees at the door if he can't get outside.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2017

Poor Mickey! A sudden change in urinary habits most commonly indicates a medical issue rather than a behavioral change. Possible causes of his urinary accidents could be due to bladder issues (urinary tract infection, crystals), prostate enlargement (if he was neutered later in life), endocrine/metabolic conditions (Cushing's disease, diabetes) or organ dysfunction (kidney disease or liver disease). I realize that this is a very broad list of possible issues, so try to determine if Mickey has been drinking more, urinating a larger volume, urinating a normal volume but more frequently, experiencing changes in his appetite or in his overall energy level. All of these different behaviors can help to narrow down possible underlying issues behind his accidents. At this point, I do recommend taking Mickey to his vet for an exam and lab testing (CBC, chemistry, urinalysis to start) to treat the issue at hand. I hope that all goes well!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Bladder incontinence in older dogs is commonly caused by laxity in the urinary sphincter (valve that holds urine inside the bladder). There are other possible causes as well that the vet will want to rule out. If urinary incontinence due to laxity in the sphincter is found to be the cause, then we generally treat this with either PPA (male dogs often don't respond well) or hormone therapy. Your vet will have to run a complete urinalysis first, and then get Mickey on the medication that he needs to help control his accidents. I recommend taking him in to the vet for an appt in the next few days. Until you can get Mickey in to the vet to be seen, I would recommend placing a doggy diaper on him for the time being. I hope this helps!

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