Why is my dog leaking urine when he's lying down? What's wrong?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on

  If he's leaking urine from his penis, then this is likely a urinary incontinence problem - meaning that he isn't able to control when he urinates, and often may not even be aware of it if it's happening when he's lying down. This could be caused by a prostate problem (especially since Apollo is not neutered), age-related weakness of the bladder sphinter, a neurologic problem of some kind, or even a systemic illness such as Cushing's disease. I would recommend having him examined by a vet - he/she can do blood work and urine testing to help determine the problem, and may also need to take x-rays or ultrasound his bladder and prostate depending on what is found. Most causes of urinary incontinence are very treatable once a diagnosis is made, so your vet should be able to help you once they find out what's wrong.

  

  4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 25th, 2018

  Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It sounds as though Solo is experiencing urinary incontinence. There are several causes for this but it would be best to run some additional tests to rule the various causes out such as a urinary tract infection. This could be a urethral sphincter incompetence problem, which is more common in spayed females, but can be seen in male dogs as well. There are incontinence medications for this condition that can help reduce or eliminate the incontinence. I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at Solo so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 8th, 2018

  While it is not necessarily considered normal, urinary incontinence can occur in older dogs. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine him to rule out urinary disease like a UTI or bladder stones as well as other neurologic problems as a potential cause. If your vet feels incontinence is most likely they might prescribe medications to help.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Ana M, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 6th, 2018

  Thank you for submitting your question regarding Zeus. He needs to see his veterinarian if his is struggling to urinate. There are several things that can cause this in a male dog. He could be experiencing a blockage caused by a bladder stone that has slipped into his urethra. This can become very serious if the stone is not removed and is painful. I see that he is not neutered. Intact male dogs experience growth of their prostate as they age. If the prostate gets large enough, it can interfere with the dog's ability to urinate. Lastly, he could have a growth in the bladder or even severe inflammation in his urinary tract causing him to strain to urinate. Regardless of the cause, he will need medical attention. I hope this information helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful