Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog is leaking urine in her bed and on the floor. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed | 10 years and 7 months old | 60 lbs

When my dog got up this morning I noticed a wet spot in her bed and wet drops all the way to the door. What could that mean?? Thanks!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Allison Newth, VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 20th, 2017

The most likely fluid in a spayed female dog would be urine. When a dog dribbles urine or leaves spots of urine on the bedding I often think about urinary tract infections. Older dogs can also develop urinary sphyncter incompetence (or a weak sphyncter), making it difficult for them to hold their bladder overnight. There are also less common causes, for instance bladder stones or endocrine diseases. Your veterinarian will likely offer to run a urinalysis, a urine culture, and maybe some bloodwork on Sassy to determine what might be causing the urine leaking. There are antibiotics we use for urinary tract infections and if it appears to be loss of bladder control there are medications to help with that as well. A visit to the vet should help you sort out the cause and hopefully get Sassy acting more like herself. I hope this was helpful!

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on December 2nd, 2016

    These are signs of urinary incontinence, which is a very common problem in older spayed female dogs. Most of the time, it's caused by the bladder sphincter muscle weakening with age, so that Tess can't control when she urinates and may not even be aware when she does it. I would recommend having her examined by a vet as soon as you are able to - he/she can do a urinalysis or other testing if needed to make sure that she doesn't have some other issue causing the urine leakage. Incontinence is normally very treatable with medication, so your vet should be able to prescribe something to help.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 9th, 2018

    I see that Sophia is spayed. It could be she is suffering from spay incontinence, which is when the urethral sphincters become weakened leading to leakage of urine. It could also be she is suffering from a UTI or bladder stones. I'd take her into the vet on Monday for this problem. The good news is that all of these possible diagnoses can be treated. The vet can diagnose the problem, and can discuss treatment options with you. I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 18th, 2018

    Hello, it sounds like Nala has urinary incontinence. Very common in older female spayed dogs. Here is a link to an article regarding this condition. I suggest you speak to your vet about this as there is medication available for treatment which is effective. Of course, it is impossible for me to diagnose her over the internet - many other things could be going on. Incontinence is just the most common. That is why your vet is needed to help you figure this out. Hope this helps. Best wishes. ( https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/incontinence-senior-dogs-what-do-and-how-help )

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?
Is your pet ill, struggling to breathe, or showing stroke signs? A certified vet addresses syringe feeding worries, discusses causes, and outlines treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored