Why is my spayed dog suddenly incontinent months after surgery?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Irish Terrier | Female | spayed | 3 years old
My pet was spayed some 18 months ago (laproscopic) anx has now suddenly started wetting herself bloods ok and she has been put on incuron tablets. 1 or half a day dependi ng on if she dribbles. Have asked vet if this is common on these procedures as my other dog had the old fashioned way and is ok.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 27th, 2017
I find that very young dogs that are spayed can get incontience. However it is not typical in older dogs no matter the method they are spayed. I would make sure a urine sample is checked for infection and crystals. If this is normal than it is possible she has developed incontience due to being spayed. Typically estrogen supplements helps the most prevent dribbling. Hope that helps
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on January 19th, 2018
Yes I have heard of spay incontinence, and this can happen in spayed dogs. No, it does not mean a botched spay. When a dog is spayed, the uterus and ovaries are taken out, which also removes the source of estrogen. It takes a certain amount of muscle strength in the urethra to prevent dribbling of urine. After a dog is spayed, these muscles weaken and it's thought the loss of estrogen contributes to the weakening over these muscles. This in turn can lead to spay incontinence. Not every spayed dog gets it, but about 20% will develop it within three years after being spayed. The good news is that it can be treated medically. Around 50-60% of dogs with spay incontinence respond to estrogen therapy, which works to increase the sensitivity of the closure receptors in the urethra. Given that all the blood work, x-rays, and ultrasound were normal, spay incontinence may be the likely cause of Harper Grace leaking urine. I would speak to the second vet to discuss estrogen therapy to see if that helps with her problem. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
my dog is a 13 yr. old female spayed dachshund that is recently having incontinence problems.. so far its just sporadic . Is there a supplement you recommend. Thankyou.
My dog “leaks” urine—mainly when she’s asleep and after vigorous play times. She’s had blood work, X-rays, and an ultrasound—all were normal: kidney levels perfect, no ectopic ureter, no stones, no UTI. This is the second vet that has said spay incon
Is it normal for a dog to have fecal incontinence with diarrhea after surgery. She is 10 and had a ovariohesterectomy,
Why is my dog peeing herself
We have a Collie-cross, female, 8yrs old. She suddenly became incontinent this past winter. She also seemed more house bound and lethargic to a slight, but noticeable, degree. We had a urine test done and were told all readings were fine. Didn't pers
OLDER CAT JUST SPAYED HAVING INCONTINENCE,IS THIS COMMON?
My dog has recently peed while sleeping. This has happened in the past, maybe 5 times total in the past year. She has also been spayed just maybe 2 years ago, and I did some research and apparently it's quite common for spayed females to pee in their
Old dog on homemade diet. Added Nupro supplement and Extend for joints.now incontinent. Could be related?
randomly peeing at odd times , this is a lab female spayed very young from a resuce
My 2 year old doberman was spayed Monday morning and now she is having accidents in bed while she is sleeping. What could it be and what is something I can do at home to help it?
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
