coping with doggie incontinence

[Mel]

I posted a bit ago about our 14 year old mutt going a bit dotty. She remains mildly dotty but is happy enough. However lately she is incontinent. Little dribbles in the day time, but soaking and soiling her basket when she is asleep. Apparently this is not uncommon in older dogs particularly spayed bitches. Anyway, the vet is treating her for a urinary infection (although this is probably secondary) and then it is on to "sphincter tightening" (what a concept!) medication and possibly hormones. Fortunately downstairs we have moppable laminate floors and she has never been allowed upstairs, let alone on our beds. She has wicker basket. I have wrapped her mattress in a plastic bag and put a bed mat (the sort you can buy for children who bed wet) over the top, so in the morning the wet and soil can be easily gathered up and thrown away. I'm not looking for any advice, as I think we have it covered (literally) but any good ideas or words of wisdom would still be welcome. On the up side she is not distressed or apparently in any discomfort. All good fun!!
mel

 

[ValA.]

I don't know how much your wet bad mats cost, but when Meg had a bit of a similar problem we used puppy-training mats, from Wilko, in large packs, for not very much. They were just big enough for her bed, and we used to put a few around the house too which seemed to help! You may also find that the treatment for the infection improves things no end - let's hope so.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I had the same problem with damp patches but my wife solved it by making me sleep in the dog bed.

 

[Surfer]

I don't know how much your wet bad mats cost, but when Meg had a bit of a similar problem we used puppy-training mats, from Wilko, in large packs, for not very much. They were just big enough for her bed, and we used to put a few around the house too which seemed to help! You may also find that the treatment for the infection improves things no end - let's hope so.

Puppy training pads are expensive however bed incontinence pads for humans are better and cheaper in comparison and do the same job

 

[thursdays child]

Mel what a kind and tolerant attitude you have with your friends problem.She is most fortunate to have such a caring person to look after her. It would be a much better world if more people followed your example. It has been my experience that some elderly humans have not been shown such consideration, sad but true. Well done and carry on the good work. I shall keep your method in mind when/if The Bears have the same problem as they get older.They are 8 and 7 yrs now and both spayed,so you never know.Carry on the good work and I hope she enjoys her life for a long time.
Thursdays Child

 

[Mel]

Thank you for your kind words TC. Unfortunately things are going rather downhill and she is passing some alarming amounts of blood in her urine now. The vet is going for a possible secondary infection and treating with antibiotics and pain killers however, he also thinks that there could be a "nasty" in her bladder and if this carries on we may have to make the right (but difficult) decision. On the up side she does not seem to be in great distress although she is not the dog she was. hey ho.
mel

 

[thursdays child]

Arrh Mel,thats a shame! It is the price we have to pay for caring so much.You will carry on doing whats best for her and if the dreaded time comes you will know you have done the last and most unself act,Console your self with the thought that she never went to bed hungry and always woke up in the best place possibe"home" with the people she cares about and trusts.I hope you are able to keep her goig a little while longer.Trust your instincts .
Thursdays Child