Dog Training Problems: Urinary Leaking and Dribbling

Incontinence: this is due to age, post-spay estrogen loss or ectopic ureter (a congenital deformity). Leaking is a common problem in old dogs, reports Douglas Brum, D.V.M, of the Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Mass. "With aging or decreased blood estrogen levels, the sphincter muscle that holds urine may become lax when the dog is sitting or lying down, letting out drops or, many times, large volumes of urine." Typically with these disorders, the owner finds a puddle where the dog has been sleeping.

Ectopic ureters: An abnormality of the ureteral duct, ectopic ureters is seen in young dogs, signs include a constant dribbling of urine. This is actually present in affected dogs since birth. Either a duct or both are not capable to transport the urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder normally. Any dogs born with this abnormality are not advisable to get bred. Urinary diseases are common and puppy owners find difficult times in training them because puppies are not able to control urination.

Canine cognitive dysfunction: Also known as doggie Alzheimer's, this refers to changes in the brain that result in senility. "Affected dogs can forget housetraining," Brum notes. Additionally

Neurologic: These conditions include spinal cord tumors, disc disease or other degenerative spinal cord diseases that may also cause a loss of function to either the bladder or the colon, thus producing incontinence. "Thankfully, these conditions are fairly uncommon," Brum says. "Usually, these conditions are also associated with hind-end weakness."

Idiopathic epilepsy (seizures from unknown causes): Although the primary signs of idiopathic epilepsy are seizures, stiffening and falling over with the legs extended, an epileptic dog also can involuntarily urinate or defecate during an episode. Brum says that owners who don't witness their dog's seizure could find signs of urine or feces in the house, possibly indicating that an epileptic episode had occurred.

Fecal accidents: Along with defecating normal stools, urination follows. It's fine if the dog has eliminated in the proper place. If not, you may need a vet to help him induce the good housetraining.

Arthritis: This is one of the most common reasons for housetraining mishaps in older dogs. "These dogs have a tough time squatting or getting up in the middle of the night," Brum explains, "so they 'go' while they're walking or lying down."

Colitis (inflammation of the colon) and rectal polyps (benign or cancerous growth): These can be seen in dogs of any age. Stools often look normal but sometimes have a mucousy or slightly bloody appearance. Both can cause straining, urgency of defecation or increased defecation.

Neurological: Spinal cord tumors, disc disease, or other degenerative spinal cord disorders are seen much less frequently. Brum says that poor anal tone could be indicative of a neurological problem.

High-fiber diets: Sometimes, diets cause too much stool production in individuals, leading to the need to defecate a lot. Foods that contain soluble fibers must be given to dogs in a regular amount. When a dog has taken too much of it, he may also have an overload of intestinal gases gases and bloating.