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My senior dog is leaking urine and has sores. What can I do now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | spayed | 12 years and 4 months old | 15 lbs

Hi, my 12 year old Dachshund has been leaking large amounts of urine frequently. She is also leaking small amounts. She does urinate outside as well. She is behaving as if she doesn't realize the leaking. She also has developed sores around her vulva and anus. I'm not sure if her skin is irritated from making her wear diapers, or if it's caused by something else. I plan on contacting the vet tomorrow, but I'm wondering if there is anything I can do for her now, other than keep the sores clean.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 17th, 2018

The sores are likely from urine scalding. You need to wash the area that gets wet with urine with sudsy warm water, rinse it well and dry it well. Put vaseline everywhere where the urine would get on the skin. This will protect the skin.
Ask your veterinarian whether Phenylpropanolamine will be a suitable medication for your dog's incontinence problem. The leaking can be caused by a UTI or by a lack of female hormones, or also old age bladder sphincter weakness. Your vet will give her a thorough exam and hopefully find the cause of the incontinence.
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