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My senior dog is incontinent at night. Is it UTI or kidney disease?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Whippet | Female | spayed | 10 years and 9 months old

Hello Our 10 year old female Whippet has been incontinent at night for the past few months. My mum was reading online it could be kidney failure but I'm not entirely convinced. Our dog has lost a little bit of weight a long with a little decrease in appetite but doesn't have any symptoms of high blood pressure, no blood in urine. no diarrhoea, no constipation etc. Does it sound like a normal UTI?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Eryn Taormina, DVM

Answered By Eryn Taormina, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 13th, 2018

Hi there! I'm sorry to read about Martha's troubles. There are several reasons for incontinence in dogs. It can range from something as simple as a urinary tract infection to kidney disease as you've mentioned, to actual incontinence. Sometimes stones or crystals in the urinary bladder can cause incontinence too.
Normally what I do for a pet that is having urinary incontinence is evaluate some lab work like blood and urine and make sure the kidneys are ok, and that we aren't dealing with a urinary tract infection - which includes sometimes a kidney infection. If any of these things are the potential causes, I'll treat them accordingly. I will also check xrays to look for urinary bladder stones.
If all of the above things are ruled out, meaning they aren't the cause, I will treat with incontinence medications.
I'd definitely recommend a vet visit for Ms. Martha. You may get a lot of answers about this issue and her overall health, which is important for senior pet!
Vote Icon2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 20th, 2017

    Urinary leakage is common in older dogs because the urethral sphincter becomes weak. She could also have a urinary tract infection so have your vet take a look at her to determine the exact cause. Your vet can do a urinalysis and bloodwork. If it is age-related leakage than your vet can prescribe Proin and see if that helps.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

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My senior dog suddenly pees indoors. What health issues cause this?
At her age there are several things it can be. Your vet can collect a urine sample to check for a urinary tract infection. They can always draw some blood to check her kidneys and blood sugar and for Cushings disease. All these can cause an increase in drinking and urination which will lead to accidents. If all of that is normal, than she may be getting incontinent and they have medication for that also!
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My senior dog is leaking urine and peeing frequently. What's wrong?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The urinary tract symptoms you describe could be due to a urinary tract infection, urinary stones, a tumor, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further diagnostics would include abdominal imaging and lab work. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night!
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My 10-year-old dog is peeing where she sleeps. What should I do?
This sounds quite frustrating for both you and Kira! It is possible that Kira could have something as simple as a urinary tract infection or even urinary incontinence. If she has been overall drinking and urinating larger volumes, there is a chance that she may have developed diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing's disease, etc. At this point, Kira should be examined by her vet and have some screening testing done to rule out underlying medical conditions (CBC, chemistry, urinalysis). If your vet suspects urinary incontinence after the preliminary diagnostics, they may discuss medications that can help control the urethral sphincter to prevent urine leakage.
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Why is my senior dog suddenly having bladder accidents in the house?
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My senior dog has urinary incontinence. Is it age or a health problem?
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