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Why is my senior dog suddenly having bladder accidents in the house?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shorthaired Pointer (duplicate) | Female | spayed | 14 years and 6 months old | 50 lbs

14 yr old German Shorthair Pointer has bladder accidents why?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 8th, 2018

She may be getting incontinent. This is usually caused by a weakness of the muscle and connective tissue holding in the urine and a lack of female hormone.
You will need to take Jessie to your veterinarian for a urinalysis to rule out a urinary tract infection. If there is a UTI it will need to be treated with antibiotics and pain medicine. If she does not have a UTI and your vet diagnoses incontinence there are medications that can help with retaining the urine until she intentionally wants to urinate. Please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Juliana, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 11th, 2017
I would have Holly evaluated by a veterinarian. These symptoms could be caused by a urinary tract infection and if that is the case she would need antibiotics to feel better. Another less likely but possible cause could be stones in her bladder. If she is leaking urine where she sleeps and is unaware it is occurring rather than having accidents in the house or going frequently outside she could have urinary incontinence. This is where the muscles that usually hold urine in the bladder get weaker causing dogs to involuntarily leak urine when they are relaxed. A veterinarian will be able to help sort out what is going on and get Holly on any medication necessary to get her feeling better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 22nd, 2018
Old age is not a disease, so the symptoms Taboo is showing are indications of medical problems. The urine leakage and smell could be due to a UTI, bladder stones, or spay incontinence. The signs of being in pain could be due to arthritis. The balance issues and disorientation could be due to an ear infection or something more serious such as a brain tumor. She needs to see a vet as soon as possible for her myriad of problems. The vet can diagnose what is causing them, and can discuss treatment options with you. Please take her into a vet tomorrow. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 5th, 2019
Poor Lilly. This can be a sign she is having trouble with bladder stones again. I cannot say this applies in her case, but sometimes bladder stones can be treated with diet. I'd have her seen by a vet to diagnose what is going on so she can get treated. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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