Your new furry friend is bound to have many strange but benign behaviors; however, peeing while walking is not one of them. Urethral incontinence may be a sign that your puppy has an issue in its urinary tract and should be seen by a vet if the problem persists. Issues such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, neurological issues, or even cancer can all lead to your puppy peeing while walking.
In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons behind your puppy’s peeing behavior. We will examine when you should be concerned and when you should consult a veterinarian.
What is Urethral Incontinence?
Urethral Incontinence is a lack of control over bladder functions. By far, the most common symptom is “leakage” or urination while performing normal tasks like walking or eating. Loss of bladder control due to urethral incontinence is a symptom of many issues, including:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Kidney stones
- Disorders in the Urethra
- Tumors in the bladder
- Post-surgery complications
- Neurological issues
This condition is not normal for any dog, puppies included and should be monitored closely. If your puppy’s urine contains blood or a foul smell, consult your veterinarian immediately. The most common issue is a urinary tract infection.
How Do You Find Out if Your Puppy Has Urinary Incontinence?
The first step to finding out the issue with your puppy’s urination habits is to consult your veterinarian. Your vet can examine your puppy, check its medical history, and take x-rays to determine the cause. Do not try and treat these issues with home remedies; a professional always knows best!
What is a Urinary Tract Infection? How Does it Affect Your Puppy?
Just like the name says, a urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in the urinary tract of your puppy. Stinging pain in your dog’s bladder and urinary tract will cause them to lose bladder control or push urine to try and alleviate the pain.
A UTI is the most common reason for urination issues for a dog and is more common in female dogs, but males can still get them. 14% of all dogs will experience a UTI at some point in their life, and it is just as common in puppies as it is in older dogs. This bacterial infection can be easily treated with antibiotics, but as always, consult your veterinarian for treatment options.
Can Puppies Get Kidney Stones? Will Kidney Stones Affect Peeing Habits?
All dogs are susceptible to kidney stones; however, some breeds may be more susceptible than others. Kidney stones are caused by mineral buildup in your dog’s kidneys; these can result in pain and changes in urination habits. Keep in mind that this is fairly rare in puppies and usually develops later in life.
Kidney stones in dogs can be easily treated by medication which will help dissolve these stones and allow your dog to pass them, although in rare cases, the dog may require surgery. Common symptoms of kidney stones include changes in urination habits, blood in the urine, and visible pain when your dog is urinating.
Can Your Puppy Be Born with a Disorder That Causes Changes in Urination Habits?
Another common reason for changes in your puppy’s peeing habits is an anatomical disorder, especially in the urethra. The muscles that control your puppy’s urethra do not tighten as they should, causing leakage or full urination while your puppy is walking, eating, or playing. This type of abnormality can be treated with surgery, but diagnosis requires an exam by your veterinarian. These kinds of issues will show up right away, as your puppy would have been born with the disorder.
Can Tumors or Cancer Cause Your Puppy to Pee While Walking or Eating?
Another rare cause of changes in your puppy’s peeing habits may be cancer or tumors in the bladder or kidneys. The growth of tumors, whether benign or malignant, in your puppy’s bladder may be the cause of peeing while walking. Tumors grow and create less room in the bladder for your puppy to store urine; this results in your puppy having to pee more frequently or peeing when performing normal tasks such as walking and eating.
Finding out if your puppy has tumors requires imaging at your vet’s office. Urinary tumors caught early can often be treated with surgery and chemo. However, without fast treatment, it can spread and become life-threatening for your dog.
Can a Puppy Who Was Recently Spayed or Neutered Begin Peeing While Walking?
If your puppy was spayed or neutered recently and is now presenting symptoms of urinary incontinence, call your veterinarian immediately. 20% of female dogs experience urinary incontinence after being spayed, and while this is more common in large dogs, any dog can fall victim to this issue. If there are any post-surgical changes in your puppy’s health, consult your veterinarian.
What Neurological Issues Can Cause Urethral Incontinence?
While a UTI is by far the most common cause of bladder control issues, there are some more serious neurological issues that could be creating this problem. Brain disease, spinal and nerve disorders can disrupt the signals from your puppy’s brain to the bladder and cause a loss of bladder control. These neurological issues are rare but can present in dogs of any age, although it is most common in older dogs.
Never Take a Change in Habits for Granted!
Your puppy may decide to go from chewing on his favorite toy to tearing apart your favorite pair of slippers, but if you see any changes in the urination habits of your puppy, it is always best to consult your veterinarian. Many of the issues described above can be easily treated by a medical professional at a minimal cost. Contact your vet immediately if you notice:
- Blood in the urine
- Complete lack of urination
- Uncontrollable urination
- Lethargy
- Lack of Appetite
Your puppy will be your new best friend, and it is your job to keep it happy and healthy!
