Incontinence in older dogs and cats: causes and everyday solutions

Finding a wet patch on their bed or the sofa can be confusing, especially if your dog or cat has always been very clean. Incontinence is common in older pets and is almost never "bad behaviour". Understanding why it happens will help you find treatment and organise daily life without stress for anyone.

Incontinence is not the same as marking

With incontinence, the animal leaks urine without noticing: it usually happens while sleeping or relaxing, as drops or damp patches. With marking, they urinate on purpose in specific places, usually on vertical surfaces. It also differs from urgency: a dog who cannot hold on until the walk because they drink more or have an infection.

Most common causes

• Weak sphincter: very common in older spayed females.
• Urinary infections or stones: cause urgency and leaks, and can be treated.
• Conditions that increase thirst: diabetes, kidney or hormonal problems.
• Arthritis and pain: if getting up or squatting hurts, they may urinate where they lie.
• Cognitive decline: some older animals "forget" their habits.
• Neurological or spinal problems.

Many of these causes are treatable, which is why the first step is always the vet.

When to see the vet

Book an appointment as soon as you notice new leaks, and go as soon as possible if you also see blood in the urine, straining or pain when urinating, much more drinking than usual, weight loss or lethargy. In cats, urinating outside the litter tray is often the first sign of a urinary problem or pain.

Washable diapers: comfort for them, peace of mind for you

While treatment is found, or if incontinence is chronic, washable dog diapers are a practical solution. A few tips:

• Choose the size by measuring the waist just in front of the back legs.
• Change it as soon as it is damp and let the skin breathe for several hours a day.
• Clean and dry the area well at every change to avoid irritation.
• Have several so you can rotate them while they are washed.

Cats usually tolerate diapers poorly; changes to their environment work better for them.

Protect their bed and your home

• Use waterproof covers or pads under their blanket.
• Choose beds with removable, washable covers.
• Put washable blankets on the sofa or their favourite spots.
• Clean stains with enzymatic cleaners: they remove the smell and stop them returning to the same spot. Avoid ammonia, which smells similar to urine.

Daily hygiene and skin care

Urine irritates the skin. Clean the area with unscented wipes or warm water, dry it well and trim long hair around it. Regular brushing with a soft glove, like the one in our Bath & Brush Pack, helps keep the coat clean and lets you check the skin. If you see redness, ask your vet.

Routine changes that help

• More outings: take your dog out as soon as they wake up, after meals and before bed.
• Water always available: never restrict water without veterinary advice.
• Accessible litter trays for cats: low-sided and on every floor of the house.
• Beds close to the door or the litter tray.

Incontinence in older cats

In cats, the problem usually shows as urinating outside the tray rather than dripping. The cause is often physical: arthritis makes climbing into a high tray painful, or kidney disease makes them pass more urine. Try a low-sided tray with fine, soft litter, placed somewhere quiet and close to where they rest. Clean it daily, because an older cat tolerates a dirty tray even less. If you have several cats, offer one tray per cat plus one extra. And watch how much they drink: if the bowl empties much faster, tell your vet, as it is an important clue. Read more in our article on caring for an older cat at home.

Never scold

Your companion is not doing it on purpose and often feels uncomfortable. Scolding only causes stress, which can make the problem worse. Clean up calmly and praise them when they go in the right place.

You will find diapers and care products in the Hygiene & incontinence collection.

Important: this article is for information only and does not replace a visit to your vet. Incontinence can be a symptom of conditions that need diagnosis and treatment.