Why is My Dog Having More Accidents After Being Spayed?
The sudden increase in bathroom accidents may indicate a variety of factors. For more information, talk to your veterinarian. Whether your dog has just been spayed, or is experiencing an increased number of accidents, it is best to seek veterinary assistance. In some cases, the vet may stay the dog overnight to help them assess the situation. If this does not solve the problem, follow the tips below to help you deal with the problem.
Reverse potty training
There are many different reasons why your dog might be having more accidents than normal after being spayed. A sudden increase in accidents may be a sign of a behavioral problem or physical condition. Your veterinarian can advise you on your pet’s unique situation. If the accidents seem to occur more frequently on Sundays, you may want to limit the amount of water your dog is consuming on Sundays. Urine abnormalities may also be an indication of a behavioral issue.
Sometimes, your dog may have been spayed to prevent male dogs from breeding and escaping your home. If your dog is having more accidents after the spay procedure, you should visit a veterinarian to determine whether spay incontinence is to blame. A veterinarian will run a urine culture and urinalysis to identify the cause, or else determine if your pet has other health issues. You may need to re-spay your dog.
Urinary incontinence
If your dog is spayed, you should watch for urinary incontinence two to ten years after the procedure. This condition can occur once a day or even more frequently during sleep. Because of a decrease in estrogen levels, a weak sphincter can lead to leakage. In some cases, the leaking is so frequent that it causes the pet to have to go to the bathroom multiple times a day.
In women, urinary incontinence may occur while sleeping, walking, or lying down. It is important to seek veterinary care immediately if your dog experiences leaking because this is a common side effect of anesthesia. If it does occur months after spaying, consult a veterinarian as your pet may be licking the skin where the urine leaks. The ovaries produce hormones, including estrogen, which may trigger symptoms of heat in your pet.
Arthritis
Your vet may tell you that your dog has arthritis. Arthritis can cause a dog to hesitate when going outside, or even have more accidents in the house. The symptoms of arthritis can become worse in cold weather, when barometric pressure decreases and joints are more likely to expand. A trip to your vet’s office for a checkup can help you determine if your dog is suffering from this condition.
Although it is rare to find arthritis in young dogs, this condition can cause frequent urination. Dogs with this condition tend to be older, and arthritis makes it difficult to get up. Arthritis can also cause your dog to urinate in the wrong place. Fortunately, the most common type of arthritis in dogs is preventable, with proper treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can save your dog years of pain and money.
Arthritis causes urinary incontinence
When a dog is spayed, there is a high chance that the procedure will cause urinary incontinence. However, a spayed dog might experience this problem for other reasons as well. Some dogs will develop urinary incontinence due to spinal cord disease, overwatering, or excess water intake. Other dogs may have urinary incontinence due to a weak sphincter caused by age or obesity. Arthritis also causes urinary incontinence in older and mature dogs.
This condition can occur in any dog and most commonly occurs in middle-aged to older female dogs that have been spayed. Several breeds are prone to urinary incontinence, but the most common affected breeds are Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, and Old English Sheepdogs. Urinary incontinence after spaying is caused by a weak sphincter, which allows bacteria to travel into the bladder and cause infection.
Arthritis causes bowel obstruction
In rare instances, bowel obstruction in dogs after being spayed may be the result of a foreign object that has become lodged in the intestines. Because the object cannot pass through the intestine, it may also result in perforation of the stomach. To rule out this possibility, a radiograph or ultrasound will be required. In rare cases, an endoscopy may be required to remove the foreign object.
A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if your pet develops this condition. While the condition is usually mild, some cases may be more complicated and may require euthanasia. General veterinary practices can perform complex emergency surgeries and will accommodate most dogs. However, if your pet has this condition, you should consult with a board-certified veterinarian in your area. Your pet’s condition may not be diagnosed with an imaging test.
