What could be causing my dog to pee in her sleep?

Are your dog's nighttime accidents and refusal to leave the bed causing you worry and chaos in the morning? Accidents do happen occasionally, but if you see a trend with your dog peeing while they are sleeping, it may indicate a far more serious underlying issue.

Don't worry if it makes you feel a bit awkward to acknowledge that "my dog wet the bed when sleeping," and know that you have nothing to be ashamed of. 

There are several reasons why dogs may urinate while they are sleeping, but in the interim, there are steps you can take to safeguard your furnishings and your dog in case they have another pee incident. 

Main Reasons For My Dog Peeing In Her Sleep

Most of the time, a dog's weak bladder sphincter muscle is the cause of them passing urine while sleeping. They'll have an accident if they can't control it. 

This explains why older, spayed female dogs tend to urinate while sleeping. A dog's loss of bladder control may be brought on by a hormonal imbalance, such as the decrease in estrogen brought on after a spay. A dog may however urinate when they are asleep for a variety of other reasons.

Before continuing, it's crucial to understand the difference between completely urinating while you sleep and slightly leaking urine. 

If you're wondering, "Why did my female dog pee while sleeping?" you might be dealing with a completely normal, unproblematic occurrence. Some female dogs feel so comfortable while resting that they leak a few droplets of pee, which in general terms, can’t be comparable to wetting the bed. 

If you discover that your female dog leaks pee as she sleeps, you should still consult your veterinarian because this can occasionally make the dog more vulnerable to UTIs and other ailments. 

Bacterial UTIs

The most typical infectious ailment that affects dogs is bacterial urinary tract infections. In their lives, more than 14% of dogs receive one. Even though they are frequent, if untreated, they can result in catastrophic problems. They can, however, be easily managed with medicine, which your veterinarian can give.

1. Bladder Stones

Incontinence can result from any bladder instruction. The most likely cause of a dog urinating while sleeping is bladder stones. Urine leakage is the result of the bladder muscles being damaged. 

In addition to stones, bladder polyps and tumors can result in incontinence. Dogs seldom develop bladder cancer, although it can cause overnight accidents. 

If your dog has bladder cancer, which is typically not the first sign, you might want to think about using diapers or pooping pads.

2. Dementia

Your dog's memory may start to deteriorate as they become older. They may simply forget their housetraining if their memories are a little hazy. 

It's unlikely that you'll be able to help elderly dogs with dementia with medicine; instead, taking them outside more frequently, setting up potty pads, and other accommodations for them can help contain the issue of an old dog pee while sleeping. 

3. Diabetes

Dogs are frequently reported to have diabetes; roughly 1 in 300 of them do. A dog with diabetes becomes more and more thirsty, which results in frequent urine and urinating at strange times. 

Dogs with diabetes can be treated, but a veterinarian must first make the diagnosis. Medication and dietary adjustments are used to achieve this. 

Even though it's a chronic illness for dogs, it can be successfully controlled so that your dog can enjoy a long, healthy life.

4. Hormonal Imbalance

As we have discussed, elder spayed female dogs are more likely to urinate as they sleep. However, men can also experience this! 

Although the imbalance is different, the course of action is the same. 

The veterinarian uses a blood test to make the diagnosis, and medicine is then given to treat the condition and raise the bladder sphincter's muscle tone.

Strategies to Help Your Dogs Avoid Peeing in Their Sleep

You can take many steps for your dog to stop overnight accidents or reduce the mess that needs to be cleaned up. 

1. Veterinary Options

Your veterinarian can give your dog medication to help him regain bladder control. Sometimes, surgery or more expensive therapies may be required when urinating while sleeping is a sign of anything more serious. 

You must also consult your veterinarian if you believe your dog's water intake has to be decreased. Less water could cause much more harm to your dog than just a few overnight accidents, such as worsening kidney illness. The likelihood of your veterinarian advising medical care is substantially higher.

Proin (phenylpropanolamine) and Incurin (estriol) are two regularly recommended drugs for urine incontinence, although both have several negative effects and should only be used when necessary. 

• Side effects of Proin

These symptoms include anorexia, excessive or increased thirst, urination problems, difficulties settling down, restlessness, and in extremely extreme cases, stroke and seizures. This may persist until you stop taking the drug; even then, some dogs may continue to experience negative effects from Proin. 

• Side effects of Incurin

Along with swelling of the vulva, it also includes a lack of appetite and increased or excessive thirst. The negative effects of Incurin for dogs usually go away after stopping the medication. 

If you observe that your dog is experiencing nighttime accidents, you should immediately visit your veterinarian, who is your dog's first line of defense. Nothing else on this list should be done without first consulting your veterinarian.

2. Dog Diapers

Nighttime incontinence in some dogs cannot be treated with medicine or even surgery. There may not be much that can be done for a dog who has suffered serious injuries or who has spinal degeneration. In that instance, the dog might require diapering. 

Dog diapers can either be a regular item or a short-term tool. Your veterinarian might suggest them for a dog that has a UTI for a few days when the infection heals. 

Make sure you purchase the one that fits your pet properly because male and female dog diapers have distinct shapes.

Make sure you purchase the one that fits your pet properly because male and female dog diapers have distinct shapes.

You can buy recyclable, washable dog diapers if you wish to be environmentally conscious. Check your dog to be sure the diapers are appropriate because they come in a variety of sizes. 

You should play with your dog for a while after you put the diapers on him to help him get used to them. You should also stay by him, give him goodies, and stay with him. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity to check if your dog fits comfortably in the diapers. 

3. Pooping Pads

Although pooping pads are frequently used to help housebreak pups, they can also be helpful for older dogs or other pets that struggle with urine incontinence. These pads can be placed anywhere in your home where your dog frequently lays down or sleeps. 

These pads will safeguard your furniture and flooring. They have secure adhesive backings that prevent slipping, so they won't move around. When you're done with them, simply grab the corners, lift them, and throw them in the garbage.

4. Change their Lifestyle

Although there are instances when you really can't do much to prevent your dog from urinating while they sleep, there are steps you can take to make cleanup simpler. 

Buy a washable covering for your dog's bed and place old towels on top of it. Get covers for anything your dog likes to sit on, and ensure all dry-clean-only items are stored away from any areas where they might sit.

It’s not your dog’s fault!

Keep in mind that if your dog pees while sleeping, there is a problem. They might be in agony yet be unable to communicate it. No dog defecates while sleeping to mark territory, act mischievously, or for any other nefarious motive. 

They most likely have no idea they're doing it. Treat your dog with patience. They do no know what they're doing is bad, so they won't comprehend if you scold or blame them for their midnight mishaps.  

Takeaway

The good thing is that there are treatments available for the ailment that causes your dog to frequently urinate while sleeping, which can be irritating and even alarming. Dog urine incontinence typically has a favorable outlook and is treatable with your veterinarian's assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for dogs to pee while sleeping?

Dogs do not typically urinate while they are asleep. Dogs can typically control their bladder muscles while they are asleep. It's advised to visit a veterinarian for a correct diagnosis and advice if you find your dog urinating while dozing off, as it could be a sign of a possible health problem like a urinary tract infection or incontinence.

Why does my dog urinate while she sleeps?

For a variety of causes, dogs may urinate while they are asleep. It may occasionally only be the result of inadequate housebreaking or an extremely full bladder, but it may also be a sign of a health problem.

Dog incontinence during sleep be caused by certain medical conditions?

Your dog's in-bed urination may be brought on by a health ailment or behavioral problem. Wetting the bed while sleeping indicates that the animal has lost bladder control. When you don't know what's causing a urinary issue, treating it is challenging, and the only option to help your pet is to take them to the doctor.

How can I tell the difference between a dog's regular peeing habit and unusual pee while sleeping?

Dogs frequently experience pee flow or the spontaneous passing of pee. Your dog is probably unaware that it is happening, and a medical ailment typically brings it on. Although it can occur at any age, it more frequently affects females and middle-aged to senior canines. The degree of severity might vary from little leaks to the voiding of a significant volume of urine.

Should I be worried if my dog urinates as she sleeps?

Although you should be worried about your dog's health, you shouldn't. You should instead bring your dog to the doctor, preferably bringing a fresh urine sample. Your veterinarian can identify the precise cause of the incontinence, but they'll probably need to do a few procedures first. 

Can behavioral problems cause canine bedwetting?

Dogs can urinate while sleeping for a variety of reasons, but behavioral problems directly cause none of them. For instance, if a dog is suffering from acute worry or fear, it may cause them to become more stressed out and experience disruptions to their regular sleeping habits, which may cause them to have accidents while they are asleep. 

Reference links: 

• https://www.k9ofmine.com/why-is-dog-peeing-in-her-sleep/
• https://www.ah-bc.com/why-is-my-pet-peeing-in-his-sleep-qa-urinary-incontinence/
• https://wagwalking.com/symptom/why-is-my-dog-peeing-in-his-sleep
• https://rockykanaka.com/why-is-my-dog-peeing-in-their-sleep/
• https://sitstay.com/blogs/good-dog-blog/dog-peeing-in-sleep
• https://iheartdogs.com/heres-why-your-dog-pees-the-bed-its-not-what-you-think/

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