When your dog is diagnosed with incontinence or suffers any other debilitating health complication, it is very likely that they will or already have developed some form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It’s humiliating, painful, and upsetting to them when they suddenly can’t control their bladders, dribble, or struggle with movement (which may also further affect their ability to hold in their pee).
Seeing them prepare to be punished or yelled at for “leaking” can be heartbreaking – even if you’d never discipline them for something they have no control over.
So how do you deal with your incontinent dog’s PTSD? Here are some tips to help you understand PTSD in dogs better.
Signs Your Incontinent Dog Has Developed PTSD
Sadly, PTSD may set in earlier than the actual diagnosis of incontinence as your dog tries to hide their “oopsies.” If your dog is potty trained, they won’t understand why they are suddenly messing in the house, and they may fear punishment or feel utterly ashamed—even trying to clean up their messes in a panicked way.
Signs of PTSD in dogs include:
- Tucked tail
- Crouching low and hunching over when you look at them
- Shaking
- Further dribbling
- Panting
- Excessive licking (beyond what’s needed to clean themselves)
- Compulsive licking (even when they haven’t made a mess)
- Snapping when you try to touch them
- Constantly following you (even more than usual)
- Depression and decreased appetite
Why Dogs Develop PTSD from Trauma Such as Incontinence
As a dog owner, it can be severely traumatizing to adjust to life with your incontinent dog. It’s natural to feel emotional about what is happening to your dog, and your vet will likely have discussed the future ahead, which (even with management) is not fun or easy. You will feel worried and upset.
Your dog may then channel your stress and react by wanting to protect you, even though there is no reason to. Additionally, they may feel weak, begin to fret or become cranky because of the effects of their sudden health challenges.
With all these changes and sudden stress in their home life, your dog will have to deal with severe stress, which can quickly manifest as PTSD. To make matters worse, stress is a leading cause of dog incontinence, so they may begin dripping and messing up more, especially when they sleep or have bad dreams.
Interventions to Alleviate PTSD Symptoms in Your Incontinent Dog
The first help you can offer your dog when you notice signs of PTSD in them is to become calm. Your emotions need to be carefully controlled when you are around your dog. They may have been your emotional support until now, but you need to be strong and be theirs from now on.
When you get worked up, they will become more stressed, making the whole problem out of control. So take a breath, calm yourself, and become their safe space in the storm brewing in their life.
Now, it’s time to consider your (and their) options. You need to know that they can have a peaceful and fulfilling life with incontinence, and you can help them manage their PTSD. You may need help, so here are some considerations.
Medical Interventions to Ease Symptoms
While your vet has no doubt prescribed medication to manage your dog’s incontinence, they may also help you by prescribing a mild sedative such as Xanax or a natural alternative. In addition to sedatives to help manage your dog’s depression and aggression, you can also use other medical interventions, such as surgery, to help improve your dog’s urinary incontinence.
Managing incontinence symptoms, such as leaking urine, urine burns, and wet fur, can also help your dog calm down and be less stressed.
Training Interventions to Ease Symptoms
Of course, dogs thrive on training, so you can help your dog manage their PTSD from incontinence with training. Here are a few significant training steps you can take.
- Take frequent walks while your dog is mobile enough. The movement will help them release their endorphins, making them feel better.
- Train your dog on how to handle an oopsie from incontinence. Ensure they realize they aren’t to blame and you are not upset with them. Use a vocal command to ask them to lie on a clean puppy pad while you clean the area where they messed up. Reward lavishly so they know they didn’t do anything wrong.
- Train your dog to potty before nighttime and on command as much as possible. When your dog empties their bladder before night, it helps them dribble less and also helps to make them more comfortable.
- Choose an appropriate incontinence aid such as a doggy nappy or diaper, or belly band to help your dog manage the symptoms of your dog’s incontinence, and importantly, train them to wear it. If your dog becomes comfortable wearing and changing their diapers or belly bands, they will be less stressed. Make it a routine—your dog will thrive.
Understanding PTSD and Dog Aggression in Incontinent and Disabled Dogs
Imagine feeling utterly vulnerable for the first time in your life. Where you could protect yourself, your owner, and your family, you suddenly can’t move normally or control your bladder. Your dog feels all of this when their health is compromised.
Dogs feel shame. If your dog has been potty trained, they will have been good about relieving themselves outside their whole life, and suddenly not being able to hold in their pee or poo or make it outdoors in time will be very traumatic. Snapping, growling, biting, and becoming withdrawn will be expected.
It’s up to you to always ensure you keep them physically and mentally comfortable. This may mean you must be selective about whom you allow into their space at your home and be very careful in your reactions to your dog’s changing health. They haven’t failed you, so don’t fail them now.
FAQs About Dog Incontinence and PTSD in Dogs
What causes a sudden loss of bladder control in dogs?
Dogs may develop sudden bladder problems for several reasons, such as an infection, injury, or hormonal changes from being spayed or neutered (especially in large-breed female dogs). And they may also develop incontinence from stress and psychological trauma. Spinal injuries or neurological conditions such as epilepsy may also trigger incontinence. The onset of canine dementia is another consideration.
How to manage incontinence in dogs when sleeping?
When your dog is sleeping or comfortable, they may experience the relaxation of the bladder sphincter, which can lead to dribbling or urination. Ensure your dog has pottied before bed, and take them for a second round of potty within an hour or two after turning in. If you need to, set your alarm clock to help you remember to take your dog out, even if they don’t ask.
What coping mechanisms will dogs have when developing incontinence?
Dogs with incontinence may develop coping mechanisms to “manage,” such as obsessively licking their perineum region, drinking water frequently because of excessive panting, and being restless at night because they are afraid of going to sleep and messing. Your dog may also circle more than usual before lying down.
Final Thoughts
It can be challenging to deal with the trauma of having your dog struggle with essential functions like bladder control. When you add coping with your dog’s PTSD to the mix, it can be pretty overwhelming.
Don’t lose hope. It is possible to help your dog manage their trauma and live a comfortable and purposeful life.
Regular vet consults and a well-thought-out care plan for your dog will alleviate some of the stressors you will be confronted by. Consider medical options if these apply to your dog’s condition. Use training and careful structuring of their safe environment to help manage the causes of daily stress, and if necessary, consider sedatives to help your dog relax more.
Finally, take a breath each day, practice self-care, and ensure you offer the best of yourself to your best friend.