Living with an incontinent senior dog

My beloved dog always had bladder control issues and we managed it with medications. Lately though, it has become evident that the situation is getting worse and cannot be fixed with them as effectively as it used to be. So I’ve had quite bit of a rough period where I had to try and learn how to care for an incontinent dog while making lots of mistakes along the way. I’d like to share them with you now and hope it helps someone out there.

First of all- I’ve identified the issue. 

An unwanted liquid coming out of my pet uncontrollably and at unpredictable times, making a mess on her and also the house, and it is especially difficult to remove from highly absorbent materials.

I had to deconstruct the problem and address it one by one:

1. May I stop the urine coming out of my pet uncontrollably?

A: To a certain extent with medications. Not 100%. Increasing bathroom breaks lowers the possibility.

2. May I make the times that it’s happening more predictable?

A: I could control the amount and timing of water supply.  I’ve purchased a digital water dispenser that I adjust the volume of water she has access to, unfortunately it cannot be scheduled to run at specific times via controlling over a mobile app. Please let me know if you know a product as such. I try and give her less water before bedtime by tweaking the water intake time and volume.

3. May I prevent the liquid making a mess?

A: I could contain the urine by using diapers. The pet diapers on the market cost a fortune, so I’ve decided to use human diapers. My dog is big so I’m using adult diapers that are sold for incontinence issues and I buy them in bulk, cut a hole in the middle for tail and put them in containers beforehand. For smaller dogs baby diapers could be an option. 

There is also the possibility of restricting the access to environments that are difficult to clean but I can’t bring myself to it, my dog is senior and we’ve been through a lot together. This is her home too and I just want her to be comfy. 

 4. May I make the mess easier to clean from highly absorbent items ?

A: I could make the cleaning easier + prevent the liquid reaching the absorbent items.

I’ve waterproofed every spot she might spend time on, or created an easy to clean option instead. 

Tackling Ease of Cleaning

Floors

a. Prevent the urine from reaching difficult to clean items-Rugs

I’ve purchased machine washable thin cotton rugs from IKEA. My favorites are listed at the end of the post. In the summer I removed my carpets and used these directly, and in the winter I put them on top of my rugs and when a few accidents happened they completely absorbed the leaks protecting the rugs underneath and I just threw them in the washing machine. Totally recommend!

b. Create a cleaning routine

I wash the (mentioned above) IKEA cotton rugs at least once a week and they are a much cleaner option than regular rugs, I’m in love with them seriously. Some people have complained about them losing shape after first wash, but the trick is to put them in dryer after the washing cycle. After a while they become really soft. 

If an accident occurs on a regular rug (non-machine washable), I do one of these things based on the severity of the accident- in order:

In addition to removable rugs, there are hardwood/tile floors, for which it is also important to establish a cleaning system as well. I have tried many mop solutions out there but I don’t have a favorite among them when it comes urine removal, I have to admit.

I’ve started using single use paper cloths and it seems like we could be best buddies, we’ll see. First I remove the urine with paper towels and then spray some soap based surface cleaner and wipe it out with paper cloth. 

Upholstery

My dog has a few favorite spots that she likes to chill in the house. It is important to identify them and then apply the same routine with floors.

a. Prevent the urine from reaching difficult to clean items-Couches/Beddings/Dog beds

I’ve covered any difficult to clean item with a machine washable waterproof mattress protector. Her beds, my bed, the couch, you name it.

I’ve purchased a mattress protector that is a size larger than my regular bed size and I’m using it as my bed spread on top of the duvet on my bed. I’m also lining under the waterproof bed sheet with disposable diaper changing pad where my dog prefers to place her bum. There is also another one under the flat sheet. 

So if any accident occurs it will have to pass through 3 waterproof layers before reaching the mattress. If by some miracle it reaches the mattress, I get out my carpet cleaner and use the upholstery head. 

I’ve applied the same system for couches, only, the layers are from inside out: couch cushion, disposable diaper changing pad, couch cushion cover, waterproof mattress protector (both on the back and seat cushion), disposable changing pad, flat sheet, dog with diaper. The most difficult to clean is the couch/cushion itself so again, at least 3 waterproof layers.

My dog bedding is difficult to clean but she is really picky when it comes to beds and I can’t bring myself to change it. So I’ve covered the bedding with a mattress protector, and on top of a few layers of blanket and duvet, there is a disposable diaper changing pad and then a flat sheet again. The same system goes for her other beds in the living room area.

b. Create a cleaning routine

I replace the disposable pads when they are soiled, toss the cloth items in the washing machine as well as the mattress protectors. 

Conclusion

Washing machine and dryer play quite an important role in our new system and my dog seems to prefer to lie down on places where she thinks will absorb the leaks, so win win.  Carpet/upholstery cleaner is very handy, but all in all, washable rugs have been a life saver for me.

Mattress protectors, disposable diaper changing sheets and adult diapers are the great waterproof preventative tools in containing the urine and protecting the furniture and non washable items.

I would love if you could also share your methods and ideas on how to manage the incontinence without stressing our dogs.

Happy week! 

My favorite IKEA rugs:

TIPHEDE

STARREKLINTE