A question re: older Malamute/Husky mix - leaking urine

[onecent]

Thunder is a VERY large (100 lb) Malamute/Husky mix. The vet said every day we have him after 10 years old is a bonus.

He is 12. I've been noticing some urine leakage on the floor and carpet.

Is there anything a vet can do for this? Or is it time to put him down.

He's basically an inside dog anymore (we are retired) and he's not liking severe weather (cold/hot/wet)...

I don't think my husband IS EVEER going to be able to put him to sleep - it will be one of the saddest days of our lives.

He appears to be in no distress -

Thanks..
This is a great source of info for pet owners.

[benburch]

1. Sounds like it might be a UTI.

A Urinary Tract Infection can do this, and can be treated with antibiotics.

[livetohike]

2. I agree with benburch

Have you given your vet office a call? I don't think this is anything that would warrant putting a dog down.

Have you noticed other changes in behavior like drinking more water than usual, or lack of appetite, or urinating more frequently, or waking you up in the middle of the night to go out?

I would just write down the symptoms you notice and give your vet a call.

[IndyOp]

3. You can make him a doggie diaper. No, I'm not kidding! Look:

Do check with your vet to see if there is a urinary tract infection that is causing the problem. If not, then you might try diapers...

Bullet (husky mix) wearing his diaper:


Instructions are here - note the warning about allowing doggy outside for some time period each day so he can 'air out' -
http://www.helpyourdogfightcancer.com/incontinence.html

Good luck!

[CC]

4. I would get him to the vet.

Though it may be age related. Not sure about a male dog but I had a female german shepherd that became incontinent around 13. I do not remember the name of the pills our vet gave us but they stopped it. The vet said it help her regain control over muscles. That was 10 years ago so they may have something newer and better so it would be worth the trip to the vet.

[onecent]

5. Thank you all. My husband and I took Thunder to the vet ....

and WOW.He's a different dog. He doesn't ask to go out 20 or more times a day (AND NITE)...(We would put him out, he'd want right back in).

No more seepage in the house...actually he's sleeping ALOT more..
but not drinking as much water. He drinks alot of water.

Also just recently he acts like he cannot get enough food, and strangely enough these pills seem to make him not as ansty (to check out garbage cans and crumbs under husband's computer).
Thanks all

We don't suspect he will be with us long. He has some breathing difficulties and has arthritus real bad. We watch him daily for signs to make sure he's in no severe distress.

He's about one of the best animals I've ever had in my entire 60 years.
It's gonna be tough...but maybe we'll find husky to love when the time is right.

[livetohike]

6. Good to hear he is doing better

Was it a urinary tract infection? Give him a hug from me and a big "arf" from my dogs Cindy and Murphy. :-)

[LibertyLover]

7. I have a mutant Siberian

husky who weighs 106 pounds. He is only 7 and has leaked urine as long as we have had him - 6 plus years now. It's not an everyday occurrence, but it does happen two or three times a month. Honestly, it seems like he waits too long to tell us he wants to go out and simply dribbles urine because he can't hold it any longer. I certainly wouldn't put him down because of it. We haven't bothered to ask the vet about it because it's not a real problem and does not seem to be impacting his life or health. However, just because we haven't bothered the vet about it is does not mean you shouldn't, especially if it's a medical problem. I had a German shepherd who started leaking urine. It turned out that he had a benign testicular tumor and a very bad prostate infection. Surgery to remove the tumor and antibiotics to clear up the infection put a stop to the urine leakage. All the best to you and to your puppy. Huskies are wonderful canine critters.

[Tammie]

8. I have a wire fox terrier

He began "leaking" when he was about 12 years old. He's 14 now and healthy. He is on Proin to tighten his bladder. The Proin seems to have taken care of the problem.

[EFerrari]

9. I'm so glad I read this thread. My poor girl just started "leaking"

this week. She'll be 14 in September. To the vet we go. :hi:

[EFerrari]

10. So, I took my girl to the vet. She has a urinary infection and

she's probably leaking, too. Also some ear action.

But, the vet was great and she GAVE US the meds Budster needs, including decent arthritis meds for the first time ever.

What a relief! :hi:

[Tammie]

11. Good news

I'm glad to hear you got her to the vet. Sounds like she'll be okay. You're vet's so generous!!!!! Hope Budster gets better real soon!!