Noticing your dog panting excessively while also experiencing incontinence can be alarming.
Panting is a common sign of stress, pain, or illness in dogs, while incontinence indicates a loss of bladder control that may stem from multiple health issues.
When these two symptoms appear together, it could signal an underlying condition that requires prompt attention.
We outline the common causes of panting and incontinence in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Panting and Incontinence — Why It Happens
Dog panting and incontinence often happen together when a dog is under stress, in pain, or suffering from an underlying medical condition that affects bladder control and comfort. Hormonal imbalances, urinary tract infections, spinal or nerve issues, and age-related weakness of the bladder muscles can all contribute to this combination of symptoms.
Panting may occur due to discomfort, anxiety, or the body’s response to inflammation or pain linked to the urinary issue.
Dog Panting and Incontinence: Common Causes
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections are a frequent cause of incontinence in dogs. Infections irritate the bladder and urethra, leading to accidental urination and discomfort. Panting often accompanies UTIs due to pain, stress, or fever.
Dogs may also show signs of frequent urination, straining, blood in urine, or licking the genital area excessively. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is essential to prevent the infection from worsening.
Read more: Dog Incontinence Due to Stress (Here’s why it happens)
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones can irritate the urinary tract and interfere with normal urination. The discomfort and potential obstruction can cause your dog to pant from pain or stress.
Other signs include straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and frequent attempts to urinate small amounts. Left untreated, bladder stones can cause serious complications, including infection or kidney damage.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal issues, such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism, can lead to both panting and incontinence.
Cushing’s disease increases cortisol levels, often causing excessive urination, thirst, and panting. Hypothyroidism may contribute to weakness in the bladder muscles, leading to leakage.
Signs may also include changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, and coat or skin changes. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests and hormone level assessments.
Age-Related Changes
Older dogs may experience age-related incontinence and increased panting. Weakened bladder muscles and neurological changes can lead to accidental urination.
Panting may appear as a response to discomfort, stress, or medical conditions more common in senior dogs.
Monitoring changes in bathroom habits and panting frequency is important for identifying patterns that need veterinary evaluation.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological issues, such as spinal cord injuries or nerve damage, can affect bladder control.
Dogs may lose the ability to hold urine, leading to incontinence. Panting can occur due to pain, anxiety, or difficulty moving.
Additional signs may include weakness, difficulty walking, or changes in posture. Neurological problems require prompt veterinary assessment and often imaging or specialized tests.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus can cause both increased panting and incontinence. High blood sugar levels lead to excessive thirst and urination, and panting may result from stress or complications related to uncontrolled glucose.
Dogs may also show weight loss, increased appetite, and lethargy. Proper management with diet, insulin therapy, and regular monitoring is critical.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Incontinent
Ensure your dog has frequent access to outdoor areas to reduce accidents indoors. Keep the environment clean and comfortable, and use absorbent pads or washable bedding to manage incontinence.
Monitor water intake, appetite, and bathroom habits, noting any changes or patterns that may help your veterinarian diagnose the issue.
Avoid scolding or punishing your dog for accidents, as this increases stress and can worsen panting. Maintaining a calm and supportive environment is key.
Provide gentle reassurance and limit stressful situations while seeking veterinary advice. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve your dog’s quality of life.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek veterinary care promptly if you notice:
Sudden or severe panting paired with new incontinence
Blood in urine, straining, or signs of pain during urination
Vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite alongside panting
Behavioral changes, disorientation, or weakness
Recurrent incontinence despite home management
Veterinarians can perform urinalysis, blood tests, imaging, and neurological evaluations to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Read more: Dog Panting and in Pain (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
Panting combined with incontinence can be a sign of infections, hormonal imbalances, neurological issues, diabetes, or age-related changes.
Monitoring your dog’s behavior, maintaining a clean environment, and providing comfort are essential steps.
Persistent or severe symptoms should prompt a veterinary visit for a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan.
Timely care improves your dog’s comfort, prevents complications, and supports overall health.