Dog Suddenly Incontinent After Being Kicked or Injured: What Can Be Done?

We’re very sorry this happened to her. A blow to the rear end can injure the tail, the base of the spine or the nerves that control the bladder and bowel. Sudden urine and stool incontinence after an injury needs a vet visit as soon as possible, and urgently if she can’t walk normally, is in pain, or is straining without passing urine. A dog that can’t empty her bladder needs help the same day.

Your vet will check her back legs, tail, anal reflex and bladder, and may take X-rays to look for fractures. If the nerves were stretched or bruised rather than torn, many dogs regain bladder and bowel control over the following weeks, and signs such as returning tail movement are often encouraging. Your vet may need to help empty her bladder while she recovers.

Keep her quiet and clean, and use washable bedding. If you believe she was deliberately hurt, consider reporting it to local animal control. See our guide to bowel incontinence in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.