Night-Time Wetting in a 14-Year-Old Spayed Poodle

New wetting during sleep in an older spayed female is often caused by a weakened bladder sphincter, a common problem in spayed females that can show up or get worse with age. It's very treatable, and most dogs improve with medicine that tightens the sphincter. But at 14, a vet visit is important because a few other problems can look the same:

• Drinking and peeing more, from kidney disease, diabetes or Cushing's disease, can overwhelm her bladder at night.
• A urinary infection, bladder stones or, less often, a bladder tumor can cause leaking or urgency.
• Age-related cognitive changes can make some dogs forget house training, which looks different from leaking in her sleep.

The first tests are usually a urine test and a urine culture, then bloodwork if needed. Tell your vet if she is drinking more than usual. Holding urine for 18 hours isn't ideal for any dog, so gently encouraging more frequent trips outside may help. Washable bedding helps in the meantime, and if you use a diaper, change it often to avoid skin and urinary infections. Don't cut back her water unless your vet advises it.

See urinary problems in dogs, urinary incontinence in dogs and incontinence in older dogs.

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