Bladder management for paralyzed dogs
Many paralyzed dogs are unable to urinate on their own. Even if you see urine in your pet’s bedding, it may simply be overflow from a too-full bladder. A bladder that is not regularly emptied can lead to infections, which are not only uncomfortable for your dog, but can also spread to the kidneys and cause serious complications if left untreated.
Ask your veterinarian if you should be expressing your dog’s bladder and if so, how to do it. Despite the best efforts of our vet, we still found ourselves googling and looking for tips and demonstrations on how to express our dog's bladder.
Here is our guide to help you get the hang of expressing your dog's bladder. If you need more information on preventing or managing reoccurring UTIs in your paralyzed dog, see our detailed guide.
Ask your veterinarian if you should be expressing your dog’s bladder and if so, how to do it. Despite the best efforts of our vet, we still found ourselves googling and looking for tips and demonstrations on how to express our dog's bladder.
Here is our guide to help you get the hang of expressing your dog's bladder. If you need more information on preventing or managing reoccurring UTIs in your paralyzed dog, see our detailed guide.
How to express your dog's bladder
If you are able to support your dog in the standing position, stand over a puppy pad or outside in the garden and place your hands on each side of your dog’s abdomen with your thumbs pointing up towards the spine.
Use your fingers to locate the bladder. This is generally the most difficult task when learning. Search for what feels like a full water balloon that is shaped somewhat like a lemon. The bladder can appear to sit if different positions depending on how full it is so it takes time, and trial and error to get the hang of it.
To express the bladder itself, you can use your finger tips or your fingers curled up to slowly apply steady pressure until you get a steady stream of urine. Keep applying pressure until the urine slows to a dribble or stops. Wait up to thirty seconds to let the bladder reform and reshape, which it will do, and then try to express again to get the remaining urine out. Getting the last of the urine out will help reduce the chance of your dog developing a urinary tract infection.
Many vets recommend not going more than six to eight hours without expressing in order not to stretch out the bladder too much or allow the urine to remain in the bladder too long which can lead to infection. The usual recommendation is to express at least every six hours. Check with you vet for advice.
Use your fingers to locate the bladder. This is generally the most difficult task when learning. Search for what feels like a full water balloon that is shaped somewhat like a lemon. The bladder can appear to sit if different positions depending on how full it is so it takes time, and trial and error to get the hang of it.
To express the bladder itself, you can use your finger tips or your fingers curled up to slowly apply steady pressure until you get a steady stream of urine. Keep applying pressure until the urine slows to a dribble or stops. Wait up to thirty seconds to let the bladder reform and reshape, which it will do, and then try to express again to get the remaining urine out. Getting the last of the urine out will help reduce the chance of your dog developing a urinary tract infection.
Many vets recommend not going more than six to eight hours without expressing in order not to stretch out the bladder too much or allow the urine to remain in the bladder too long which can lead to infection. The usual recommendation is to express at least every six hours. Check with you vet for advice.
The best way to learn how to express your dog's bladder really is by hands on practice. The next best thing is to see a few different video demonstrations. We have included a few of the best videos that we have come across which give good, practical tutorials for expressing a dog's bladder.
Useful products and supplies
- Puppy pads - If you're a city slicker you'll most likely need a supply of puppy pee pads. Buying them online in bulk is significantly cheaper than pet stores.
- Belly band - If you have a male dog a belly bands can be useful to contain dribbles between bladder expressions. These are particularly helpful while you're still getting the hang of expressing the bladder completely.
Clean up and hygiene
Many paralyzed dogs suffer from incontinence and are unable to adequately groom themselves. Therefore, you’ll need to keep up with your pal’s hygiene and grooming for the sake of your household and your animal’s health and comfort.
- You should expect to bathe your dog every few days. If your dog begins suffering from dry skin due to frequent baths, your veterinarian may recommend a moisturizing shampoo as well as topical conditioning treatments or sprays.
- Dry pet shampoo may be useful for spot cleaning or tidying your dog up between washes. Unscented baby wipes can come in handy for cleaning up fur and keeping skin moist. You should always wipe away any urine immediately, as urine can cause burns when left on the skin.
- To avoid household messes, consider using a dog diaper.
- Keep your dog’s bedding clean. Wash it regularly and look for a material like nylon that is less likely to absorb moisture. You should also be able to wash the bed itself, not just the cover. An absorbent dog bed cover is a good investment!
What do others say?
Different techniques work for different people. Check out these great examples of how other people do it.