Senior dog bladder problems aren’t always easy to spot. Sometimes they show up slowly—an extra potty break here, a restless night there. Other times, you’re cleaning up an accident in the middle of the night and wondering, “What’s going on?”
I’ve been there. When my dog Garry hit his senior years, I started noticing changes that didn’t seem serious at first. He was peeing more often, waking up in the middle of the night to go out, and his urine had a very strong smell. After a few vet visits and a lot of trial and error, I learned that bladder issues in senior dogs are common—but also manageable with the right care and products. Many pet parents don’t realize how common senior dog bladder problems are—until the symptoms become hard to ignore.
Here are five signs your senior dog might be dealing with a bladder problem, plus what you can do to help.
Common Signs of Senior Dog Bladder Problems
1. Increased Urination or Urgency
If your dog is suddenly asking to go out more frequently—or can’t hold it like they used to—it could be more than just “getting old.” Dogs with bladder discomfort often feel the urge to go more often and may only release small amounts each time.
🐾 Tip: Pay attention to patterns. If the frequency increases or seems more urgent, that’s a red flag.
2. Accidents Inside (After Years of Being Trained)
Senior dogs who’ve been housebroken for years don’t suddenly forget where to go. If your dog is having more accidents inside, especially near doors or their bed, it could be due to bladder control issues, irritation, or even a urinary tract infection.
Zesty Paws Urinary Tract Bites helped my dog Garry stop waking up multiple times a night—and the accidents disappeared within a few days of starting them.
3. Whining or Restlessness at Night
Nighttime can reveal what your dog’s body is dealing with. A dog pacing, whining, or nudging you at night might be experiencing bladder pressure, discomfort, or confusion linked to frequent urination.
This also overlaps with anxiety and arthritis, which is why I always suggest a combo of calming chews and joint support in senior care routines.
4. Excessive Licking of Genitals
If your dog is licking their private area more than usual, it could be a sign of discomfort or irritation in the urinary tract. This is especially true if the licking is focused, frequent, or paired with other symptoms like restlessness or strong-smelling urine.
According to the American Kennel Club, UTIs are one of the most common infections in aging dogs—and licking is often their only way to soothe the discomfort.
5. Strong-Smelling or Cloudy Urine
A sharp or sour odor coming from your dog’s urine isn’t normal—especially if it’s accompanied by a cloudy appearance or dark color. If the smell is intense and lingers, it could be caused by inflammation or bacteria in the bladder.
This was the first real clue I had with Garry. His urine always had a strong smell, but it became overpowering. Within days of using urinary support chews, the odor faded—and so did the urgency.
✅ What You Can Do to Help
Here are a few gentle, effective ways to support your dog if you’re noticing these signs:
- Encourage more water: Add a pet water fountain or offer ice cubes and broth
- Give more potty breaks: Especially in the evening
- Add a urinary support supplement:
Zesty Paws Urinary Tract Bites are a soft chew option with cranberry, D-mannose, and marshmallow root - Track changes: Keep a quick journal of potty times, accidents, and behaviors
- Call the vet: Especially if there’s blood in the urine, visible pain, or major behavior changes
🔗 Related Posts You Might Like
- Zesty Paws Urinary Tract Bites: My Honest Review
- The Ultimate Guide to Senior Dog Care
- Proven Calming Aids for Anxious Dogs
Final Thoughts
You know your dog best. If they’re acting differently—especially around potty routines—trust your gut. Senior dog bladder problems are common, but they don’t have to mean stress and sleepless nights. With small changes and supportive tools, you can help your dog stay more comfortable, and you’ll both sleep better too.
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