leaking urine when sleeping

Question
I have a 7-1/2 week old Affenpinscher that leaks urine almost constantly.  It is
especially noticeable when she sleeps.  She will get up and be wet and there
will be a wet spot where she was sleeping.  Her urine has a strong smell to it.  
Is this normal? I have never had a small dog, only large ones and this has never
been an issue before.


Answer
Hi there-

Congratulations on your new puppy! I love affenpinschers. I always want to squish their little monkey faces.

I'd be a little concerned with a very strong urine smell and wetting in her sleep that she may have a urinary tract infection, although is is fairly uncommon (but definitely not unheard of) in dogs that young. I would still think a trip to the vet just to rule it out is a good idea, especially if you are already planning on taking her in for her vaccines soon. Small puppies have a very small bladder and tend to pee...a LOT.. so just remember to take her out as often as possible, about twice as often as you would a large breed puppy. Also, make sure she has plenty of water to help flush her system out.

Good luck with your new puppy! Hope this helps!