Why does a dog urinate in drops? - briefly
A dog may urinate in drops due to bladder issues, such as a urinary tract infection or bladder stones, which can cause discomfort and difficulty in emptying the bladder completely at once. Additionally, marking territory is another common reason for dogs to urinate in small amounts rather than emptying their bladder entirely.
Why does a dog urinate in drops? - in detail
Dogs, unlike humans, do not have complete control over their bladder sphincter muscle, which is responsible for releasing urine from the bladder. Instead, dogs rely on the external urethral sphincter, a muscular ring that surrounds the urethra, to regulate the flow of urine. This muscle contracts and relaxes involuntarily, allowing urine to exit in intermittent bursts or drops rather than a steady stream.
The size and strength of a dog's external urethral sphincter can vary greatly among breeds and individual dogs. Smaller breeds and puppies may have weaker sphincters, resulting in more frequent and smaller releases of urine. Additionally, factors such as age, health conditions, and stress levels can affect the strength and function of this muscle, leading to variations in urination patterns.
Moreover, the shape and structure of a dog's urethra contribute to their unique urination pattern. The canine urethra is longer and more convoluted than that of humans, which can cause interruptions in the flow of urine as it exits the body. These anatomical differences are evolutionary adaptations that help dogs mark territory efficiently and effectively, ensuring that their scent remains intact for a longer duration.
In summary, the combination of an involuntarily controlled external urethral sphincter and the unique shape of the canine urethra results in dogs urinating in drops rather than a continuous stream. This characteristic is a normal part of canine physiology and plays a significant role in their territorial marking behavior.