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I have a 16 year old Duchsand Terrier. Yes hard to believe she is 16 but still doing great, only one small problem.
Given her age, she can't seem to control herself anymore. In otherwords, she leaves accidents in the house. Before all this, she knew very well when it was time to go outside.
She's still very active and aware.
Is there some sort of medicine or anything I can give her that can help her with this problem? I love her very much but this needs to stop. Suggestions please?
I don't think there are any easy answers. At 16, dogs age, and one of the problems is that they don't have the bladder and bowel control they used to have.
Although some people are fanatical about having water available for dogs all day and all night, I thnk it is OK to empty the water bowl for the night (about an hour before taking the dog out for the last time). That will make accidents an night less likely.
The only other thing you can do is to take your dog out more often and be more vigilant.
She does get put out at least 5 times a day, used to be three times and she's good.
The problem is just that, she can't control it anymore and she goes whenever at random times. This is becoming an everyday occurence lately.
Sorry for the double post, some people tell me it maybe time to come to terms and put her down. I am sorry but that is out of the question.
They make disposable and reusable diapers for dogs. I sell em all day long at work for people with the exact same problem as you. May wanna give em a look any major pet supply store outta have em.
Now that statement is absolutely selfish. Those are you feelings and needs but what about those of the dog you love?
Having been used to peeing and crapping outside and doubtless the routine that entailed do you not think she might well b e upset at performing inside where she knows she will either be told off (when she was young) and it displeases you.
Think about your dog NOT yourself. If she cannot enjoy a happy contnted life then hard though it is the time may have come.
Selfish!? Putting a perfectly good animal of nature down before finding an answer to the issue at hand is selfish. I think you need to reittirate your thinking before calling someone selfish.
It is perhaps unfair to engage you whilst suffering such emotional upset but:
This is not "a perfectly good animal of nature" as you suggest it is incontinent and likely to be suffering distress as a result. Humans do in these circumstances, so it is highly likely a pet dog would.
Treatment may prolong the agony for it and your pleasure of having the creature but you need to look beyond that and consider its best interest. Nappies (diapers) are a disgrace, totally unnatural and humiliating for a dog and and pills can only go so far.
(sarcasm)
I love how you refer to my dog which is highly considered a member of the family as a creature or "it"
He knows how to read sarcasm lol!
This will sound hard but you have a stark choice: Either the dog must be put down or you put up with the problem.
If you think of elderly humans there is no cure, merely incontinence pads. Euthanasia for this is not followed for humans so someone has to nurse the elderly person and change the soiled pads and accept the accidents which will occur.
There is a solution to your elderly dogs incontinence. They are in the form of pills which a vet can prescribe to you to give your dog. I had a very old dog Arrunga (1979-1996) with the same problem and these pills helped greatly in the last few years of her life. I cannot remember what they are called but your local vet would know. Please don't get your dog put down just yet!
Duncan
Hi Duncan, Putting Keesha(her name) down is an absolute last resort.
Hi Michael,
I run a boarding kennel and have seen many an older dog have exactly this problem. Unless she has a urinary tract infection (which your vet can diagnose), a pill called Proin can help. I have seen dog respond to this medication overnight!
I also have a 15 year old dog, a samoyed. She doesn't have a urinary problem, but will poop inside. When dogs are older they lose some sensation back there and lose some control. My solution is to stand out with her and not let her decide that she is done. If she still won't go, then I'll put a leash on her and go for a walk. Time and excersize will usually do the job.
Bruce
Here's the link to an article on Proin:
Thank you Bruce! She can walk but only so far anymore. Maybe about a block then she's had it.
Have you tried talking your vet?
The first step before doing anything is go to the vet
and rule out any underlying medical issues.
Talk to your vet, the vet goes to school for alot of
years to lean how to handle issues like this.
Don't chastise the dog before you check things outs with
your vet.