I know it is probably down to her age, but for the past two months she has become quite incontinent!! It has got to the stage where she can't be left on her own because of wanting to go into the garden all the time. It is worse at night and I have even got to the point of sleeping downstairs just to let her out! Apart from this, for her age, she is in good health but I am at my wits end! Has anyone got any sensible suggestions?
2006-11-06 01:27:56 · 27 answers · asked by Somer 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Live in UK so outside is not an option nor a dog flap (glass doors)-thank you for these suggestions anyway.
2006-11-06 01:49:49 · update #1
spiritxx-I am scared to take her to the vet. I know in my heart it's down to old age (considering she was the runt of the litter) she has had a remarkably healthy life. If she was in any pain I would know and take her in a shot. But she is eating as well as ever and still going for walks (although not as far as she used to). Thank you for your kind words.
2006-11-06 21:18:11 · update #2
I choose this as best answer because I know Lassie has had a good life, but many thanks to all of you for your replies.
2006-11-07 21:06:24 · update #3
well what can i say.
BLOODY BIG WELL DONE TO YOU!!!
for any dog to live for 17 years is fantastic, but for a runt of the litter to live that long is outstanding!!
you've clearly done brilliantly with your dog and i salute you for that!
I'm afraid incontinence in an elderly dog is due to old age, but to carry on with the love you have had for her over the years she really should see a vet.
he will not have your dog put to sleep without mutual agreement with you.
if she is healthy and strong enough he may suggest some medication for her to help controll the incontinence until you decide when the time is right to do differently.
unfortunately its not something that can be cured.
only controlled temporarily.
maybe a few months down the line you may consider giving another dog the fantastic lifetime your current dog has with you.
only you can decide hon.
xx
2006-11-06 21:29:40 · answer #1 · answered by sasha 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi
It could be her age or it could be an infection. Either way I would take her down to the vets for an exam. Propalin syrup helps with some cases of urinary incontinence, or antibiotics should clear up an infection, your vet can advise you once he's examined her. then you still have options like other have suggested of the doggy nappies or puppy training pads. If its a long term thing though you need to make sure you are looking after her emotionally as well as physically, lots of dogs get upset with incontinence so it's important that she doesn't feel she is being bad, she really can't help it. hope it all works out well for you both x
2006-11-06 02:53:23 · answer #2 · answered by Starblisskiss 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well maybe it is her age but she could also have a urinary tract infection too. You really need to take her to the vet. Since the dog is 17, it wouldn't be a wise idea to keep her outside. The damp could cause her to have arthritis in her joints and if it is too hot in your area that could kill her. I would first have her checked out by a vet and if it is her age, then get a doggy door or build her an area in the house and use those pads that you put on the floor. Just make her comfortable for the last years of her life.
2006-11-06 01:39:37 · answer #3 · answered by mysticmoonprincess01 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi ya i know you do not want to go to a vet after all a long time to have your dog and they are heartbreakers (more so than men ha ha) but on a serious note the kindest thing you can do is take it to a vet just for a check up that all My dog died about a year ago i cryed my heart out and have just lost a wee pup at 3 weeks old it hard to do but i would advise the vet and they could give you a wee antibiotic or something for her. good luck and hope she gets better soon
2006-11-07 08:27:39 · answer #4 · answered by sharon h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At seventeen, you're right - the problem is most likely due to her age. We've had the same problem recently with our older dog.
Thankfully, we're in a warm enough area that it's practical to let her spend her nights outside. I've set up a comfortable, warm dog house for her, and she's taken to the change in routine quite well. I'll admit that I felt a little sad at first, but none of the alternatives were palatable.
This may or may not be workable where you live, but it has worked for me. I hope you can find a solution which works for you.
2006-11-06 01:34:20 · answer #5 · answered by DidacticRogue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Urinary incontinence is quite common in old dogs and some can also become fecal incontinent.
Obviously there is nothing the dog can do about it but your Vet might prescribe Propalin which works really well on urinary incontinence.
I put a waterproof cover on my dog's bed and then covered that with VetBed. This kept the dog bed dry and the dog was comfortable because the VetBed kept her dry.
2006-11-06 04:32:54 · answer #6 · answered by DogDoc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, have her checked by the vet, depending on what the problem is there might be medication that can help her.
You can try doggy diapers.
When my girl got older, for the times when I wasn't available I made her an indoor pen with a potty area so that she could relieve herself in an area that I could easily clean and not have to worry about her messing the rest of the house.
2006-11-06 01:39:52 · answer #7 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mums cat is the same, she also forgets shes been fed. When she was last at the vet they said she was losing her memory, she is almost 19yrs old and shes pretty healthy too apart from a bit of arthiritis. I don't want to scare you into thinking you will lose her, but when they are reaching an age like that you have to prepare yourself.
My dog died a couple of years ago and although we hadn't had him for as long as you it was still 8yrs and you do get attached so i understand your worries. A visit to the vets is the best option to set your mind at rest.
2006-11-06 01:35:39 · answer #8 · answered by queenie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is difficult living with an incontinent animal, if they are not in physical pain you kind of feel obliged to help them in everyway. Do so if you can, but get her thoroughly checked out at the vet first, to make sure she is not in pain. Remember that her dignity will be suffereing though, if this is to be an on-going state of affairs. You sound like a lovely owner. I wish you the best
2006-11-06 01:30:51 · answer #9 · answered by rose_merrick 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, incontinence is often a problem with older dogs ... it could be anything as harmless as senility, or it could be more serious - ranging from a urinary tract infection to a kidney problem.
If your poor pooch has a urinary tract infection, she is definitely experiencing some pain ... same as we do when we get it. Your best and safest bet is to get her to the vet for the proper tests ... if she's in pain, there are meds that could help her!
Meanwhile, I think you'll find that the following sites offer a lot of information regarding incontinence in elderly dogs:
http://www.hollywoodpet.com/urinarydis.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1634&articleid=487
http://www.seefido.com/html/dog_urine_incontinence_.htm
http://www.pedigree.com/dogsAndPuppies/adult+dogs/health+care/health+problems/common+diseases+in+older+dogs+urinary+incontinence.asp
http://www.petalia.com.au/Templates/StoryTemplate_Process.cfm?Story_No=761&specie=1
http://www.vetinfo.com/dincont.html
I hope this helps; Best of Luck to you and your pooch !!!
2006-11-06 01:50:26 · answer #10 · answered by mutt_buffer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋