and received some very sensitive and constructive advice, but I am now at my wits end. We have had our dog Lassie since she was 4 weeks old and she is now nearly 17 yrs old. For the past few months she has begun to mess in the house and is constantly wanting to go outside during the day and night. She has no infection and is, other than a bit arthritic, generally healthy. My children have now left home and I am left 'holding the dog'. I am not being flippant, but I have virtually become a prisoner in my own home. I have even been sleeping downstairs all these months just to let her out and this can be up to 10 times during the night and more so during the day. I do take her out, but it has got to the stage where, even after a walk, she will still come in and mess. I know she is old and I love her dearly as do all the family, but they are all out and about and working and getting on with their lives. I sleep, on average, about 2hrs in 24 and my health and sanity is beginning to waiver.
2006-11-20 22:23:05 · 24 answers · asked by Somer 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The last thing I want to do is to start to resent her-after all, she is part of the family.
Please, what do I do?
2006-11-20 22:25:56 · update #1
Thank you sasha, but no, I don't have an intergrated garage and if we had the space, I would even build one!
Also, we live in the UK so a kennel at her age would not be an option either.
2006-11-20 22:51:06 · update #2
sweet_car. And she was the runt of the litter! so I know she has done well to get to this age.
2006-11-21 00:46:32 · update #3
leftygirl-
As you are a vet assistant, could you give me any symptons of dementia? She has been acting strange too-jumps when she eats (as though she has been frightened), sometimes just stares at the wall. There are a few strange things she does now that I have noticed. Thank you.
2006-11-21 20:09:52 · update #4
It sounds like you really need to think about her(and your) quality of life. If she is unable to control bowels and urine but seems healthy otherwise she may have some dementia(yes,dogs can get it too). Have you asked your vet for any advice on the matter? There is medication for dementia. If this is not the case then it may be time to sit the family down and decide if she is happy. It could be time to euthanize her.If you do euthanize her it doesn't mean you didn't love her, it meant you loved her enough NOT to let her suffer. Good luck, I hope you find the answers
2006-11-21 04:21:52 · answer #1 · answered by leftygirl_75 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have kept dogs now for over 30 yrs and it seems that if there is not a health problem with your dog and i assume you have had him or her to the vet then it sounds like a classic case of attention seeking. I think a lot of people underestimate their dogs intelegence. They are very much like kids and get the attention they want in which ever way they find works.
My advice to you would be to let your dog out last thing at night and go to bed, If you have a mess in the morning then you have to show your pet that this is not acceptable, tone of voice is normally enough to let them know that you are not happy with them, You have to take your dog out and make a big fuss when he doe"s the buisness outside.it will take a little time to re educate your dog but with a little patience i am sure he will come around.Good luck.I have read all the other sugestions given to you and have to say that just because your pet is 17 it doesnot mean she has to be distroyed. If you love your pet then he must be worth a little of your time to teach him what you want him to do. If there is not a medical problem then it has to be a naughty dog who needs putting in his place. All you need is a stronger will power than your dog. If however you have not had your pet checked over by a vet then it may be a good idea to do so.
2006-11-21 10:00:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, how lucky are you to still have her with you after 17 years. That is a very long time for dogs to live and I'm glad for you that you've had all that time with her. She is not inentionally trying to drive you crazy, really. It is just that she is 17 years old. She just does not have control over her bodily functions like she did years ago. Maybe during the night, gate her in the kitchen or any room that does not have carpeting. This way, if she still goes, it will be an easier clean up. I know it is a very hard decision to make, but maybe it is time to put her down. However, if she is not suffering in anyway, I hope some other people can give you suggestions.
2006-11-21 00:29:41 · answer #3 · answered by sweet_carmel_angel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The need to constantly urinate is either behavioural or medical and from your description I strongly suspect that she has a serious medical problem. It sounds like her bladder muscle is failing or she has advanced kidney disease.
I don't know why you believe that she has no infection but if this diagnosis was recieved from a vet when the problem began, I believe you need to do new tests or seek a second opinion.
If she really doesn't have a problem with her health then she is exhibiting behaviour typical of anxiety about something. You mention that your children have left home - is this recent? Is there another big change that may have triggered the anxious behaviour?
You must be very exhausted and frustrated and from the outside I really do suspect that this is a medical problem.
2006-11-21 00:05:20 · answer #4 · answered by PetLover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a hard situation. Incontinence is a phase of old age and often comes near the end of a dogs life. I have a friend in the UK actually, who very recently had to go through this with her beloved dog.
My best suggestion is to take your dog to see the vet and talk to the vet about what is the best thing for your dog. You may find that he may be suffering from more than just this and it may just be his time. Hopefully your vet can either make a good suggestion to you, or let you know better what is going on with your dog and what the best course of action.
2006-11-20 23:05:33 · answer #5 · answered by Sweet Cakes 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi I know you are tired and at the age of your baby this happens. My Lab is 12 and does the same thing. Take her to the vet with a sample of urine .It wasn't hard to do with my male but I think you can handle it they can check for everything even kidney stones. It is a possibility. Have her checked they said my Pudge has kidney failure and at this age and this time of life they need you. Don't put her outside that would be a big mistake.They have diapers for dogs that you can use also. I would definitely take to the vet to find out there are diferint places on the web that will tell you the same thing.
2006-11-20 23:52:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the poor old girl has kidney and bowl trouble , this is common in dogs as they get older, as cruel as it may seem , your pet , due to her age as not got long on this world , you have a choice of putting up with the problem or having her put peacefully to sleep, what you must realise is it may be a burden to you , but think of your pet, she must have some discomfort or she would not be wanting out of the door and as a trained dog would not deliberately mess your home up unless she could help it, have a talk with your children and the vet as to the best solution for you and the dog, I had to make the choice and was with her when the vet ended her life, it was peacful and she was out of pain, I felt sad but she is at the top of the garden it her little plot and her photo is on the hall window, as you stated she was part of the family and how many times have people said when they see a human in pain , I would not let an animal suffer like that.
2006-11-20 22:40:37 · answer #7 · answered by john r 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Are you asking weather or not you should euthanize Lassie? That is a very personal decision, and one our own family is facing. The question we are asking is whether or not the dog is happy, and has a good quality of life. 17 is a very long life for a dog.
I don't agree with putting down a healthy dog, but, at 17, Lassie's health is going to deteriorate.
Whatever your decision, again, it's personal, and you shouldn't feel guilt. You have given Lassie a very long life.
You'll be in my prayers, I know how difficult it is.
2006-11-20 22:31:37 · answer #8 · answered by bon b 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Please don't as others have suggested put her outside in a kennel, not after all this time, I'm sure you wouldn't, I just can't believe some people sometimes.
You need to get your family together, get your kids home and discuss this together, you have to decide if your dog is really happy and I would guess that she isn't really as she is messing in the house, you also have to think of your own health. It isn't an easy decision to make believe me I know, I am still grieving for a dog I lost last December 2nd! and I dithered for days before making that hard decision but I knew he wasn't happy any longer after being clean in the house for 13 and half years, I also had slept downstairs so that I could let him out as he couldn't get through the dog door any longer.
So be really strong give your kids a ring today and have a good long talk.
I will be thinking of you.
Take care. x
2006-11-20 22:51:50 · answer #9 · answered by Pawstimes16 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
To be fair the dog has had a good long life, The dog is now starting to show incompitance problems due to age, this once happened to my mums dog and she had him put down. At a time like this you have to think of the dog and the health of her. Having her put down may sound harsh but you can't do any more than what you are doing and what life is the she and you having - None. i know she will be missed in your family because she has been apart of it for so long but you have to Think of your health aswell
Good Luck xx
2006-11-21 03:08:11 · answer #10 · answered by shelz042000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋