I have a 16 year old collieXkaeshund female dog. She has always been very obedient and toilet trained, but recently started weeing in the house. My mother thinks rubbing her nose in it works, but I think this is futile and unnecessary. I'm unable to offer an alernative, however. I don't want the dog put to sleep: she doesn't show any other sign of senility or unhappiness. But my parents are both houseproud and get quite cross about it, even though the dog doesn't seem to think it's wrong any more. She doesn't even bark to go out any more. A few weeks ago she had cystitis which I think started it, as she had to go all the time and probably couldn't be bothered to bark any more. She's blind and deaf, so a simple "no" won't do.
2007-05-28 05:28:58 · 11 answers · asked by Buzz 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
By the way, I know rubbing her nose in it is cruel. I don't need you to tell me that.
And she's 80 in dog years, according to her size.
2007-05-28 05:43:56 · update #1
Thanks everyone for answering so quickly! My mother feels very bad about what she did, I think she was very angry at the time but this is no excuse to take it out on the dog. This is the best dog in the world, she's done a lot for us and if it was up to me I wouldn't give a toss what she did in her old age, she's worth it. But my parents don't share this view: they have to keep the house clean, which is fair enough because lots of people come into the house. I think I can persuade them for a trip to the vet's, although it might just be old age...she does know she's doing it, because she has to squat. If she has to be put down...well, it's whatever's best for her, although I still think she could have a good many months of happiness left. Most of the time she's really happy: I've known her long enough to know when she's happy. Any other suggestions will be most welcome.
2007-05-28 06:03:42 · update #2
This poor dog is suffering knowing she's doing something she's not supposed to do. It's a very simple fix - take her to the vet. They have meds for incontinence in older dogs who totally can not help it!
2007-05-28 06:30:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rubbing her nose in it is utterly, utterly cruel. And it hasn't worked has it? The fact that she has always been housetrained is your clue - she is not doing this to be "naughty", SHE CAN'T HELP IT. She is very elderly and this happens with oldies. I am appalled and sickened at your mother's treatment of this poor old dog. There is no alternative to old age. Sorry if that doesn't fit in with your parents perfect house. I know you want you do right by this dog. In another household she could probably live happily for a while longer, but you need to ask yourself how long should this blind deaf elderly dog be tortured, because that's what rubbing her nose in it is - torture. If your parents are going to continue being cruel to this old dog, then I personally think it would be kinder to have her put to sleep. But be honest about why that would have to be done - ie. not because she has become too frail and ill, but because now that she has problems typical for a dog of her age, she no longer suits your parents lifestyle. How sad. I feel for you and your poor old dog.
2007-05-28 12:44:24 · answer #2 · answered by Gloria T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 16-y.o. dog is just incontinent - rubbing her nose in it won't help, she knows by now she shouldn't but she can't help it.
If she's doing it in just one area, put some old towels down flat so that she can do what she must do and you can just pick them up as you see them and put them in the wash. Have a few old towels on hand.
Now, unfortunately, you have to ask yourself how comfortable your dog really is. It breaks my heart to know you have to face this, but I've had to myself, with six dogs over the years. Your dog might seem very comfortable - but being blind and deaf, she might be off in her own little world, and ready to go.
Whatever you do, you're right to resist your parents' idea of training or discipline at this point. Your role, and your family's role, is to let that dog be comfortable and feel safe and loved - and if the time is right, to do the right thing for your dog.
You sound like a wonderful owner. Your dog has been blessed.
2007-05-28 12:42:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be a UTI or simply incontinence. They do make diapers for dogs but they are expensive. Do take her to the vet and find out what the problem is - house trained dogs don't start peeing in the house for no reason. Try to get your parents to stop rubbing her nose in it - the poor dog has no idea why she is being treated this way, and it won't work. (doesn't work with puppies either.)
2007-05-28 12:53:16 · answer #4 · answered by andijxo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your dog to a vet and have her examined. She might have a medical problem that is causing this, but more likely she is simply old and is losing control over her body functions. She may not even know she is doing it.
Putting a dog down has NOTHING to do with what YOU want. It is what is best for your dog! Do you think it is fair for her to have her nose rubbed in her urine when she is too old to control herself anymore? She has given to you everything she can. Now it is time to talk to the vet about what is BEST for your pet. Regardless of what YOU want.
16 years is a VERY old age for a dog. She was obviously very well cared for to have lived such a long life. Now it's time to take care of her again. Take her to your vet and ask his advice. There may be something he can do to help her, or he might simply suggest that you allow her to move on.
Good luck!
2007-05-28 12:47:02 · answer #5 · answered by Annie B. Mice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is sad your elderly dog is having incontinent problems. You are totally correct that rubbing her nose is **VERY** improper. The poor blind, deaf girl doesn't have any idea why she's being treated this way.
The vet gave her a clean bill of health regarding urinary tract infections that might be causing urination?
Until you can get a grip on how to retrain her, you might try diapers and the like to keep your house clean.
http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/pup3/sub1.htm
http://tinkletrousers.com/
http://www.joybies.com/pagedog.html
The training might have to be through combination of a gentle tap/treats to commuicate??? I hope others can offer of way to train your special needs girl.
Handicapped Pets has a forum where you may find help.
http://handicappedpets.net/posting.php
2007-05-28 12:45:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course rubbing her face in it won't work. You never do that to any animal! She's a senior! She has most likely become unable to control herself. Another possibility is a UTI. Take her to your vet. A dog just doesn't decide to start going in the house for no reason! She needs your help!
2007-05-28 12:37:37 · answer #7 · answered by Houndly 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
At this stage in your dog's life, rubbing her nose in her urine will not have any effect on her behavior. She is very old and needs to be watched more carefully than in the past. She probably needs to be taken out more often as well.
The idea of rubbing an animals nose in their leavings never did work, even on puppies. It certainly won't work on an elderly dog.
2007-05-28 12:40:06 · answer #8 · answered by fangtaiyang 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rubbing her nose in it won't solve anything. She can't help it that she's having accidents because she most likey has very little bladder control anymore. This happens to a lot of older dogs. Just buy her some diapers.
2007-05-28 12:43:36 · answer #9 · answered by marina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she is very old and this is a part of it. she is not at fault. it is part of the aging process. take her out like you did as a new puppy. every couple of hours
2007-06-01 06:28:40 · answer #10 · answered by cheri h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋