Question:
I have a 15 year old pit/lab mix, Grace, who in the last year has began to pee in the floor at night. We've been to the vet and are still working with him to try and determine exactly what her ailments are at this point. Blood work reveals nothing and there is no UTI or kidney infection. She simply has phases when her water intake soars and the result is her not being able to hold it all night. Her belly, to me, is swollen but the vet doesn't seem to think it's out of the ordinary for her age. Basically, she is 15 and I have decided to do what I can to make her happy and confortable and just deal with the rest the best way I can. I tried to crate her but she pees in the crate and I don't want to leave her like that so I've started using newspaper on the floor. My concern now, is my other two dogs and the potential of them getting the wrong idea and they begin to pee in the house. We all sleep in the same room together and I want to avoid any major changes in the household at Grace's age. Does anyone have any advice or experience dealing with a situation like this? I have hard wood floors and honestly don't mind cleaning up after her (I know she can't help it, poor baby), but I'd like to avoid the other dogs picking up a bad habit. I do clean the floor with the vinegar solution I've seen posted here, as best I can discern the other dogs have not yet started going in the house. I recently also started putting a large plastic trash bag under the paper, and if she keeps it on the paper this works well, but if there is something better I can do for her or the sake of my floors I'd love to hear about it. Thanks!
Answer:
If she is not on any drugs producing more urination, the dog is incontinent. Not at all unusual for an older dog. There is no ailmemt per se. And shame on him for not giving you the PPA pills. They should resolve your problem. Let us know how you make out.
Answer:
Thanks suebgone, I have never heard of PPA pills but I'm going to research and speak with the vet when we go back next month. She was on medication for some other symptoms such as coughing and arthritis, none of which she is taking now, however I do have the glucosamine supplement which seems to help with the arthritis. I'll let you know how things progress. Thanks for the advice!
Answer:
Don't forget the Ester C!!!!!!