Dog Community

House breaking a very old dog???

Posted : 10/16/2009 8:02:23 PM

We rescued a 13 year old Beagle from a rescue agency. We've had her for 2 weeks now. They had about 30 dogs who had the run of the house and IMO the owner could not know which do is house broken and which were not. They had doggie doors so they could come and go.

Background: She takes Phenylpropanolamine for bladder control. She tends to leak if not. She was at the rescue agency for about a year. Before that she was in a home for 10 years. The story goes she was dropped off at the vet by the owners asking that she be put down because of the leaking. The vet took her and gave her to the rescue agency.

Problem: This girl will tell us she has to go out by pacing by the back door. But on occasion, we find where she has peed in the house. When we're gone for more than 4-7 hours, she cannot hold it and we find accidents. There is no leaking at this point though. She's completely deaf and it's a bit hard to train her.

Question: Is she just too old to hold it? Or is she still adjusting to a new routine and environment? Is it a physical or behavioral issue? I hate to give her back but she's ruining our home.

Thanks!

Bruister

Posted : 10/16/2009 9:12:03 PM

I have experience with a rescue dog who had serious bladder problems. We're talking a full bladder let go during the night while he was sleeping. He would wake up in the morning very upset. Vets had no suggestions as to how to help, so those of us who alternated his care did laundry every morning and always made sure there was a plastic table cloth under his bedding. Believe it or not, a few years into this, a young vet suggested some human geriatric medication for incontinence. Within three days of taking half a pill per day, this dog was a different dog and never leaked or released a full bladder in his sleep again. Maybe you could ask your vet about this....

I think it is awesome that you took on the care of a 13 year old dog. The care of older dogs has been a topic of discussion on this site lately and you are a really great example of folks taking on a dog that needs to be loved all the way through to the end. I salute you... Yes

tiffy

Posted : 10/16/2009 9:14:40 PM

Your gonna give her back after two weeks? Shes 13, go back to Housetraining 101.

Bruister

Posted : 10/16/2009 9:17:58 PM

I justs reread your thread....please consider crating....you cannot have her pee all over your house....crating is okay when you are not home. I send you much respect for taking on an older dog.

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/16/2009 10:07:08 PM

Why not simply put "bitches britches" on her -- except put a human continence pad in it. I usually cut them in half (seal the open end with nylon first aid tape so it too is absorbent) -- if you want to email me I'll give you specific instructions -- but this truly works. I had a dog for six years who was very incontinent.

DO try housetraining -- she may not "get it" where you are yet.

jenn52

Posted : 10/16/2009 10:08:21 PM

What about leaving out pee pads for her and teaching her to use them when you're gone for long periods of time? Not to be rude, but if you knew her situation, why would you take her if you were worried about pee getting on carpet/floors? I mean wouldn't that be a given taking in an old dog with incontinence?