Your adult pooch is having more accidents inside the house lately and you're probably wondering why that is. Well, you'll get all the answers here! It all makes sense once you uncover the truth. Read on to find out why this is happening and what you can do about it.
If your adult dog has been having accidents in the house lately, try these steps:
Schedule a veterinary exam. A thorough veterinary exam can identify conditions that cause dogs to behave differently, including blockages, intestinal issues or even tumors.
Many dogs reach their golden years at age 7 or 8, Collins says. Around that time, you can expect to see a reduction in energy level, confusion and — occasionally — house-training issues. (Here are tips to help your dog age gracefully.)
Any change, like when your dog eats, could throw off his schedule and cause him to have accidents.
Determine what triggered the change.
“It helps to keep diet and meal times the same,” says Chris Redenbach, a certified dog behavior consultant and owner of The Balanced Dog Academy in Tucker, Georgia. “If you change the routine, then you can run into problems where they aren’t self-regulating anymore because their biorhythms are expecting the same kind of exercise.”
Keep emotions in check. Nothing ruins a good night’s sleep like being awakened by the pungent aroma of dog poop.
Instead, take the dog for a long walk to stimulate bowel movements and avoid rushing them – even if it’s 1 a.m. and you are outside in your pajamas. (Did I mention that change takes time? Add patience and a sense of humor to the list as well.)
Go back to basics. Accidents are common for geriatric dogs, says Burckhalter. To address the issue, implement Housebreaking 101. Start by monitoring the dog’s food and water intake, and use the crate during down time.
If you have the space, Collins also recommends designating an indoor area, perhaps separated by a baby gate or X-pen, and covering the space with puppy pads. This will make cleanup less of a hassle.
Something as simple as a change in his routine can really make things difficult for your older pooch. Just remember to be patient and offer him lots of support as you get him to stop eliminating inside the house. Your pup will appreciate it!
For more information on adult dogs and bladder issues, visit Mother Nature Network.
