Hi

Just a quick question...

Our old dog (15 1/2) has now reached an age where he ceases to indicate when he wants to go pee and can't fully control his bladder at night so he now sleeps in the conservatory so it's easier to clean.


We don't fuss because he's been an immaculate rescue dog since he was 3 but I am wondering if I should consider a litter tray even though I don't want to further encourage this behaviour. I suspect as Autumn approaches the problem will decrease as we wake before he does, a dog flap isn't really feasible.

Any advice appreciated, thanks in advance.

Have he been seen by your vet? Sometimes incontinence in elderly dogs can have causes that are quite easily resolved.

No I haven't, just thought he was getting old and not much could be done.

For bitches you can get medication in tablet form or syrup to put on their food, that helps with the control of spincter incompetence, whether it will work on males or their is a male equivalent I cant confirm, although there is a member on here who uses it on a male, although of course under veterinary supervision obviously (The meds are vet only or vet prescription anyway) So that may be an avenue to explore with your vet. There is also something called vivitonin that can help, thats used for old dogs with mental dullness and associated old age problems, again veterinary only so something you would need to speak to the vet about.

There is something too called Aktivait, this isnt a drug as such, so although available from the vet, it can be obtained without prescription. Aktivait is a nutraceutical that combines all the nutrients necessary for sustaining optimum brain function during the aging process, and can help with disorientation, loss of house training,irregular sleep patterns, and reduced interaction all the symptoms associated with the aging effects on the brain and what is commonly known as old dog syndrome. It got really good write ups, even from a conventional vet who also practises natural and alternative medicine. People have tried it on here too and said it makes a difference, so Vet-Medic - the same medicines as your vet at consistently low prices. is one place to purchase it if you want to check that out.

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Just a 2nd thought, I suppose you have ruled out any medical reasons for the loss in house training, I did assume, but thought in case I would mention it. Even a simple bacterial infection, can cause loss of bladder control. That would only be a course of anti biotics to clear it up. If you havent had him checked out may be an idea, sometimes its easy to put things down to simply old age and its not or easily corrected.

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Thankyou very much for your responses, I thought I'd ruled out ill health because frankly he shows no other symptoms. Appetite, vitality and temperature are normal but I recently put him on Cosequin for weak and stiff rear quarter which has helped.

I'll take him to the vet and get him checked out.

Doesnt hurt to give them an MOT when they get older, Ive had one 11half, 2 that were 14 plus and currently got one 13half, one thing I have learnt is never assume its just old age. Never hurts to get them checked.

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Banjo has been on the Propalin syrup for a while now & it has made a big difference to his leaks he still has the odd one but has'nt soaked his bed in a long time, he also has acupuncture which makes a huge difference to

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All my children have paws!