Hi there,

I have a 12 year old lurcher who has recently started messing in the house when I am at work. He manages to go all night without needing out to do his business, but seems to struggle going for a few hours when left in the house. This has only started recently. I was wondering if setting up a nice heated kennel outside in the garden with a large run might be a solution for him so that he doesn't get distressed about messing in the house, how do you think a dog of his age would adapt to this? He's always been an inside dog up till now with a couple of week to 2 week stints in boarding kennels during the year.

Any advice or suggestions would be most welcome.

Kind regards,

Kevin.

Hi,
have you seen a vet for a check up, could be a medical cause. part of the thing with going thru the night is that usually everything is quiet at night but daytime there are noises from outside, people going past etc - could be worrying him. Our old Rott started a similar thing and was diagnosed as start of senility - there are meds that worked but I would think a vet check at least to start with.
Chris

I think it would be a shame to put a 12 year old dog outside now. It's cold at this time of the year and he would probably not take to the change that well. I should see what your vet thinks and maybe leave him in the kitchen for the time being. Or could a neighbour or someone let him out at lunchtime maybe?

Good luck with your precious oldie.

unfortunately this can just be a fact of life of dog ownership.
many dogs, just like humans, loose bowel control as part of old age.
its a problem for the vet, and one which you may just have to live with.
but you may be able to get medication.
i think it would be unfair to suddenly make an old weaker dog live outside.
does he seem distressed when you come home and notice the toilet?
if you dont tell him off or make an issue of it, he would probably not get distressed.

Thank you all for the replies. I'll start by making an appointment to see the vet and will take it from there.

Hopefully they'll be able to help him out.

Thanks,

Kev.

Our old boy started this problem when he was about 12 or 13 years. The vet diagnosed bowel disease and recomended a change of diet to dry food only,  (no more treats and titbits) and moving his dinnertime. This worked for him for the rest of his life until he got liver and heart failure at the age of 15.

My lass has started doing this occassionally, it's like she can't get outside quick enough.  Been to the vet and like some has said, just old age.  She's 12 now.  Anyhow, I don't make a big deal, poos are firm, it's a hard floor, everythings washable and I just pick them up and clean the floor.  Been known to put a container under her bum to catch them too.  She is not distressed about it at all and I see it as it's only a bit of poo, never did anyone any harm, it's part of dog ownership.  I personally would not put her outside, not under any circumstances.