Expert: Jannie Balliett - 9/5/2011

Question
Molly is an 8-9 year old spayed Boxer and has been a wonderful family pet for us.  Over the past 2 years, we have been treating her with medication to control her bladder so that she doesn't "leak" when she gets up from her bed, gets excited when we return home, and can control her bladder functions better.  Over the past 6-8 months, there has been a marked increase in the number of times she has to go outside, to include 1-2 trips in the middle of the night. (between midnight and 4:30 am)  There has also been an increase in the number of times she has completely vomited her food within minutes of eating.  Is there "over-conditioning" issue with her going outside to potty?  Or, is there a real issue with her bladder?  Could the issues be related?

Thanks so much

Rich

Answer
Her age indicates incontinence. Just as our elderly have incontinence.

All the medication in the world will not completely help.

You must continue to allow her to go outside when necessary as she cannot hold her bladder and could cause more damage if forced- and causing her to eliminate in the house due to inability and necessity.

The vomiting food is a cause for concern. She could have stomach issues, esophagus issues, digestion issues, or even kidney issues.

Talk to your vet. Find the problem. If it is digestive issues and not health issues, a special diet food for sensitive stomachs is warranted. It might be sweet potato and duck, or something as light as that. You can find a sensitive stomach dog food at your local pet store like PetCo and PetSmart if you don't want to pay a vet for a special food.

She is old- just as out elderly in nursing homes; incontinence and stomach sensitivity and should be treated well for these issues and with love.


http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-urinary-incontinence.aspx

http://www.vetinfo.com/dincont.html

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-urinary-incontinence-and-bladder-problems

http://www.good-dog-care.com/dog-bladder-cancer.html