Expert: Delores Beck - 10/1/2010

Question
I have a two year old cocker spaniel and within the last four months or so she's been waking us up in the middle of the night to go out. I'm happy to take her out if she really needs to go to the bathroom but we do take her out immediately before we go to bed and the first thing when we get up. We sleep usually from 10pm-5am. I hate to ignore her when she has to go to the bathroom but is it also ok to make her wait so we get a good night sleep? She is peeing and sometimes pooping everytime we take her out so it is validated but we need our sleep.

Answer
Is it usually because she has to urinate?  Have you noticed she's going more than usual?  Any accidents?

And what & when are you feeding her?

I suspect she may have a UTI (Urinary tract infection) and I'd certainly rule that out first.  So get her to the vet for a urinalysis AND a culture (Always insist on a culture).

If it is that - a round of antibiotics will clear it up and your problem is solved.  

If it's not that - write back.  Then we know it's behavioral.