Expert: Delores Beck - 8/25/2010

Question
QUESTION: I adopted Maggie from a rescue when she was one and a half years old.  I was told she was house trained.  For the first 2 months she peed and pooped in the house even though I walked her every 2 hours.  I assumed it was just new home stress.  After putting in doggie door and fencing in backyard she regularly went out.  No accidents for 10 months with the exception of over excitement piddle, but over the past week she has peed in the carpet, same area two and three times a day.  I never catch her doing it.  She does it when I leave the apartment for just a few minutes.  She goes in and out of the doggie door all day long. I've been babysitting 2 children recently.  Maggie doesn't seem to have any problem with the kids.  She plays with them and acts normally, but the peeing started around the same time.  Is it just coincidence?  Is it more likely that she has a UTI?   On the days the children are not here, she still pees in the carpet.

ANSWER: The answer is "I've been babysitting two children recently".  So, no it's not coincidence.

Confine her when you leave.  Start taking her out every 2 hours - give your command (go potty, or whatever you choose).  Important to give it as she's about to go.  Then praise & reward.

And yes, she could have a UTI - get a first morning sample and take it directly in to the vet. Or refrigerate till you can.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Any advice for resolving the peeing in house problem.  The children haven't been in my house for 5 days and she continues to pee in the house.  What is the reason behind the peeing?

Answer
As I said, begin re-housebreaking routine.  Confine her when you're out.  Take the carpet up if possible or use an enzyme solution to get the odor out.

And take a urine sample in to your vet.  The very first thing to do is ensure there's not a physical problem.