	AllExperts > Dogs
	Search

About Patti
Expertise
To date, I've owned 7 dogs, all of which have lived into old age. Having cared for them in all stages of life, I feel I can offer sound advice to other pet owners, and people considering getting a dog. I am knowledgeable about the AKC (American Kennel Club) dog breeds, training and exercise, caring for sick and elderly pets, feeding, as well as many holistic treatments pets can benefit from. My only request is that you write me using standard English and punctuation.

Experience
My life experience in this field is more like "on the job training" rather than an actual degree in animal welfare. You may benefit from my experiences over the past 30 years. Aside from the dogs I've owned, I'm also involved in "breed rescue" and have fostered several dogs, all of which have been adopted to wonderful "forever homes". I find helping people who want a dog very rewarding.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Dogs > senior dog peeing in house

Dogs - senior dog peeing in house

Expert: Patti - 11/1/2009

Question
My female, spayed, senior dog, she is 17 years old. Has started squatting and peeing in the house, even when I am in the same room. She also wets her bed when she is sleeping. I know that the peeing in her bed while asleep is probably incontinence, and I have taken her to her vet, he says we could try medication for the incontinence, but what about the squatting in the house, to me that doesn't seem like an incontinence problem. Is there anything else that could be causing her to do this?

Answer

Hi Karen,

Urinary incontinence is very common in older female dogs, and so are urinary tract infections. It would be helpful for your vet to do a urinalysis to rule out a urinary tract/bladder infection, but if that test comes back negative, you should try the incontinence medication and see if it doesn't help.

Best of luck,
Patti

Ask a Question