My 14 year old dog keeps peeing in the same place in my house. He is not suffering from dementia and he knows better. What do I do?

Sadly, at 14, this is part of dog ownership.

Dementia has nothing to do with it. Old age does things to a dogs body, just like a human being. Incontinence is part of that. Yes, he is trained. In theory he knows better, but he can't help it.

There are doggy diapers, many people have had success with them. I haven't, but it's something to look into.

I'm in the same boat. My lab is 15 years old, starting to urinate and poo in the house. The main problem for him is that he can't get to the door fast enough to ask to go out. He has trouble getting up, trouble doing the stairs, and often times he'll want to go outside, but he just can't make it.

Talk to your vet, make sure this isn't a physical problem. If all is well physically, look into doggy diapers. By no means should you think this is something he's doing deliberately. No punishment. Don't try to retrain him. Treat him as the old dog he is, with respect, love, and understanding that things aren't the same as they used to be.

Caring for an old pet is both tiring and rewarding. It's not easy, it's not perfect, but it's the way it is.

Good luck, let us know how it goes. :)

In my own opinion.

A 14 year old dog is older. What happens to older people. Some are not able to control there bladder as well or not at all. It is part of aging.

To say the dog knows better, it is easy to say. The thing is the dog does not have any control.

How the heck do you know what the dog is experiencing?

My dog lived until she was 18 years old and her health starting deteriorating at 14. Thinking back there were signs of it happening. Urinating in the house is one of those signs that the health of your dog is in the decline.

He's been to the vet and nothing is wrong! He will move the baby gate to get to his "favorite spot." I'm furious! We even have a doggie door that was made especially for him. He's a very big Australian shepherd

You need to stop being so furious. First of all the dog is 14 whether the vet says there is anything wrong or not, does not mean there are other things going on.

When did this start, has there been any changes to the environment, any kind of major changes in health of family members or stress of any kind.

Age is number one factor in my opinion.

he's been to the vet and nothing is wrong! he will move the baby gate to get to his "favorite spot." i'm furious! we even have a doggie door that was made especially for him. he's a very big australian shepherd

The bigger the dog the shorter the life span. For an Australian Shepherd, 14 is very old. Most bigger breeds don't live past 12 years, or even earlier.

This is old age. This has nothing to do with training, not being obedient, this is just old age. They make diapers for older humans for a reason. Do you think they want to lose bladder control? Of course not. The same with your dog. One day you too will experience old age. Hope that someone loves you enough to accept what you're going through.

I know it's frustrating. I know you're mad. The cleanup isn't fun, it's messy, stinky, annoying, frustrating, and downright aggravating. It's not deliberate. It's not a sign of disobeying. It's age. It happens.

If the health check is clear, then you have two options.

1. Look into doggy diapers. There are different brands, see if you can find one that works for your dog. Introduce it slowly, the way you would a new collar or kennel. Be patient.

2. Accept that this is out of his control, and clean up the messes he makes.

Is it upsetting? Yes. For me it's less upsetting to clean up the urine and feces, then it is to realize that my family member, my loved one, is old, doesn't have much time left.

You have an old dog. Part of this is joy that he's still with you. Another part is frustration that things aren't as easy as they used to be.

Enjoy the time you have, there's less ahead then has already passed. Try to remember that he's just an old dog, this is not in his control, so your anger, your frustration, it's misplaced.

Make the most of the time you have left. Put the anger aside and find the love you have for your pet, your family member.

It looks like the OP has left.

I hope that he/she realizes that his/her dog is not doing this to be bad, or because he's lost his training. Does he know better? Yes, he did, but he has no control anymore.

Would you be mad at your old mother because she needs depends under garments? Would you resent her for being old and incontinent? I sure hope not.

I've been on both ends. I bought the depends for my very sick mother. I cared for her. Often I was angry, I felt that she should know better, that she should know to go to the bathroom, even though she wasn't to blame. How would you feel if you had your faculties, your brain, but your body was no longer working with you? If you relied on others to care for you, when you've always cared for yourself.

Accepting that things change, people and animals age, that's part of life, part of growing up, part of being an adult. One day you too will be old. One day you will understand that something so simple, bladder control, isn't always so simple.

To the OP. Your dog is old. It's old. Do you love your dog, or do you love your floors and furniture more?

That's what it comes down to. Are you going to embrace your misguided anger, continue to think that the dog is just being disobedient, or are you going to accept that old age happens to all creatures, and it's out of your control?

Love your dog. You most likely won't have much time left.

Frustration, anger, is best left to things that are done deliberately, not for things that are out of your control.

I really understand all of this and I appreciate your comments. I love him soooooo much. He was my oldest son's dog and I lost my son 11 yrs ago. I don't know how to handle losing chewee. When do you know it's "time?" he still runs around and plays. You'd never guess he's as old as he is. I know I have been very blessed. My son was only 8 when he died. I've had chewee longer. He's the only pet I've had from beginning until end. I'm so scared and already so depressed about the inevetibility of the situatipon. He's my little boy just like my boy in heaven. How onm earth am I going to hold it together and not crack like I did when I lost my son??

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son.

Also know that the family pet becomes part of the family. They are just as much part of us as we are them.

How do we know it is time? That is something that every pet owner has to deal with and make that decision is when enough is enough.

In your dogs case, it is not time yet. The dog is still active and running around. It sounds like the only issue is the washroom inside.

Just make sure your dog is comfortable and taken care of.

My Sammy she started having back problems, discs giving out, she started what we think were mini strokes when she was fourteen. We, my family held onto so so so long.

That one morning at the age of 18 my family was woken up to Sammy yelping and screaming in pain and agony. We had no choice but to put her to sleep.

The thing is we were being selfish by keeping her around as long as we did. If I personally was in care of her for her last years and I could go back in time. Waiting so long until she was in unbearable pain would not have been an option.

After the strokes, and the back and the urinating and having problems walking would have been enough. I can say that now because I never actually made any decision. I think though we tend to keep our little pet family members around way too long.

Whenever the time comes when it might be time to say goodbye. Believe me when I say this, knowing that your dogs spirit is on the other side will be a blessing. A blessing for your son. Being reunited.

We all have purpose in life and just be comforted that your family member is being well taken care of and do your best to show your love and patience and that there alone should be a gift to you.

i really understand all of this and i appreciate your comments. i love him soooooo much. he was my oldest son's dog and i lost my son 11 yrs ago. i don't know how to handle losing chewee. when do you know it's "time?" he still runs around and plays. you'd never guess he's as old as he is. i know i have been very blessed. my son was only 8 when he died. i've had chewee longer. he's the only pet i've had from beginning until end. i'm so scared and already so depressed about the inevetibility of the situatipon. he's my little boy just like my boy in heaven. how onm earth am i gonna hold it together and not crack like i did when i lost my son???

I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child.

I have a Chewy too, my latest addition, a little beagle dog. I have three dogs in my life, 15, 8 and 1 1/2 years of age.

You'll know when it's time, you really will. It sounds like your Chewee is still living life, he just has some bladder issues, but the rest is still raring to go, eager to please.

Sadly, when you have an animal in your life, you know that you're not going to outlive them, that sooner or later you'll lose them. That's really the only negative of having pets, the loss.

I like to think of this stage as a blessing. You've already had 14 wonderful years with this wonderful animal. You're more then likely to have a few more years. Enjoy them. Treasure them. When the time comes, take comfort in the fact that you gave this dog a loving home, you made his life great. So many animals never know the love that your dog has known.

Also remember, even if you're not religious, that all dogs go to heaven. I truly believe that your little boy will be waiting on the rainbow bridge when it's Chewee's time to go, but not yet. :)

If there are any other issues you may have, or if you need help dealing with the hardships of having an older pet, please ask. Like I said, I'm going through the same thing right now, so support is here, no matter what the issue. :)

You have been given really great advice, I don't have much to add, aside from I am SO sorry for you loss. I can't imagine how hard it is for you in your situation. We have many great knowledgeable members and experts here, if you ever want to chat or talk about how you are feeling or need advice, we are all here.

Are you using an enzyme cleaner after the accidents? It's crucial to clean that area right away and very well so the smell gets removed. A vinegar and water solution works well too. I just wanted to add, that even though the vet said there was nothing medically wrong, as anything ages, we start to loose control over certain things. I wish you the best of luck!

Any pics?

I once heard that if you lay tin foil down where the dog likes to go potty, that the splashing and sound will actually assist in stopping the behavior.

Yes, this is an old dog thing. It happens to the best of them. The only thing you can do is make sure you watch your dog go potty while outside.. Praise him when he does and maybe keep him away from his favorite place to potty.

Is the doggy door new? Or has he had access to it for his entire life. Sometimes you literally can't teach an old dog new tricks. My two girls are 12 years old. Sometimes they will pee in the house.. My moms old girl will go in the bathroom mine will go in the computer room. We've considered a doggy door, but they wouldn't get it. So we just monitor them and make sure they get outside every couple hours. It works for a long time then all of a sudden there will be a puddle.

Good luck with your old boy. He still sounds like he's pretty healthy. He may just stick around a couple more years !

I had a poodle that was my baby we went through so many tough times together, it was like she was linked to me, she knew when I was upset and immediately come to comfort me, she was a blessing and I didn't want to let her go either. But, my vet said when she quits eating and drinking you will know. Well, I was giving her meds everyday for 3yrs or so for her heart and in the end, I could tell she was having a hard time breathing and I just knew it was time to let her go to doggie heaven and I hope to see her again someday. I slept with her the whole night before, just me and her as I sang to her and to take her to the vet was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I know and knew it had to be done. Also, I never thought I could get another, nothing could replace her and I wouldn't dare replace her, but remember this, ALL dogs have different personalities, I have a poodle now, who is a character and very loving, but nothing like my last baby and now I also have a goldendoodle. It helped me to have her cremated and I got her ashes, somehow it made me feel a little better and I sat them by her picture. I cried a lot and that was 6 years ago and I still cry, but remember the fun, funny and loving times of your family member, they love you unconditionally, no matter what you do or say to them, so be kind and understanding and make them as happy as they make us. It will be okay, don't worry about getting another dog (not a replacement), because it does help.

OP hasn't been back since June.

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Thanks.

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