Labrador Doing It In The Lounge

[chrissa1]

My 12 year old Labrador has started to do his business in my lounge.

I let him out as soon as I get up, and he just sniffs around and then lies down. As soon as I let him back in, well, within a couple of minutes, down goes his tail and out it comes. He rarely "asks" to go out like he used to.

It is not diarrhoea and physically has to be pushed out!!!!

I feed him at 18.00 and he is on Chappie, which has improved his digestive system, no end.

Any suggestions?? :(

[woofgang]

Assuming that the vet is happy, can I suggest that you treat him like a pup and retrain him...go out with him and stay out there till he goes and than praise and treat, use a trigger word once he is starting to respond.

[DTCwordfan]

similar problem here, field spaniel - I feed him (usually Pedigree Gravy) and then leave the front door open and retire., keeping my mater out of the way by closing the living room door - and leaving him to do his thing - 4/5 times he does his thing, though not that far from the door and I get practice at my hockey shooting and crossing with one of those three-pronged rakes!

[chrissa1]

Tried that, woofgang. It didn't work.

I've just given him half his meal this evening and will give him the other half in the morning.

The looks I am getting!!!!!!!

[wolf63]

Could he be going senile?

The only other thing that I can think of his that going too the loo is uncomfortable and he feels safer inside.

[chrissa1]

That's what I was wondering, wolf63. He has no trouble doing it outside on his walks, and even did a small one on his first walk of the day, today.

Its baffling.

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

Here's your answer - ideal for incontinent dogs and females on heat (dogs I'm guessing)?! http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/simple-solution-disposable-dog-diapers

[chrissa1]

Ha ha ha. No no no. I couldn't do that to the old man.

[woofgang]

Chrissa how long did you try it for?

[chrissa1]

About 5 minutes, woofgang. I was in my dressing gown and it was a bit, nippy.

I fed him half his meal last night and he's just had the other half, this morning. He's outside now just lying there.

His behaviour is, baffling.

[jakep]

Oh poor lad, and poor you. I would suggest a visit to the vet and just run it by them. Sounds as if it could possibly be beginning of dementia.

[chrissa1]

That's sadly what I'm beginning to think, jakep. What can the vet do though? Not a great deal I think. :(

[albaqwerty]

oh Chrissa xx :-(

the price humans pay for loving a pet, I really do hope Vet can help with meds for pooch xx

[jakep]

I know that there are meds available for dementia in dogs, and cats, but I don't know how they work or if you would see a marked difference.
I don't know, until faced with it, if I would go down that road. Our remaining girlie is now 14 and seems ok.
Horrid dilemm for you x

[chrissa1]

I found this:
http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/5-signs-dog-dementia?page=show

Toby is showing all these symptoms and I've got an appointment booked at the vets tomorrow afternoon. I've been noticing strange things for the last three months or so, and sadly it's all making sense. :'(

[albaqwerty]

if possible, please try to keep us updated about how you and Toby get on at the vets.

Thinking of you xx

[chrissa1]

I will, alba. X

[jakep]

I am interested to know how Toby got on with the vet today. Will understand if you don't feel like posting for a while though x

[chrissa1]

The vet has diagnosed the dementia. Apart from that he's as fit as a lop.

[chrissa1]

I've got some tablets to give him -Vivitonin. He has to have them 30 minutes before his food and what they do is dilate the arteries feeding blood to his brain. This should stimulate something in his brain. He didn't know whether they would work but said give it a go.

Anddddd, he's just jumped up on the sofa without looking at me, worriedly
Sooooooo, fingers crossed.

[chrissa1]

Also, wagged his tail at me a little bit. :))