Question: I recently moved into a small carpeted apartment. My dog is showing signs of being unhappy by urinating daily while I’m at work. He is 10 and has never had accidents before unless sick. I have left the TV on while away and spend most of my time with him. I’m not sure what to do, short of crating him.
He has abandonment issues and has never grown out of it, but again, urinating has never been a part of that issue before. I can only surmise that while I was unemployed for nine months he got used to having me at home and now that I’m at work, he is having trouble. It’s been three months now, the apartment stinks, I need a life outside and doggy daycare is not in my budget. There is a cat a home, too, for company. ? Dianna
Answer: Your dog could have a urinary tract infection, causing him to urinate in your house. If he is physically healthy, his signs are most consistent with separation anxiety or cognitive dysfunction.
Separation anxiety occurs in about 25 percent of dogs in the United States. Dogs generally show signs of separation anxiety after a move or a change in owner schedule. The presence of another pet is generally not adequate to soothe the panic that the dog feels. Separation anxiety progresses with time — getting worse if not treated.
Bring your dog to your veterinarian for a physical examination and possibly lab work to rule out underlying medical issues including a urinary tract infection. Speak to your veterinarian about possible treatments for separation anxiety. They will include medications to help you get out of the house without worrying about your dog as well as behavior modification to help your dog adjust to the changes in your schedule.
In the meantime, make sure to leave your dog with something fun when you leave the house. For example, you can stuff a Kong toy with canned and dry food and freeze it. Keep your returns and departures low-key, so your dog will not get signals from you that it is a big deal that you are gone. If your dog loves his crate, crating him is a good idea.
If he doesn’t love his crate or he has not been crated in a while, crating him could cause him to seriously injure himself and I would recommend you avoid it. You could confine him to a part of your house that isn’t carpeted until you can get to your veterinarian’s office. Separation anxiety is treatable and manageable so don’t give up hope.
Dr. Radosta
Lisa Radosta DVM, Diplomate ACVB
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
PO Box 210636
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421-0636
561-795-9398
www.flvetbehavior.com
Read more articles by Dr. Radosta | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2011/09/15/dog-ruining-carpet-with-new-unattractive-habit/
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