Elderly Dogs

Just as we solved the incontinence with Baby's meds, she has developed a new thing. My mom says it is common with older dogs. She will be 14 on Nov. 11th. But she seems to be thirsty a great deal, then wets (on her paper) very often. No blood noted in the urine, eats as usual, playful as a 14yr old gets. Has anyone had the increase in drinking and wetting with an older dog? (I just hate to get that cycle of blood work started when she seems so well, but would never neglect her.) I wonder if the Proin (PPA in cold meds before it was put behind the counter) could be making her thirsty. I know she is old, but she really seems to feel well. The only other change is that she prefers her crate and access to her paper at night, rather than our bedroom.

Thanks!

Gayle

It's been a long time since I had an older aussie who was on DES but I do remember that she was very thirsty. We got the tests for her and the tests showed her kidneys were fine. I don't remember if the DES caused her to be more thirsty or not. I ended up putting water bowls for her in every room. I tripped over them a lot but it was easier for her. I really didn't notice if she urinated more or not though. Can you call your vet just to see if he/she seems concerned?

It's kind of good that she prefers her crate now isn't it? It probably eases her mind that she can go potty whenever she wants to and she doesn't have to worry about making it off the bed.

I can't remember who but I'm pretty sure someone here has their dog on proin too. Hopefully they can chime in. Or anyone who has a dog who suddenly shows more thirst.

Hugs for Baby Anne!

How's Baby doing today? Still a lot of thirst and wetting? I guess the poster who had a thirsty dog isn't posting anymore. I'm sorry I'm not being much help.

Give me an update if you get a chance, okay? I'm thinking about you and Baby.

Hi, Greta,

Thanks so much for the reply! I think you are right that it is better Baby prefers to sleep in her crate now so she won't worry about accidents; funny how they seem to know what is right for them, isn't it? At 14, I believe she must have a bit of joint pain, regardless of the glucosamine.  Pooh bumped her last night and she jumped on him fast. She sounded like a little monster and the poor thing bit me with her dull teeth as they were separated--no big deal for me, scared Pooh. So it may be getting harder to get to her paper.

I have noticed her drinking more, and it follows that she would wet more, too. Ric is taking Pooh in this week for his skin and will discuss Baby with the vet. (After Spunkie's testing so many times, I just cringe at the thought of many blood tests, but we will do what we have to.)

How is Bud doing?

Hugs to Bud and Gracie,

Gayle

Thanks for asking, Greta. She is about the same, but appetite has no real change; she has eaten less for the past year or so--vet said that was normal, just a little gradual wt. loss over the years. She is considered by the vets to be a little old lady, but I don't see her that way. I have wondered if she knows that she has to wet before she comes to our bed, so it has become habit for her to wet, drink, wet, drink. Who knows? (Hopefully, a simple question won't bring on that string of 3-4 expensive lab draws that do not really tell you much! Vets are able to do more these days, but sometimes you do not get more of an answer that an exam, urinalysis and experience would give.)

Hugs to Bud and Gracie.

Gayle