My dog pees inside, has strong urine, won't go out. UTI or old age?

Poor Buccs! It sounds like he has a couple of things going on. Urinating within the house can be a sign of a medical problem, such as bladder stones or a UTI. He is also an older dog, and his back leg could be hurting him due to arthritis, which is common in old dogs. As for not wanting to come back in, he could be suffering some confusion at his age, or there could have been something that frightened him, and he doesn't want to come back in due to that. All of this requires a trip to the vet. The vet can do routine blood tests, a urinalysis, and possibly x-rays to see if he does have a UTI or bladder stones, and can treat accordingly. If he does have arthritis, the vet can prescribe him some pain medication, and I would recommend giving him glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis. The vet can also discuss strategies to help bring him back inside without a leash. I would take him into a vet today for a visit.

He could have a urinary tract infection so he should be examined by a vet. Your vet can run a urinalysis to look for infection and other potential causes. He could also have urinary stones, prostate problem, tumor, etc. If he has an infection then he will need an antibiotic to treat.

She may indeed have a UTI, but also a slipped disc in her spine could make urination painful, or bladder stones. Since not being able to urinate can be a life threatening condition and cause kidney damage, it is very important that you take Leeloo to your veterinarian ASAP, ie this is an emergency. Please call your vet now.

A UTI is always possible, and it's always best to bring him to the vet or bring in a sample of his urine in for testing if you suspect that may be the case and to rule out any more serious health issues. Stress and anxiety (especially if the storms are bringing thunder) may also be causing him to hide or not want to go outside. Looking into something such as a thundershirt, playing a soothing radio station or talk show, distracting with treats or puzzle toys, and taking him out when there are breaks in the storm may all help him relax a bit. If he is very distraught, talking with your vet to see if medication to help him relax would be useful is another option. If you do need to bring him to the vet, and are having trouble affording care, this site may be helpful in finding ways to make it more affordable so he can get the care he needs: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

As long as Casper is behaving normally and not having any difficulty urination, it is likely not an emergency. Monitor for lethargy, a change in thirst or urination, straining to urinate, bloody urine or foul smelling urine. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian. For now, reinforce crate training and monitor him while he is inside for signs he may need to go out. This may include whining, circling or sniffing about. An emergency would be Casper being unable to urinate or having painful urination.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The urinary tract symptoms you describe could be due to a urinary tract infection, urinary stones, a tumor, among other possibilities. There is not a general over the counter medication you can give to help without knowing what is going on. I recommend that you have Coco evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further diagnostics would include abdominal imaging and lab work. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The urinary tract symptoms you describe could be due to a urinary tract infection, urinary stones, a tumor, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further diagnostics would include abdominal imaging and lab work. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night!