Why is my senior Shih Tzu suddenly having bladder and bowel accidents?

This can be due to a neurological problem or aging changes. He also may be painful and not wanting to stand and hold the pooping position when outside. I recommend a veterinary exam to see if he’s painful or if there is a neurological problem. They may try him on pain medication. Acupuncture can also improve fecal incontinence sometimes. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Potter.

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I recommend taking Teddy in to the vet for a senior health assessment. Discuss your concerns with the vet and they may recommend some bloodwork or other diagnostic testing. Some cases of incontinence can benefit from medications. While it will not be a cure it can greatly improve the episodes. In some cases, dogs may inappropriately urinate or defecate if they are experiencing cognitive dysfunction. Medications or diets can also help with this, especially if he is in good shape physically. In the meantime you may want to let Teddy out by himself and monitor to make sure that he is urinating and defecating before letting him back inside. He may be getting distracted by the other dogs.

Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sometimes as a dog ages they develop something called cognitive dysfunction (like dementia) where they forget their training. This may be the cause of Tot's accidents. A supplement like Senilife may help withi this. Pain and arthritis can also lead to accident in an older dog as they have a harder time going outside and positioning to go to the bathroom. Sometimes urinary tract infection, internal medical issues or digestive problems may also cause accidents in the house. A visit to your Veterinarian may help to sort out what the cause of Tot's accidents are. Until you are able to take him to the vet you may want to take him outside more frequently to avoid accidents.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Bambi. Fecal and urinary incontinence can be caused by many things including problems with the nervous system or nerves innervating these organs due to spinal cord problems, vetebrae problems, enlargement of organs near the back of the abdomen, tumors, anal region problems, urinary incontinence secondary to her being spayed, etc. So I would highly advise a trip to your veterinarian and let them take a thorough history. They will perform a physical exam and most likely a rectal exam and then advise a set of diagnostics to try to solve these problems. Blood work, fecal tests, x-rays and ultrasound are all initial possible tests to be performed. Once diagnostics are performed the problems can then be addressed. Good luck and I hope Bambi does well.

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!

The first thing to do is have her checked by the veterinarian. It's possible there is an infection or other abnormality that is causing the behavior. Sometimes there is a neurological problem and the pet is not aware of what is happening. Dementia can also cause these symptoms. Some conditions have treatment with medications. Since Khloe can't talk and tell you what is happening, it's best to play it safe. I hope this helps.

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!