Housebreaking Problems with Older Miniature Pinschers

Unfortunately, it happens… it might seem like all of that hard work potty training and years of housebroken bliss are down the tubes when your elderly Min Pin begins leaving surprises for you around the house.  Before you lose your temper and decide she just has an attitude problem, consider a few important points…

Just as people are more likely to develop incontinence (the inability to hold your bladder) as they grow older, so too are dogs.  It can be just as embarrassing for your older dog as it is for your Great Aunt Myrtle.  If your dog has just done their business on the floor for the first time in twelve years, you can almost guarantee they didn’t do it just to spite you.

From now on, you will need to watch more closely for the signals that indicate that your dog needs to get outside.  As their muscles weaken and deteriorate, they may have less warning themselves that they have to go. 

If your dog seems to be in good health otherwise and isn’t showing other signs of age, but develops a habit of going indoors after years of being trained, take them to the vet.  They may have a bladder, bowel, kidney or other problem that could be corrected with vet assistance.