Strong amonia smell

Question
Hello,

Anni, our 12 year old beagle, has recently begun to have accidents in the house.  They do not happen on a regular schedule, just occsionally.  She has had several bladder infections this last year, but they cleared up with antibiotics from the vet.  The accidents are very orange yellow in coler and smell to high heaven, the amonia smell so strong it is eveident in neighboring rooms.  She always tries to "cover up" these acidents with a blanket, towel, or something. What I mean is if she goes on a floor mat, she would attempt to cover it up by pushing the mat together, kinda like burying it, but the smell always gives it away.
Is this something common for older dogs? The vet gave us anothe round of antibiotics for her, but I though I would check in with you to get your opinion.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer and I look forard to hearing back from you soon.
Sincerely,
Greg

Answer
Hi Greg!

You should still try the antibiotics from your vet,but in the meantime you can try these home remedies for bladder control.

Few things are less than savory than discovering an unpleasant odor emanating from a potted Norfolk pine or-squish-a puddle on living room carpet.Oh,no-she's done it again.
  It's normal for puppies and kittens to make mistakes.But when your formerly fastidious feline or conscientious canine has suddenly stopped making it to the litter box or backyard in time,there could be something physically wrong that needs to be looked into.
  Some pets develop nerve,kidney,urinary tract or other internal problems that make accidents hard to prevent.In addition,some older pets gradually lose control.They do their best to wait,but they just can't make it.
  Even if your vet can't stop the problem entirely,there are ways yo make things dry again.

Hold the nightcap.To help keep floors dry while you sleep,try putting a small amount of water at night.
  Don't stop giving her water entirely,however.For some pets,going without water for even short periods can be dangerous.So check with your vet before turning off the taps.

                For Dogs ONLY
Head for the great outdoors.Even if your pooch has the best of intentions,she may need extra opportunnities to relieve herself.Take her out the instant she wakes up,eveen if she's just been taking a nap.Reward the dog each time she goes out and done something.

Drop by the diaper aisle.For dogs with bladder control prolems,diapers might be a good idea.Pet diapers are available from vets and at pet stores.
  It's important to change diapers frequently.Otherwise your pet could develop a conditon that vets call moist dermatitis,better known as diaper rash.

Watch for warning signs.If your pooch is looking restless,walking in circles or nosing the ground,you can bet she's not looking for a lost ring.Try to get her outside before the accident occurs.

Keep a regular meal schedule.Since some pets need to go outside immediately after eating,controlling their mealtimes will help you keep tabs on their other needs as well.Make food available one to three times a day,depending on the age of the dog.Get the dog in gear physiologically to eat and eliminate at predictable times.

Cosider a crate.Some dogs get lonely or frightened when they're left alone,with predictable-and damp-results.Once solution in to confine your pooch to a crate or cage whenever you leave the house.Most pets won't make messes where they sleep,so this will help keep the problem under control.Just be sure to let her out as soon as you get home.

                When To See The Vet
While even the best-behaved pet can have accidents, a sudden change for the worse could mean trouble.
 Pets that are urination frequently or in all the wrong places could have a bladder infection,diabetes,hormone imbalances or even kidney failure.In addition,there are some breeds,like Dobermans,that are prone to congenital bladder problems that may need to be corrected surgically.
  Call your vet if any changes in your pet's usual habits persist for two days,if the urine is discoloured or it's difficult for her to go.

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you the best of luck!Please keep me posted and give that beagle girl millions of kisses for me!Sending wagging tails your way!
Nicole