Mini poodle potty question

Question
Hi
I have a mini poodle who is potty trained, but lately her routine has
completely changed.  In the morning I take her out and most of the time she'll
pee and poop,( sometimes no poop, but always pee), and then when I get
home between 3-4 Pm, and once more before we go to bed.  For the last few
days however she does not even want to pee in the mornings sometimes, and
I keep worrying that she'll go in the house so I keep taking her out but there
is nothing.... like today she held her pee from morning until 8 at night.  She is
still drinking though( maybe not as much always but still...)  Of course she
will always go on our walks.  Soon after we live she'll pee and poop.  I just
don't know if it's normal for her to hold it for so long.  But I would think if
she had to go she would.  And she hasn't done it in the house.
I would appreciate any advice you could give me.  Thanks

Answer
Hello Clara,
Since she has changed her routine, change yours some also.  Instead of letting her out in the morning, see if you can take her for a quick walk around the block or so to see if she will go then (or when you get home at around 3-4).  You might also try to encourage her to drink more water.  You can do this by changing it more frequently (dogs like fresh water), adding ice cubes to it, or adding just a little chicken broth (maybe a tablespoon or so).  
As for it being normal that she hold it that long, its normal for several hours, such as when you leave for work till when you get home, but not normal to hold it when you leave for work and not pee until 8pm.
You could contact your Vet if she doesn't get back to a more regular routine soon.  She could have a bladder infection, UTI (urinary tract infection) or something else going on.  
If you can see her urine when she goes, check to see if it looks normal.  You want to make sure there is no blood in it, that it smells normal (in other words, when she goes you don't want to smell a strong urine smell) and that its clear and not too yellow (that would indicate that she isn't drinking enough).  If you do see (or smell) any of the above, DO call your Vet.

Also, you didn't say how old she is, but if she is an older girl, a general check-up by your Vet would be a good idea anyway just to rule out illnesses that older dogs are suseptable to.

I hope this helps you some and that she gets back to her normal routine soon.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim