4 year old Shitzu urinating and defacating when left alone

Question
QUESTION: We just adopted (3 weeks ago) a 3-4 year old female Shitzu from the Humane Society.  Have left her alone for short periods only and she was okay in the house.  Now, however, when we leave she'll urinate and defecate in the bedroom.  Should we crate her any time we leave?  She does sleep all night in a crate now and does well in it, but is crating for a couple of hours a training okay?

ANSWER: Hello JoAnne - Well, yes, you can try crate training her when you are not home.  She may do well and NOT want to soil her area.
Also, you may want to make sure you are feeding a food that is quality without too many grains.  ( too much corns will make for a bunch of poops per day)

Let me know if you want to talk food, I can give you some pointers.
Also, we can talk supplements for her bladder.

Get back to me and let me know what you are currently feeding?

Thanks
Marie Peppers LPN MA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Would love some help with feeding.  Giving her two cans of Cesar a day - morning and night and husband insists that's not enough so gives her a handful of Benefel after each can.  Right now she has bad diarrhea.  Could this be the problem?  Also would like to know why all of a sudden she's doing the urination and defecation thing when she didn't do it before.  Is this separation anxiety or some such thing.  Thanks so much and would also like bladder supplements.  JoAnne

Answer
Yes, there is some anxiety here because you are the NEW Pack - she needs to trust you or hubby as the pack leader - this will come in time.
The two foods you are offering Ceasar and Beneful are NOT good choices at all....sorry:

YES, let's chage over her feeding and you will see a much better and more controlled situation.

1.  Take her off the Ceasar right away and offer 1 teaspoon of Canned pure pumpkin ( to add fiber)....
NEW food : how about Innova small bites or Wellness Brand - the two brands are great and can be found at most pet stores... YOU can get the wet and the dry food - mix it...

YOU don't have to feed very much because they are quality and low grains....( no JUNK fillers like the Beneful)-
Keep her on the canned pumpkin 1-2 teaspoons per day for 2 weeks - Will help to firm up the poop and stop the loose stools.

2.  treats - buy the INNOVA or Wellness treats - NO table foods ...OK

3...... Please get this kid onto the NuVET Plus Program...
Only 1 per day ( wafer treat) will help the skin, coat, joints, hips, kidneys, heart ..... and other body systems...
This is an Immune System Booster for your pet..
Call and order a 60 count bottle at 39.00
or You can get a 90 count bottle at 55.00
1-800-474-7044  Tell them YOU are working with Pet Nurse Marie of All Experts - Ask the Pet Nurse - ORDER code 81098
Here is the web site for secure ordering - your are looking for the NuVET Plus Wafers   
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

4.  for a very loose poop you can give some Pepto bismol - just 1 tablet ( pink caplet) will be find today and tomorrow...If needed.


I sure hope this has helped..
YOU can also offer cranberry tablets / But, I would Wait and try the NuVET supplement first.


Keep me posted on her progress

Marie Peppers LPN MA
Ask the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net