14 year old mixed breed dog

Question
Hi Melissa. How are you? My husband and I are having a problem with my 14 year old mixed breed dog. We got married last October and since then we have also gotten a Cockatiel bird added to our family.
Before that, our dog (sammy) lived with me and my family for all her life ( since she was 3 months old) and we never had any other pets in the house besides her. I made the adjustment for her  (from my parents house to our new house) as easily as possible and it has been a year since living in her new environment.
 Recently (for a few weeks)she been going to the bathroom inside the house up to three times a day. Her demeanor has changed with this as well (typically at night she becomes a little depressed and doesn't like anyone petting or playing with her) and I feel as though I am not sure if she is going to the bathroom inside  and acting like this because of her old age or if it is because she is trying to be defiant? It has also been a about six months that we brought the bird home, trying to prevent these accidents we have been bringing her out (for walks and in our backyard) as often as possible (approximately 3-4 times daily) but nothing seems to work. I also have not been reprimanding her for her accidents because I don't know whether this is a behavioral or physical problem. Do older dogs tend to lose control of their bowels as they age?
I appreciate any advise you can give me on this matter,  she has always been the sweetest most loving dog there is and I don't have any other experience working with dogs at this age. Thank you for your help.
                                         Maria  

Answer
Many dogs Maria, change when they get older, just like people!
You are going to have to crate her and give her the area for her to go, and carry her there.
And, you will need to get her on a "Senior" diet, to help digestion.
Also, you will need to be patient, as she is really much older now, and incontinence is a way of life...
So, try those ideas;
You can go to : www.BESTBREED.com and get your great senior diet which should help to regulate her.
The water first in the morning will make her go "Potty" as that is what the diet does...makes them thirsty, and then with the Fiber, it helps them go right away!
So, give it a whirl..
And let me know,
Best regards,
Melissa