Shih-Tzu wetting

Question
QUESTION: My family and I rescued a middle-aged Shih-Tzu from our local shelter last year, (Nay Nay.)  We think she is around 8 years old and was spayed in November 2006.  My  reason for writing is because she has this "habit" that I can't figure out how to break.  I honestly don't think it's a medical problem, although, I certainly won't rule that out.  When we first brought her home last year, I caught her spotting on the carpet a few times, but I dismissed it as marking because she was in a new environment, and she didn't seem to be emptying her bladder.  It only happened a few times during the first two weeks, maybe 3 or 4, then stopped completely.  Months later I started to "smell" spots on the throw pillows from the couch, but I blamed my children for leaving them on the floor and thought perhaps she was lying down on them immediately after wetting in the yard.  Somewhere in the midst of this we had an incident where she unashamedly and thoroughly wet one of her beds...a bed she LOVED and had been sleeping in for weeks.  Days, (or weeks,) later she proceeded to thoroughly wet the new replacement bed.  Oddly, she has never once wet the original bed we bought her after bringing her home from the shelter.  Recently, she's taken to wetting the couch; beyond small spots.  I started to wonder if she was only wetting in her sleep.  But on three occassion I caught her in the act - wide awake.  Yesterday we bought her another new bed, (yes, we were dumb enough to try it again,) which she seemed to love and slept in comfortably all night.  This morning I noticed she wet it, but was STILL LAYING IN IT.  She had simply moved over to the dry side.  I'm baffled!  The reason I don't think it's a medical problem is because she has never ONCE wet a hard floor; only plush, fabric items.  I thought perhaps it was anxiety and/or spite from being left alone when we're out shopping; she's very clingy and follows me around the house all day.  But the last two incidents happened while we were home.  She has such a sweet temperment, is wonderful with my young children and is otherwise perfect. She's such a passive, little dog I can't get upset with her, but it's very irritating!  I know she didn't receive proper medical attention from her previous owner because she had a softball size, fatty growth under her tail when she was relinquished.  But part of me thinks she's playing games with me...and winning.  Any thoughts????

Thanks!
Julie

ANSWER: Hi Julie
This is a tough one but here's a thought. Does she lie on  hard surfaces? Is her tummy ever wet when you pick her up? Have you had her vet checked for bladder or urinary tract problems? Because truthfully to me, it sounds like a bladder control issue. When you caught her was she peeing standing or laying down?
If it's behavioral it could be that she isn't getting let out enough. Restrict her water. Let her have all she wants but on a schedule and take her out OFTEN beginning with once an hour and working up to every two hours. No water after 5PM at night. See if any of these things help and get back to me
Diane

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

QUESTION: Thank you kindly for such a quick response.
I'll heed your advice.

She does lie on hard surfaces in the house, (linoleum flooring,) but she's never been wet upon picking her up.  She had her annual check-up back in April/May, but I didn't think to have her checked for a bladder/urinary tract problem back then.  I'm going to make an appointment with the vet to have that done ASAP.  When I caught her peeing she was standing up, (squatting like a female,) not lying down.  She's in and out of the yard all day...scratching at the door to let us know when.  In the warmer months she is able to go in and out on her own because we have a dog door that leads to the backyard.  If she checks out okay with the vet, then I'll try your other suggestions and let you know if they work.

Again, thank you so much.
You've been very, very helpful.
Julie

Answer
hey Julie
Maybe it's a control problem rather than an infection. I have a feeling your vet is going to be able to help you. If not. get back to me and we will figure it out together. Sometimes it's like putting together a puzzle, since unfortunately they can't tell us what's going on :)
Diane