Re: Dog urinating on bed

Question
Hello,

I noticed your reply to a question about a dog urinating on the bed. I have 2 yr old German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix who has the same problem, and I am interested in how this relates to separation anxiety.

My dog had separation anxiety when I adopted her from the animal shelter last year, but seemed to adjust relatively well after a couple of weeks, getting used to my comings and goings etc. However this week she has had a relapse after a traumatic trip to the vet last weekend --not sure how this relates to the vet exactly, but seems to be cause & effect.

What advice can you offer re. how to stop her from urinating on the bed? Actually she used to sleep on the bed with me and never eliminated during that time; it was only after I trained her to sleep in her own bed (the rule about dogs not eliminating where they sleep I guess).

Thanks,

Answer
Hi Matt,

Thank you for the vote of confidence! :)

Please feel free to contact me regarding any follow up questions at:

dogs@bednbiscuit.com


Best,
Shelley


Hi Matt,

Thank you for writing to me about your sweet dog.  You described that there was a traumatic visit to the vet.  Is there any chance that what he did to her could have caused a physical problem?

Initially, I usually suggest having a vet examine a dog who is urinating, to determine whether there might be a physical problem but if she just saw the vet, than can I assume that she has already had that done?  

My general suggestion would be to do whatever worked the first time when you solved her separation anxiety  problem.  If your dog is not of a dominant nature, perhaps she needs to cuddle up with you for awhile at night for emotional security reasons.

You might also try the Anxiet Wrap that I wrote about in a previous answer.  These wraps offer a great deal of emotional support.  

I suggest that whatever worked before, try it again.  You can add in some of the suggestions that I have previously offered and try the Anxiety Wrap and some Rescue Remedy.

I would also encourge you to take some long, brisk walks with her and tire her out.  Scientists have found that exercise releases calming chemicals in the brain equivalent to antidepressents!   A tired dog is a calm dog.

I am sorry that your dog is having such a difficult time.  I hope that my suggestions will offer some relief.

Best,
Shelley Davis
www.bednbiscuit.com