Re-house breaking...

Question
We recently got our Rat Terrier puppy, now 7 months old, back from the vet two days ago.  She stayed at the vet hospital for two nights (due to something she ate, the vet believes it caused nuerological problems, but is still unsure of what it was she consumed).  She was completely house trained for about a month before we brought her to the vet, however now she is not.  We crate train her and she has never had an accident in her crate.  Now, I came home and she urinated in it.  She is also finding it acceptable to urinate in the house as well.  I was just wondering how I can get her back to being house-trained, and also stop urinating in her crate as well.  Thank you for your time!

Answer
Hi Jamie,

It sounds like your pup got used to going in her kennel or crate at the vets office.  I'm kind of surprised that this happened in only two days.  

My initial thought is that she will get back into the "appropriate" routine in a day or two so I really wouldn't worry about it too much.   

However, I suggest that you keep her crated when you can't watch her and take her out regularly and on a schedule.  If you work for a long day - it might make sense to have a friend, neighbor or dog sitter come over mid-day to let her relieve herself.  -- just for a week, to get her back on track.

For the places she has already gone in the house - be sure to use a good odor neutralizer.  They are available at any petsmart or petco and at many walmarts in the pet section.

If the frequent urination continues ... I would have her checked for a bladder or urinary tract infection.  Someones when a dog tries to hold it too long, it will cause an infection.

Cathy