Advice needed

[howarth44]

My 4 year old cross breed dalmation has just returned from the vet after undergoing blood tests to determine liver function/kidney function. (This is her on the left)

Tests are clear. She has had her urine tested, also clear.

She has refused since May to urinate in our backyard after four years of doing so. This is accompanied by "dripping" from her back end around the house (Possibly caused by holding in urine for too long?). She has no problems "going" when on her daily walks.

We have just had major work done to the house and the Vet thinks the problem could be linked to stress because of this.

I have started to give her Aspen and Larch flower remedies to help her relax/feel more confident, but would appreciate any other ideas for overcoming this or any other suggestions as to what may be the cause?

[skunkstripe]

Could something have happened to make her scared to pee in your yard?
Could someone (neighbor, passing kids) holler or throw something at her?
Could there have been a coincidental loud noise (something falling over) just at the moment when she went to pee the last time in May?

[howarth44]

If something like that has happened to scare her, how would I overcome her fear of it happening again?

Although,she did have a particular attachment to a certain plant pot which was replaced around that time. It sounds daft but she used to follow it around if it was moved and "go" in that spot. However, we also had some decking put down at the same time so I don't know if that could be the problem??? Do dogs not like decking I wonder??

I did consult a doggie psychic (!!) who said that Meg did have issues of confusion in the yard area.

I even tried going back to basics and standing out with her for hours to praise her if she went, but she didn't do anything!

Obviously walking her is not a problem but a lie in on a Sunday would be nice!

[MrsRottie]

My boy was trained to pee on the grass. When I fences off the grass, it was like having a new puppy all over again. Decking feels different, so in her mind is maybe a no-go....

I would suggest that you go right back to puppy basics, play out there, when she does go (bless her in 3 days time!) praise and treat her like mad.

Re the 'thing' that has freaked her - you can't make that better unless you know what it is. Keep a close eye on her and see if there's anything you can pick up on that she's more distressed about than usual.
Try a DAP plug, the pheromones might help her calm down.
And increase the flower remedies, also adding rescue remedy to her water, and keep with them. they're brilliant but usually take a few days to start working....

Good Luck!!

[howarth44]

Thanks for that advice.

I have purchased a DAP diffuser and it has been working since last week. I'm not sure if it's helping but fingers crossed!