Our 3 year old Rottweiler started suddenly soiling the house

by Mon
(Wales)

Our neutered Rottweiler is fully house trained and had undergone extensive dog training. He is a real gem and we love him to bits.

Suddenly he started now to soil the house, at times even in front of us, other times he comes and lets us know that he needs to go and we let him out. At times it seems like he cannot keep it in and need to urinate or defecate on the spot.

He suffered a stomach upset a few weeks back and was taken to the vet but this has cleared up completely, furthermore he had operations on both of his knees and has had plates fitted at the beginning of 2010 , again he had the best bionic surgeon in the country. He recovered very well from it and even the surgeon was impressed.

Every time when he soils and this can be up to ten times a day, we clean it up without saying anything to him. Our Rottweiler shows guilty behaviour after he has done it.

His exercise is as usual and he walks without any problem. He eats and drinks normal on a daily basis. We tried to take the water away from 18:00 onwards so no urination can take place during night time but without success. We even took him into our bedroom to sleep along side us but soiling did not stop either.

Could you suggest what else we could do or what it could be why he has this sudden onset of soiling in the house?

We would be thankful for any suggestions, thank you.

Regards

Mon

Hi Mon
I’m not a veterinarian so anything I say is purely my opinion, but from what you say is sounds as though this is something that your dog simply can’t help. I doubt it’s a housebreaking issue, although if there have been any big changes in his life recently or any major stresses, it’s possible that this is to blame. Personally I think it’s more likely due to some type of health problem, but only our veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis.

I strongly recommend that you get your Rottie to your veterinarian and explain what is going on. This isn’t normal at all, and it could be that although it appears that the tummy upset has cleared up it in fact hasn’t!

I’m not sure what caused the stomach problem, but sometimes a course of treatment needs to be repeated to make sure that all is well, particularly with parastic infections. The fact that he is having these problems with both his urine and feces is a bit more unusual in terms of a tummy upset, but it’s possible he has a urinary tract infection as well. Or it could be a nerve problem or something else. Your vet will be able to figure out what is happening and hopefully get him back on track.

I can imagine how frustrating and upsetting this must be for all of you (including your Rottweiler who obviously knows that this isn’t what he’s supposed to do but can’t control his elimination) but you are handling it the right way by not scolding him and trying to find out what is causing the problem. It shows how much you love him and want to help and he’s a lucky boy because not all owners are as far-sighted.

Get him to your vet as soon as you can so that you can get to the bottom of this and get your lives back to normal. I wish you lots of luck and hope he’s feeling much better soon.

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Feb 01, 2012

my heart is saddened…. NEW
by: Judy & Angel

I am so sorry to read about the tragic out come of your dear Bryn..Deepest condolence to you all at this terrible time..Know in your heart he is in a better place and loves you more for helping him through..can’t imagine your pain and what you must be feeling since it came on so fast and strong..I’m saddened to have read this news..again condolences..

RIP Bryn..memories never fade…


Feb 01, 2012

Tears for you and your family Mon… NEW
by: Christopher Bayhi

One day soon this will be inscribed on the marker of our firt Rottie named Angel. A 4 month old female who, for all the love she had to give, passed away to soon.

“It came to us that every time we lose a dog they take a piece of our heart with them. And every new dog who comes into our life, gifts us with a piece of their heart. If we live long enough, all the components of our hearts will be a dog, and we will become as generous and loving as they are.”

Condolences on the loss of Bryn. I wish there was more I could say to lessen the pain you and your family are feeling at this time.


Feb 01, 2012

Update NEW
by: Mon

Our boy was transferred to an Animal University Hospital were he underwent extensive tests, scans, MRI’s.

He was allowed to come home for the weekend were he deteriated more by the day and become more aggressive by the hour, when he started to show real aggression towards my husband we had to rush him back to hospital under the advice of the vet.

Monday came and all tests done over that period proved negative in all medical departments.

By then our boy became so aggressive that he had to wear a muzzle at all times and could not be trusted anymore to be approached by anybody, including us.

The dog we once knew had gone, the sparkle in his eyes was dimished to a blank stare and he did not recognise us anymore at all, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to have him euthanized.

We had him cremated and his ashes and spirit are forever with us.

If it should be….
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for we know this last battle can’t be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
but don’t let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they’ll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it’s last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

R.I.P. Bryn


Jan 22, 2012

Fingers crossed & Prayers NEW
by: Christopher Bayhi

Fingers crossed and prayers for you and your pooch Mon!


Jan 22, 2012

Update NEW
by: Mon

He has so far been tested for Diabetes and also for his kidneys and they came back negative.

He still is on a fluid drip and strong antibiotics and an anti sickness medication. He still is weak.

So we will have to wait the outcome of the specialist blood tests to come back within the next 36 hours.

Will keep you informed throughout and thank you for all the prayers.


Jan 22, 2012

Judy NEW
by: Prayers

My prayers are with him..Hopefully the test will solve the issues and in the mean time I am praying things go good..It’s never easy when it’s your baby..Hope things turn around for you..Once again I ask has he been tested for diabeties??


Jan 22, 2012

Judy NEW
by: Prayers

My prayers are with him..Hopefully the test will solve the issues and in the mean time I am praying things go good..It’s never easy when it’s your baby..Hope things turn around for you..Once again I ask has he been tested for diabeties??


Jan 21, 2012

Update NEW
by: Mon

Our Rottweiler has been taken to the vet today as he began to have seizures.

The vets did all tests they could but so far no answer to what could cause his sudden onset of ill health. He is on a fluid drip and in a monitored unit.

All the know so far is that he has lost 2kg within the last two days!

We are praying that he will pull through.


Jan 19, 2012

have you checked… NEW
by: Judy

Has your vet done tests to rule out diabeties? Our last girl was at the vets and this was missed..By the time we took her to another vet she had been undiagnosed for long enough to have done damage..Please make sure it is also ruled out..good luck with your boy as it sounds like he’s been through enough already 🙂


Jan 19, 2012

Update NEW
by: Mon

Thank you so very much for Susan for your reply it was very much appreciated.

I have since taken him to the vet and blood test and feces test have been posted off. Until the vet has put him on to an Antibiotic and Anti-inflammatory medication.

Fingers crossed the test will determine what is really wrong with him and he will be back to his former self.

Also thank you for such a great informative site which I will certainly recommend to all my Rottweiler buddies 🙂


Jan 19, 2012

Rottie soiling house at 3 years old NEW
by: Christopher Bayhi

Just some ideas that came to mind…

Has your boy had a recent fecal exam? Worms and parasites can cause sudden “accidetns”.

What type of food is he on? Food that is grain based will cause a higher incident of defication. If food is changed it should be done gradualy over the course of a week.

You are right in not scolding him for accidents. If it happens, take him outside if possible and when he does his business praise him and give him a small treat, lots of lovin and positive reinforcement.

Could you be missing subtle signs that he has to go outside? One of our Rotties will scratch the door. The other will sit at the door, come over and look at me or my wife, and then go back to the door. If we don’t catch this subtle sign it’s guaranteed that an “accident” will happen after the dog’s third try.

You can also keep the dog on a leash, tied to your belt while the dog is inside. That seems to help because the dog does not want to make a “mistake” in front of the owner. Other options might be a doggie door, picking up food and water after feeding, and immediately taking the dog for a walk after feeding, training, or playing in the house.


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About The Rotty lover 2159 Articles
My name is Dr. Winnie. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Duke University, a Masters of Science in Biology from St Georges University, and graduated from the University of Pretoria Veterinary School in South Africa. I have been an animal lover and owners all my life having owned a Rottweiler named Duke, a Pekingese named Athena and now a Bull Mastiff named George, also known as big G! I'm also an amateur equestrian and love working with horses. I'm a full-time Veterinarian in South Africa specializing in internal medicine for large breed dogs. I enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 kids and Big G in my free time. Author and Contribturor at SeniorTailWaggers, A Love of Rottweilers, DogsCatsPets and TheDogsBone