Commandment #1:
THOU SHALT MAKE SURE FIDO IS IN GOOD HEALTH

Before starting a housebreaking program, please be sure Fido has a clean bill of health. A veterinary exam including a fecal exam (stool sample) will allow you to be sure that none of Fido's housebreaking issues are caused by a medical problem. This is important for all dogs, but especially for new puppies, senior dogs or dogs who have symptoms of digestive problems or other health issues.

If Fido has digestive issues caused by parasites, allergies or other medical problems, he may have a hard time controlling his bowels, which will make it hard for him to get to the right place every time he needs to go. Some symptoms to watch for:

  • Excessive gas
  • Bloated tummy
  • Tender tummy
  • Diarrhea
  • Soft stools
  • Straining to go
  • Mucus in stools
  • Blood in stools
  • Worms in stool (may look like moving pieces of white rice or
    like long pieces of spaghetti)

NOTE: Fido may have worms even if they're not visible in his stools. Sometimes the only evidence that your dog has a parasite infestation is the presence of microscopic worm eggs in the stool that can only be detected by having your vet test a stool sample.

Urinary problems caused by bladder or urinary tract issues can make housebreaking nearly impossible. Some symptoms to watch for:

  • Frequent urination
  • Sudden increase in urination
  • Housebroken dog that suddenly starts having urine accidents
  • Blood in urine
  • Dog attempts to urinate but nothing comes out
  • Dog attempts to urinate then jumps up in pain

Fido's housebreaking can also be adversely effected by other medical issues including arthritis, hip displaysia or any other kind of painful condition. If he appears to be in pain, you should resolve the issue with your vet's help so you can be sure he is healthy and comfortable enough to be successfully housebroken.

If Fido is on any kind of medication and is having housebreaking issues, check with your vet to see if your housebreaking problem might be a side effect of his medication. If it is, your vet may be able to switch him to a different medication, change the dosage or offer other suggestions to lessen the impact of the side effects.

Once you're sure Fido has a clean bill of health, you can safely proceed with his housebreaking program.

NOTE: This information is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for advice concerning the treatment of your pet.

 
 

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