[DarleneM]

My Cavalier King Charles pees in the house first thing in the morning
if I don't wake up right away.

She makes no other mistakes in the house and I have had her for 7 years. She is 10 years
old now with no major health problems.

Should I just set my alarm and tell myself I have to get up when she wakes up?
Should I get a crate for just sleeping at night?
Normally she would tell me if she had to really go. I can remember of 2 times at 4:30am.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[DaySleepers]

It sounds like this is a new behavior, is that right?

If that's the case, the first thing I'd do is get her a full veterinary work-up. Changes in potty behavior can be a sign that something medical is going on, anything from a minor UTI to something like pain or more complex issues like cognitive decline or changes in thyroid function. It's a good idea to thoroughly rule these possibilities out because if there's a medical cause no amount of training will resolve the issue.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

Older dogs may have a harder time holding urine all night AND as kidney function declines they will also drink a bit more water. Get a vet work up and check kidney function.

Get up earlier and get her out.

My coming 11 year old dog has been getting me up earlier to go out and I understand why.