Let's talk about jealous pups...

[alene]

So... Astrid is coming along great - a big huge enormous monstrous pile of fur, but my cocker spaniel Sophie seems to be jealous. She has taken to peeing in the most unusual places and she hasn't had an accident in a year before this. Suddenly she has had eight in two weeks. Last night she actually peed on our bed. While we were in it.

I was concerned about incontinence or something, but she is in her crate 5 hours a day and has never had an accident, nor is she making an attempt to get to a door. Could it be a jealousy problem? Any ideas?

 

[Leslie]

Could be but I would want to rule out a bladder infection too. I'd take a sample just to be safe. But the whole not peeing in the crate makes me think someone wants mommy all to herself again. I hope you get some good suggestions.

 

[dbradley]

i agree with leslie! sometimes stressful situations can cause uti.

 

[Kelleyk]

It sounds like Sophie is definetly stressed out over this new addition. Did she go alot on the bed or just a little. If just a little, I would guess that she was trying to mark you and the bed as hers. If she went alot, I would think she is trying to tell you that the new dog is scaring the piss out of her. If they play/wrestle unsupervised, possibly poor sophie is getting overwhelmed by the growing furball. Maybe it would help to have a place in the house that is gated off that only Sophie is allowed to enter and where she can get some alone time with you.

 

[Ivoryudx]

As Leslie stated, time for a Vet visit to rule out a UTI. Did she jump up and pee on your bed, or was she laying there and peed where she was laying?

 

[Sue M.]

I had a Cocker Spaniel once and I'd take him out for 2 mile walks every day. He would pee and poo along the way. I'd get home after the walk, shower and go to work. Bo would dirty 5 minutes after I walked out the door! I believe he was mad at me for leaving!

[ 11-10-2005, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: Sue M. ]

 

[alene]

Well, to clarify, Astrid has been with us for about 6 months, so I am not sure why all the fuss now... she has had plenty of time to adjust and they seem to get along just fine. Sophie will actually attack Astrid to get her to play, but Astrid has become very guardy towards her food lately, and everyone knows that cockers are foodies.

She actually jumped onto the bed and immediately peed near our feet and then walked up to our pillows to snuggle in with us. She peed a full pee, not just a little. I have a vet appointment on Monday, but I am really doubting that it is a UTI. Worth checking, though.

Assuming it is jealousy... what now? I know I can't just give her all the attention and I am certainly not going to reward negative behavior with the attention she is craving. Silly kids.