Oops, I Did It Again

Subtitle: Is that a puddle on the floor, or are you just happy to see me?

Snickers, a two year old Miniature Dachshund, has a little – as they say – “going” – problem. Despite being a sweetheart of a guy, his tendency to submissive pee is all that most people remember about him.

At first, his owners thought that he had an immature bladder and that he would eventually grow out of it.

Then, they took their concerns to their veterinarian, who ruled out a urinary tract infection, or anything else medical.

Now, Snickers is a grown-up dog and his inopportune piddling is a long-standing joke in the family.

Their teenage daughter tried to diaper him once but Snickers hid under the bed, leaving a trail of damp spots on the carpet.

Visitors have presented gift-wrapped rolls of paper towels to Snicker’s owners.

Even his owners giggle ruefully at the Depends ads on TV.

Snickers is likely to wet himself when: 

1. Anyone he doesn’t know comes into his house;

2. Someone he does know bends over or raises a hand to pet him;

3. He is in a strange place, like someone elses home, or at the vet clinic;

4. Little kids approach him;

5. He encounters taller dogs, a frequent occurrence since Snickers is, well, short.

Snicker’s owners have taken some steps to manage Snicker’s touchy bladder. They know it is not his fault, and that yelling at him will only make it worse. So, they…

1. Take Snickers for frequent walks to keep his bladder empty;

2. Have Snickers greet guests outside whenever possible;

3. Ignore Snickers when they first come home until he goes out and is less excited;

4. Walk him before car rides, vet visits, and other outings;

5. Monitor his water intake; 

1. Speak to him calmly and in low tones, avoiding eye contact with him;

2. Pet him on the chest and under the chin, not on his head or back.

Gradually, Snickers’ accidents will lessen and he’ll be able to stay dry even when he is excited or anxious. But his owners

know to keep the Bounty nearby when Uncle Jack visits with his booming voice and his Great Dane.

For more information about submissive urination, click HERE.

#MiniatureDachshund #Anxiety #Weeweepads #Urinarytractinfection #Bladder #Veterinarians #Submissiveurination #GreatDane