Back to the doghouse?

My dear old Labrador was brought into the house from his kennel when he was 11 years old. He is a bit stiff but recently he has started toileting in the house. He gets a bit upset when this happens. I presume it is just old age and it is back to the kennel for him?

Neil says: On the presumption that he looks normal, there are a number of possible causes and I suggest he deserves a veterinary examination before he is sent back to the doghouse. Certainly, elderly dogs can be affected by canine cognitive disease and there is treatment that can help with this, especially if it is caught in the early stages. He should also be checked for any evidence of urinary tract infection — does his urine smell strong? — prostate problems — does he strain at all when passing faeces? — and for the presence of abdominal masses — is there any change in the shape of his abdomen?

In male dogs, cystitis — bladder infection — benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis often go hand in hand and can result in the problem you have described. Diagnosis can usually be made by palpation of the prostate and it is worth taking a fresh urine sample with you when you go to the vet. There is now effective medical treatment, though surgical castration can sometimes be indicated. I do hope he can stay in his new comfy home.