Gosh I don't even know where to begin with this, lately Smitty's been drinking tons of water and when he pees, it's' like water coming out, it's CLEAR, no color at all.
So I was reading about problems in elderly dogs the other day and one of the problems they can get is kidney failure as they age, and the symptoms are usually increased thirst (toxins building up) and increased urination, and the urine is very dilute, as they are not functioning properly.
So a few times over the past few weeks, Smitty just "forgets" and starts peeing where he is standing, no matter how many times we take him outside. Now, that in and of itself isn't a huge deal - this carpet was trashed when we moved in, plus we have a Rainbow so we dilute the urine and suck it up and clean the carpet that way, spot clean it i guess.
But a few times he's gone pee during his sleep, once on his bed, and SOAKED it, and once on our bed, he quit sleeping on our bed after that (he never cared for sleeping up there anyway but once he's asleep, he is out like a light!) and I went and bought him a male "wrap" diaper like thing.
So then last night he was dozing on the couch and had a urine accident, and not just a drop or two, there was alot there.
I put him outside then, and I KNOW he got off the porch and went, but I put the diaper thing on him and during the night he peed in it too.
I guess I'll bring him to the vet but when I talk to her she'll probably recommend euthanasia, because he's a rescue, he's old, older, we believe, than his owners put on his relinquishement form at the shelter ("around 10"). And because I can spend hundreds and still wind up with the same diagnosis - "he's old".
I just want you guys to know that this is a possibility for us today, and I want you to know that we've given Smitty a real family over this past few months. The kids absolutely adore him and are heartbroken but I don't want to do it without them at least knowing that's what happened with Jenny. Well, and I love him. He has been
our dog 100%.
Smitty will go to Hermiston today with me, we are picking up a shelter Cocker (who is "hyper", wish us luck), so the 2 boys can go along to pick him up, Copper and Smitty, my two co-pilots, that is
One of the main things for me is, I don't like seeing him in this diaper doohicky, it is a good idea but when I put it on, he loses his "Captain Smitty" dignity and I don't like that
He also feels bad when he has accidents.
So, we'll see what the vet says...I'm taking him as soon as the doors open...please keep us in your thoughts today.