Family pets.

Can Dog With Addison's Be Housebroken?

October 10, 1999|By Steve Dale, Tribune Media Services.

Q--My 7 1/2-year-old miniature Dachshund is relieving himself in the house. He's not neutered because he has Addison's disease; my vet says any surgery may be fatal. Can he still be housebroken?

B.W., Dale, Ind.

A--Dr. Sheldon Rubin of Chicago and many other surgeons do neuter dogs with Addison's disease (occurring when the dog's body isn't producing enough natural cortisone) without complications. Of course, your dog may have another medical problem that would make surgery difficult. If your vet feels uncomfortable about the procedure, don't push it.

However, consider talking to another vet, such as a veterinary surgeon with experience in operating on dogs with Addison's disease.

As for your housebreaking concern, even if you have your dog neutered, he'll probably keep piddling indoors because he has become "trained" to do so. "This means you'll have to work harder on this red herring," says Dr. Ian Dunbar, an authority on training based in Berkeley, Calif.

"Confine your dog in a room such as a kitchen," Dunbar says. "Understand that he will go indoors; that's the reality at this point. So why not set him up with a place to go?" For a dog as small as a mini-Dachshund, try a litter box, or place some sod on a cookie sheet or in a storage container. It's up to you whether you want to eliminate the box or sod once the dog understands he should consistently go outdoors.

If you're gone long hours, litter-box training isn't a bad idea. Your dog will appreciate it -- and you won't have to take him out in a blizzard ever again.

When you confine your dog, leave him a toy stuffed with lowfat peanut butter or cream cheese for munching. Leave him only a reasonable amount of water; he doesn't need a huge bowl if he's inactive and the room is cool. Exercise and/or play with your dog before you leave. The exercise will probably stimulate the dog's bladder; so make sure he relieves himself.

When you take the dog out, always take him to the same place on a leash so you can see that he has done his business. When he has, immediately pop him three liver treats and praise him lavishly. Then take him for a walk or play with him. If the dog fails to "perform," don't let him dilly-dally. Within 10 minutes, go back indoors and tether the leash to your waist or belt buckle. The dog won't be able to wander in a corner to do business.

"The real secret is to never allow another mistake indoors," Dunbar says. "But if it does happen, never rub his nose in it or scream at the dog."

Naturally, clean up any mistake with an odor neutralizer. After 10 or 20 minutes, give it another try and go back outdoors, always to the same place.

Q--My cat, Bones, likes to type on my computer. I think it's annoying. What can I do?

F.Y., Atlantic City, N.J.

A--Be consistent and persistent, gently picking up Bones before he even gets to your computer. Tell him "no," then offer another toy to bat instead of the letters on your keyboard. Dozens of toys are available at pet stores. When you're not around, turn the computer keyboard over and use a plastic dust liner with double-stick tape.


Steve Dale answers letters of general interest in his column. Write to him in care of the Chicago Tribune Family section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. He hosts "Pet Central" from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturdays on WGN-AM 720.