PIDDLE PANTS

I think a lot of us can agree with Betty Davis, "Old age is no place for sissies." Lots of abilities leave us or cause us to moan our discontent. But as the saying goes--"When you think of the alternative-----"

I believe Mighty Dog is lucky to have an elderly owner.  Not sure a young person would be as understanding.  I can usually relate to his age affiliated failings. His weak eyes--yep, I wear glasses. His hearing problems--mine is mostly selective by hearing what I want to hear -- but give me time with my bell ringing ears. Aching joints--- you bet. Frequent potty breaks--yep.

However  we both still have a great enjoyment for this life and tend to focus on adjusting.  In his case, I do most of his adjusting for him. 

Mighty's newest failing hasn't hit me personally  yet but who knows what tomorrow brings. Mighty has rung the incontinence bell. Now I always knew his bladder control was on the wane but frequent potty breaks have kept him dry, lovable and accident free. Sure we have to make a 4 AM potty run but he has made it through the night quite well. 

Then I noticed circular damp spots on his sleeping pad in the mornings.  At first I thought that since I had curtailed his licking obsession during the day, he was staying up at night to get in some closet licking, thus making the small puddle. I was thinking saliva.  It was not every night at first so I just did extra laundry and shrugged it off.  Besides, he would pee like a race horse when I took him out in the wee hours.

Then I did some research. Seems that some dogs as they age will leak urine as they are asleep and relaxed.  I had him checked to make sure it was age related and not a fixable problem. My vet is certain that since Mighty will be 17 in two months that we are looking at an age condition. 

 Article on Coping with Dog incontinence

Ok--how to adjust. Did you know there are a ton of piddle pant products out there for dogs and cats? This is evidently not an unusual problem.  As cute as some products are, I know my dog. He will be miserable if I strap him in such a contraption. It would be punishment for him and he is not consciously breaking any rules. It happens when he sleeps. So I am skipping the piddle pants. 

I could easily relegate him to the floor to sleep but his bed privileges are a great pleasure for him. It is the only time he can one-up the cat who is banished from the bedroom.  I can't take his bed time from him. So his side of the bed is now pee proof. A cheap shower curtain liner to protect my comforter and mattress and some very washable old towels for him to nest on were my answer. 

So far, this is working quite well. For now all is well again.  Now if he progresses to dribbling as he walks around the house, piddle pants may be an option.

Same goes for me.