New senior dog owner

[Retriever]

Hi, I'm new here. I have a 12 year old Golden Retriever named Brady. We live in Coquitlam, British Columbia. I'm trying to find some dog psychology right now. I see there is a thread titled dog behaviour problems but I'm not sure whether that would be the right thread to talk about the problem. In Nov. 2009 my Brady had a quick operation to remove a growth under his upper eyelid. When he came home he was desperately thirsty. I've never seen him so desperate. That night he woke me up about 7-8 times to take him outside to go to the bathroom or so I thought. But all he did was go out the side door and walk around the building (condo), not stopping, and into the front door. This has been going on every since the operation. Now, 5 out of about 7 nights, he wakes me up about 2 or more times a night. I take him outside the first time but he only does a little pee. It's only been about 2-3 hours since his last time out. Then he wakes me up again but I have learned that he doesn't really need to go pee. I have also learned that sometimes he needs me to just get out of bed and tell him that he is ok and that we just went out a little while ago. I also tell him he can sleep next to the bed. A lot of the times this happens it has been raining hard on the roof. Last night he woke me up and I took him out to pee. Then later he woke me up again but I didn't get out of bed. I instead, told him he was fine and that we had just gone out and he can sleep next to the bed. It didn't work. He kept whimpering. Sometimes I try being firm with him and saying no. Secretly I hate doing that. He has been such a good boy all these years and almost always when he complains there is something wrong.

Does anybody have any ideas about this or suggestions? Also, could somebody direct me to the right thread to talk about this.

Desperately tired. Thanks

[Frenchy]

Welcome to pets.ca !

I think Brady might have an health issue. Has he been to the vet since this all started ?

[Retriever]

Thanks Frenchy. No I haven't taken Brady to the vet since the operation. I have been upset about the state he came home in. I'm not upset with the vet, because he came in on his day off to do the operation, but with the support staff. I've been saying to people that I think the operation effected his mind and I think it has. Do you think it might be a physical problem?

[hazelrunpack]

It does sound like it could be something physical. A vet evaluation would be a good first step in figuring out what's going on with Brady. Sounds like you both could use some rest!

[Retriever]

O.K. thanks. I'll phone and see if I can get one this coming Sat.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by Retriever

Do you think it might be a physical problem?

I think so. It may not be something serious so try not too worry too much.

I adopted 3 senior goldens , they all passed away since. I know how these dogs are stoic , pain tolerant. So when you think something is up with them , it usual is.

[Retriever]

Thanks Frenchy. I have an appointment with the vet this coming Sat. so I'll see what happens. It's not raining tonight so I should get a good sleep and I hope Brady does too. What a wierd combination hey. Pray for no rain.

[Tundra_Queen]

I hope the vet can find out what is wrong with your pup. My hub's dog gets upset when it rains, but that is because she is afraid of thunderstorums and thinks when it's raining the boomers are going to start. She couldn't have a bladder infection could she?

Debbie