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I moved into a new apartment 1 month ago...my 9 year old ...

Sent to Pet Experts February 22 03:20 PM

I moved into a new apartment 1 month ago...my 9 year old maltese seemed to be adjusting okay when left alone, but yesterday I came home to discover that he had urinated and defecated on the couch. While he has marked furniture occasionally in the past, he has NEVER defecated anywhere except his wee-wee pads indoors or outdoors during walks .He has been housebroken since the age of 12 weeks so I was completely shocked. I'm scared to leave him alone again. This is also not the first time he has moved. What could have caused this behavior and what can I do?

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Age: 9; Male; Breed: canine/maltese

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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February 22 3:29 PM (8 minutes and 59 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
When you see a big change in behavior like this I would suggest a vet visit to check him out. It may be that he is not feeling well and that is why he went on the couch.
If you have a video camera you might set it up to scan as much of the new place where the dog is as possible and leave for 20 minutes and see if he is having anxiety.
If it is anxiety you may want to ask your vet about using a mild tranquilizer to get him past his anxiety.
Hope this helps you!


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February 22 4:20 PM (50 minutes and 56 seconds later)
         
Reply to Nancy Holmes's Post: He just had a vet check-up last week and I'm nervous about putting him on medication...any other suggestions?
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February 22 4:35 PM (14 minutes and 42 seconds later)
         
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How much of a geriatric check up was done? did he have bloodwork done? was a stool sample checked?
He could have been fine last week and still be sick today and vet offices are great places to pick up infections.
I think a 'nanny cam' set up would tell you a lot. This could have been a one time thing because something loud or scary happened.
You could try leaving a tv or radio on low (no talk shows pick something soothing!) to see if that helps.
You could use a baby gate to confine him to the room with his pee pad and a comfy bed etc. when you leave so he can't get in trouble.
You could leave him a select laundry item likean old t-shirt you've worn to be 'comfort' while you go out.
You can give him something such as a stuffed Kong toy to work on when you leave to keep his mind off the fact he is alone.
and you can read here for standard treatment if it is separation anxiety
http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/anxiety.html



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