potty breaks

[Jane Austen]

It goes against my nature to limit the amount of water I give my corgi, but she has to go out several times a night to urinate. It is winter here in New England and I can't let her free to go herself. I don't want to be interrupting my sleep either so I was thinking of cutting her back on water in the evening. I am going to the vets soon and will ask about this but is there others that have the same problem?

[Michael Romanos]

Hi Jane
Dogs drinking habits are much like humans - they can vary greatly. Some Corgis drink considerably more water than others. My Taylor is not a heavy drinker. Usually I take him for a toilet walk shortly before I go off to bed - so that could be as late as midnight. He may or may not have a small amount of water on his return. But if he is out and about at say seven thirty at night then that's his lot for the day and he doesn't get outside until around 9am the following day. So that is over 13 hours and no toilet is necessary. It appears to me that your Duchess might need to see a vet.
If she has had pups then it might be a reason for her inability to stifle her desire to go to the toilet. Certainly age should not be a factor at this stage with her only being seven or eight.

[Jane Austen]

Duchess does drink a lot of water and she has to go out every few hours during the day. she never had pups I don't know what age she was when her former owner decided not to breed her. I thought her sugar level was high but the vet said that was okay initally when I asked about if she was a diabetic.

[Michael Romanos]

Hi Jane
Your Duchess being adnormally thirsty doesn't seem an ideal situation. If it is not a diabetic problem, it might very well be associated with her kidneys, bladder, urinary glands etc. Dogs can head towards incontinence and an incontinent dog is not unknown among those who are usually elderly but I don't expect this is what Duchess is afflicted with.

It will pay to check it out with a competent vet. And , of course, vets vary in this regard.

[Jane Austen]

Yes. Mike was right there was a urinary tract infection found by urine analysis at the vet's office. I also had a complete blood work done which cost me a lot. but I was pleased to find no liver or kidney problems. At first the vet said most of the problems with tenderness in Corgis come from an injury from jumping. but she examined the dogs spine and felt that was in good shape. And her coat showed all around good health. I am not sure we got the tenderness in her stomach solved. She did not "flinch" when the doctor examined her. Next step would be some exrays which we choose not to do if it can be avoided.

[Michael Romanos]

Hi Jane
So pleased that Duchess's problem is "easily" fixed. I was just about to tell you that their was a strong possibility that her problem could have been an INFECTION in her bladder, kidneys or urinary tract. It's very fortunate that there wasn't something far worse and permanent.
Her tummy sorenesss could have something to do with bones or some sharp object/objects that she has consumed. I learnt my lesson with bones many years ago and Taylor has never had a bone. Coincidently, his breeder too does not believe in giving Corgis bones of any sort.