My 16-year-old dog is withdrawn & having accidents. Grief or vet?

Question

I have a female dog who will be 16 on 5/25. Her brother died 10/7/2016. She has not been the same since he passed away. She started acting strange about a week before he died. She is very withdrawn and does not want to be petted or sit on the couch. She is no longer housebroken either. I got a puppy to help with my grief and hers. Do you have any advice? Not sure if I should take her to the vet or just give her time. Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Pinscher | Male | neutered | 7 months and 15 days old | 12 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dog! Dogs absolutely go through a grieving process when they lose a friend just as we do. However, I am concerned that she began acting differently before her brother passed away. By 16 years old, dogs can develop cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia in humans), but other medical issues could be causing her behavioral changes and urinary accidents. Some of these possible issues include organ dysfunction (kidney or liver disease), endocrine/metabolic conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease), a urinary tract infection or even cancer. At this point, it does sound as though she should go to the vet for an exam and any necessary lab testing. She may need medications or a diet change to manage any underlying issues. I hope that all goes well and again, I'm very sorry for your loss!

My 16-year-old dog is withdrawn & having accidents. Grief or vet?

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