Dogs

» jennifer1969 - dog pooping where he sleeps

OK, I have an 12 year old Doberman (have had him since his birth). Around February/March of this year he started pooping in his dog house. When I took him to the vet for his annual checkup, and told my vet what was going on, he ran all sorts of tests and could not find anything wrong with him. He advised since Thunder has been showing signs of his rear joints hurting him (vet thinks due to cold weather), the vet put him on a Glucosamine chewable. Within 3 weeks of starting the Glucosamine, I saw a significant increase in Thunders energy level, and his joints didnt seem to be bothering him like they used too (not dysplasia either--ruled out by my vet). But the vet stated that maybe Thunder was pooping in his dog house during the cold months because his joints hurting from the cold. Well i have since taken him back to the vet and told the Dr that he will still lay in his dog house and poop, and just stay laying in it. No known reason (health or otherwise) as to WHY???? He can control his BM's, because if me or my boyfriend are in the yard with him, he will go off to a corner and do his "business". The wierd thing is, no changes have occurred in the house in more than 5 years. My boyfriend is self-employed and has been able to be home with Thunder about 80% of the day, every day and Thunder absolutely adores my boyfriend, but I just cant seem to figure out why he would just go to the bathroom where he sleeps and lay in it? Any one have any suggestions, please let me know. He is real healthy for his age and doesnt even look like he is almost 13 years old. It amazes the vet everytime he sees Thunder how well he looks and how young. The only thing ever wrong with Thunder was about 7 years ago he was diagnosed with heartworms, but was treated and has been clean every since, my dad thinks he may have gotten "some type of brain damage" from the treatment. I dont believe that because its been too long and my vet just laughed when I told him that.. PLEASE HELP!!!! its so frustrating since he is one of the family and I have never experienced a problem with Thunder in the past.

-- posted by jennifer1969