
Originally Posted by
DarcyInOregon
An elderly friend died earlier this year. She had a 10-year-old tiny male Maltese. There was no one to take the little dog, so I brought him into my household. I learned that the constant peeing thing is due to kidney failure, a problem these little dogs tend to have if they are shut up in tiny spaces and don't get enough water and exercise. I had to take the little dog to the vet twice a week for a fluid shot. He had to be on a special low-protein diet. And the vet took constant tests checking for the kidney function. He lived with me for about 4 months and died of GI tract failure. He peed a lot because he couldn't help it, because he was in kidney failure.
My point is if you find a home for your little dog, make sure the person can afford the vet bills.
Also, when I inherited the little dog, most of his teeth were abscessed, which was a huge factor in why he got kidney failure, becasue of the ongoing infection and making it difficult for the little dog to eat and drink normally. The vet removed most of the teeth and cleaned up the gums, which improved the kidney function. But of course, the little dog died of something different.
You were very kind to take that little dog in.
My dog can hold her pee for many hours... so I think if this was a physical problem, she would NEVER be able to hold her pee... versus... just not holding her pee when I'm sleeping and not around to catch her pee on the floor.
I have a Maltese rescue group who is going to call me at some point.
I will also check out the Animal Rescue Klub.
Honestly, my little girl is adorable... and would be perfect for a little old retired lady who wants a dog to love. I know she would go quickly. I just want to make sure she ends up in a wonderful home.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside thoroughly used-up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: WOW WHAT A RIDE!!!!"