senior dog problems

my dog (golden retriver/shetland collie mix) is very old. recently he
has become nocturnal and is deficating in the house both at night and
while we are away. what can i do to help him not to do these things?
any suggestions/stories would be much appreciated. thanks.

diddy...

When My old boy started doing this.I knew he couldn't help it. I'd take
him out more frequently in the night, but it still happened. It always
happened in his sleep. He couldn't help it. He served me loyally for 14
years. I'd think of his infirmities with a smile. Clean it up.give him a
reassuring hug. I felt so priviledged to look after him after so many
honorable years. It was always a nostalgic moment to me, and no trouble
at all. He's gone now. I miss him. Thanks for the memories.

shore...

Talk to your vet - there are several treatments for canine
cognitive dysfunction available. I had one of my dogs on
Anipryl towards the end of her life and it helped a lot with
her anxiety, housetraining "mistakes," and so on. Other
people have reported good experiences with the Science Diet
B/D formula.

Alison...

Vivitonin can help too.
Chronic liver and kidney failure can cause these symptoms too.
Older dogs can't see so well at night so if he had hearing loss as well, he
is more lilely to be confused or scared if he has been sleeping and then
wakes up in the night. It might help if you keep him in your room at night
so you can reassure him or leave a night light for him.
Geriatric dogs also feel less confident and become more clingy so he might
suffer from seperation anxiety.
Alison