Anyone ever dealt with a pet who might be jealous of your new baby? We have a six-year-old Vizsla who is an absolutely fantastic pet. Years ago we dealt with anxiety issues -- she didn't like being left alone and would urinate in the house (these were not "accidents" instead intentional per the vet and dog trainer). We established a routine when leaving and the problem stopped. Now we have a five-month-old baby and it seems the "accidents" are starting again. At first they were occasional but now daily. She does it when we leave. Could she be acting out of jealousy because we're leaving with the baby and not her (mind you, we give our dog LOTS of love and attention -- she is not being ignored as one might expect with a new baby around). I'm not necessarily looking to analyze her problem but instead look for a remedy. Also, I need suggestions on what to use on the carpets to clean the soiled spots, to repel her from going on them again, etc. Thanks!
Bringing a new baby home is stressful for all family members, pets included. This is a difficult adjustment period for your dog and will take lots of patience and understanding. Your routine has been changed and your dog is not your only "child" now. I would suggest trying to go back to your original routine as much as possible to make the dog feel more comfortable. Don't give up on the dog, it's probably just feeling insecure. Good Luck!
Natures Miracle and Pet Force are two great enzyme based cleaners. Pet Force can be watered down. These are also great for cleaning up food spills, diaper leaks/explosions and throw up. The enzymes combine with the food products and by products truely eliminating them . It also works on blood and grass stains. Your dog is probably just anxious about the changes in the home. Some breeds handle stress poorly. Some dogs (regardless of breed) handle stress poorly. If this is the case trying to keep things normal will help her move through the adjustment quickly. Do your best to not give her significantly more attention than before. It is fairly normal for pets to use potty behavior to tell us what they think about things. She just needs understanding while she sdjusts to a new standard of normal.
Hi W.,
We had a horrible time with a beloved cat. After we brought our newborn home, she urinated all over the house, carpet, furniture for two years until finally she jumped on the bed (while I was under the covers) looked me right in the eye and went right on me. Needless to say we finally had to break down and find her a new home. We had to recarpet the entire house. Our other cat is still with us and has never had that issue, so I suppose it depends on the personality of the pet.
K.
K. V. Photography
Children, Newborn, Maternity, Family and Pet Photographer
Agoura Hills, CA - Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, Ventura County
"Nature's Miracle" is a good remedy for the stain and smell (available at PetSmart or PetCo). I am afraid I don't know the remedy for the action....
Good Luck.
A lot of your question I can't really answer without seeing the stuation first hand, but I would ask- how often does she get walked and how far?
At http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/vizsla.htm it says this about their temperment:
Loving, demonstrative and gentle, the Vizsla is somewhat willful and distractible, but smart and trainable. This breed needs a patient, firm hand. They are reliable with children, loving all the play they can get. Maybe to too energetic and excitable for very young toddlers, excellent for energetic kids. Able to adapt quickly to family life, and are generally good with other dogs. Energetic and athletic, the Vizsla must receive sufficient exercise or they may become destructive or neurotic. Socialize this dog well and get him accustomed to noises at an early age. It is very important to obedience train your Vizsla. They can get overly eager, prancing around you in sheer excitement. This breed is highly trainable and very willing to please; if you can get it to understand exactly what it is you want of them. If you do not train this breed they may become difficult to handle and control. Example: See Video. Look for breed lines that are not high-strung or shy. Vizsla are known as chewers. This breed is not for everyone. If you want a calm dog and are not willing to walk a couple of miles or jog at least one mile a day, do not choose a Vizsla. Without proper exercise, the can easily become high strung. They have many talents such as: tracking, retrieving, pointing, watchdog and competitive obedience. The Vizsla is a hunting dog and may be good with cats they are raised with, but should not be trusted with animals such as hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs etc...
It could be more so than acting out that she is stressed out and getting high strung. If you, DH, a good neighbor looking for ways to excersise... aomeone could commit to at least 3 days a week of REALLY running her, it might help. It's at least worth a shot. Perhaps someone can Run her a mile or walk her 2+ miles on M/W/F and on part of the weekend you can take a family walk. Play is great for dogs, and helps exsert some of the energy. BUT- a "pack" is formed during calm exploration with one leader (a humane needs to LEAD her, not follow where she drags them.) and the rest of the family pack.
