Dog coming upstairs

[WatchOutMissMarpleIsAbout]

Hi our almost 12 year old rescue/rehomed Lhasa has started coming upstairs at night the last 10 days or so. We got her 5& half years ago.

She isn’t allowed upstairs and only used to come upstairs if scared eg thunderstorms, fireworks that sort of thing.

We send her back down but she’s very reluctant to go down. And usually comes back up again. She’s also started to wee on the carpet but only upstairs and no problem holding her bladder if downstairs or if it’s raining princess

Ive made an appointment for Thursday at the vets for a check just in case there is something medical going on.

Anything I could be missing? TIA

Forgot to add she doesn’t come upstairs during the day unless spooked by a loud noise.

I wonder if it's a combination of old age, poor bladder control and a bit of cognitive decline and confusion. If she's getting scared alone at night and just wants to be with you, but isn't used to being upstairs, she could be peeing through confusion or to "mark".

But wouldn’t the bladder control also be downstairs? If we are out she manages to control though to be fair if we are out all day I take her to the dog sitter as it’s not fair on her.

Oh dear! Poor thing.

Not necessarily, especially if she's not used to being upstairs and doesn't understand that she's not allowed to pee there, or wants to mark.

Ok thank you

A stair gate is a kind option especially as she will hopefully live much longer. Especially as you’re an early riser. She’s only downstairs for 5 hours and she’ll be sound asleep during that time.

The gate will help her settle as she doesn’t have the option to trouble her mind and keep her going up and down stairs.

Yes we’ve thought that and I’ve ordered some nappies to try as if she would rather be upstairs as she’s scared then that is an option

I’ve asked for a double vet appointment so they can check her thoroughly

Hi I’ve taken her to the vets. No obvious signs of anything wrong but another sample taken of a lump that has been monitored previously and pain relief in case that’s an issue. He says most likely she is just getting older and wanting to be with us 😍

Have you noticed any changes in eating and drinking? Our dog had Cushings and the first things we noticed were increased drinking and being hungrier - going upstairs and peeing on the landing were happening at the same time, but we didn't make the connection, and nor did the vet.

No but actually that’s something to consider. We are back in a month for her next check anyway. Thank you

Not sure if anyone wanted an update but dog had carried on weeing almost everywhere. But as she Has stopped coming upstairs for now no nappies. a few poop accidents also.

she has now been diagnosed with early stage kidney disease.

She’s fine at the moment and being spoilt rotten with extra hugs. No change to diet needed at the moment.

We are going away shortly and when back she’ll also be tested for Cushings.