Dear Miss Fifi:

I have a 15 year old miniature Poodle who was always house-broken up until about six months ago. He never has an accident in the day time, but in the middle of the night he will get up (out of bed) and pee in the hallway. Now, the doggy door that he uses all day long is two feet from where he pees. Why do you think he is doing that?

- Alicia

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Dear Alicia:

Unless you've done something in the last few months to irritate him, like cut out his favorite puppy treats or make him wear a pink feather boa that embarrasses him on leashwalks, I'd say that his age is a factor. Nighttime incontinence is not unusual in older dogs (or humans, for that matter), so he would probably appreciate if you took him to the vet for a checkup. I think you'll find that his new actions are physical rather than emotional.

Tell him Miss Fifi said, 'Woof' ... and good luck.