Why is my old dog pooping in the house suddenly? A Comprehensive Guide

Why Does This Happen?

Dogs who dont get enough time outdoors may get distracted once they are let out. After being enclosed in the home for most of the day, they cant wait to sniff everything and romp around to get rid of pent-up energy.

With all this sensory overload and the excitement of stretching their legs, dogs can get distracted to the point of forgetting that they need to go potty. Only once they go back inside do they realize the urgency, and then they have an accident right on the spot. This is often seen in puppies.

Old Age

Some dogs develop a condition known as canine cognitive dysfunction as they age. This is sort of like the dog version of Alzheimers disease. Affected dogs may have a hard time with a variety of tasks, and potty training is one of them. Your dog may forget how to go outside or forget to give you signs she needs to go.

On the other hand, some older dogs may not have cognitive dysfunction but simply may not be able to hold it in.

Limit your dog to only a few areas of the house. If you can limit her to an uncarpeted area, that would be preferable.

Cover the areas your dog has access to with pads.

Dont punish or yell at your dog. She cant help it. You will need to have patience and give her support. Cleanups are a must at this stage of her life, and you shouldnt expect her to do better.

Use doggy diapers if its a serious problem, but ask your vet before you purchase them. Some dogs may find it so uncomfortable that they hold it in when they have to go, which is harmful to their health.

Did You Know?

60% of dogs between the ages of 11 and 16 display some signs of cognitive dysfunction according to a 2019 study published in the journal, “Frontiers in Neuroscience.”

What to Feed Your Dog

Dogs prefer eating real food, and if you have the time to make them at home, healthy, vet-approved homemade dog food recipes are a great way to go.

If you use kibble, be sure to educate yourself on how to select high-quality dog foods by reading the labels. As a rule of thumb, go with natural, organic brands whenever possible. Most commercial brands contain fillers, meat or fish by-products, animal fat, liver meal, BHA, BHT, and other chemicals and additives. Stay away from these!

Why Does My Dog Poop In The House After Going Outside (Answered and Explained With 7 Reasons)

If your dog has started pooping in the house, youll need to determine the cause of this behavior in order to address it.