Dog pooping in the house?

[Pea-n-Me]

This happened to both of my dogs in their older ages (12, 15) where they eventually had so much muscle waste in their hind end that at the end of their lives they were going in their sleep, while they were walking, etc.

But OP noted that the dog always seems to go in the same exact spot, which is why I didn't think to bring that up -- seems more like a deliberate action? What do you think?

I doubt it’s deliberate. I would think just less feeling in the rear and less ability to control it. It’s a nerve issue.

 

[jen7233]

How often does he go out, and is he on the same schedule? Without knowing much more, I'd maybe add extra going outside times, or maybe change the time you feed him so you can be around to observe and take him out when he gives signs he needs to relieve himself, if at all possible. Block of any areas of the house you don't want them roaming around in. He probably just smells the old spot, even with cleaners it's really hard to get the scent out maybe also try some new cleaner or some natural ingredients blends.

Happened with mine at about those ages, well with two previous dogs I had (my current one is 7). We of course took them to the vet to rule out things but honestly they were going to the vet for other physical things at that time one cancer, the other seizures then dementia. But at home we did some of the previous things I mentioned. I also couldn't walk mine anymore from about that age as they were not physically able to and they were with us until it was too hard for them. But, if yours is still able to exercise outside on a walk, that's a good thing I'd venture to say.

 

[LSUmiss]

The vet hasn't suggested that, and I don't think they would. It's just what my husband fears because he knows he's getting older. Like I said, besides this new issue, he's exactly the same as he's been for years.

What kind of dog?

 

[LSUmiss]

He’s a mutt but mostly shih tzu. We are going to take him out for walks a few more times a day than we have been to see if that helps. We can’t really keep him confined because we’re in an open floor plan apartment and the only way to contain him would be to shut him in a bedroom...where the carpet is lol

I’ll try putting down vinegar and see if that does anything.

Could if be b/c it’s cold or wet outside? My dachshund will do this occasionally b/c he doesn’t finish going outside b/c of this. He’s only 4, but my dach before him used to do it more as he got older b/c he was less tolerant of the elements & just didn’t care anymore lol. My sister’s older dach started doing the same thing.

 

[lilmc]

My husband is terrified that if we take him to the vet they’ll say to put him down but besides this, he’s still the same dog he’s been for years.

Your husband has nothing to fear. Your vet would never tell you to do that. That is your family’s decision, not theirs. Your vet can best council you on the best course of action, whether your dog needs pain meds, more time outside, senility meds, etc. The right time to euthanize is always a family’s decision.

 

[prairie_girl]

I doubt it’s deliberate. I would think just less feeling in the rear and less ability to control it. It’s a nerve issue.

At first I thought it was a revenge thinking but, after reading up on it a bit, I saw over and over that dogs just don’t have the capacity to get that emotion. I 100% agree with that.

What kind of dog?

I put it up thread, but he’s a shih tzu.

Could if be b/c it’s cold or wet outside? My dachshund will do this occasionally b/c he doesn’t finish going outside b/c of this. He’s only 4, but my dach before him used to do it more as he got older b/c he was less tolerant of the elements & just didn’t care anymore lol. My sister’s older dach started doing the same thing.

LOL yep, it’s very cold here for 6 months of the year, but he’s had 11 years to get used to it. He loves being outside, any weather. Well, besides rain, but we don’t get rain in the winter.

 

[LSUmiss]

At first I thought it was a revenge thinking but, after reading up on it a bit, I saw over and over that dogs just don’t have the capacity to get that emotion. I 100% agree with that.




I put it up thread, but he’s a shih tzu.





LOL yep, it’s very cold here for 6 months of the year, but he’s had 11 years to get used to it. He loves being outside, any weather. Well, besides rain, but we don’t get rain in the winter.

But as my little dogs got older they were less tolerant of it, but who knows.

 

[Pucks104]

As dogs get older they tend to not be able to “hold it” as long as they could when younger. The dog may require more trips out than before maybe with a dog walker if you aren’t where you can get him out.