My Dog is Pooping Indoors

It is a mess to clean up, but what is the mess that is causing changes in your dog’s stool habits in the first place?

It may be tempting to jump to the worst conclusions, but there are many reasons why your dog’s bowel movements may have suddenly gone haywire.

Cheap, commercial food without the proper nutrients can cause more frequent and bulkier bowel movements. The solution is to give your dog premium dog food so that more nutrients are absorbed and less waste is produced.

Premium dog food exerts less stress on your dog’s digestive system. Vet-approved homemade dog food recipes are also a great option to control what goes into your furry friend’s stomach. It may be helpful to consult your vet for a meal plan and dietary options to ensure your dog receives the best possible nutrients.

Stress
Has your dog undergone any changes in its daily routine or environment? Does your dog experience separation anxiety? Such stress may cause erratic developments in your dog’s stool.

If your dog is prone to stress, it would be beneficial to consult a qualified behaviourist and veterinarian to identify the source of stress and take steps to reduce it. For example, if your dog is stressed when you leave the house, you can progressively train it to accept separation in a gradual manner, such as offering its favourite food or toys when leaving your home.

Changes in the habits and appearance of your dog’s stool can be a warning sign of deeper medical issues.

If your dog’s stools appear loose or diarrhea-like, it may be gastroenteritis, which is the inflammation of their stomach or intestines. However, it may not be as serious as an underlying medical condition. Do consult your vet for informed advice.

As your dog begins to age, it may start to lose control of its bowel movements. Loss in the strength of a dog’s bowel muscles may cause it to become incontinent or it may need to go potty more frequently.

Dogs can also have changes in their daily habits, including toileting behaviour, due to a decline in cognitive ability. This may be observed in geriatric dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, a condition similar to dementia in people.

You may let your dog out more often to do its business. You can also consider hiring a pet sitter to monitor and cater to your dog’s bowel movements while you are away. But remember, going to the vet is your best bet. Ask your vet for educated advice and treatment options.

Learning More
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Text compiled by Liyana Adnan