We know this isn’t the most glamorous of topics, but it's one that many pet owners face: your old dog has started pooping indoors. This is a common issue and, more importantly, it's one that can often be resolved or managed with a bit of patience and the right approach.
Read on to discover common causes, effective strategies to manage the issue, as well as expert tips to keep your home clean and your ageing dog happy. Let’s work together to ensure a comfortable and dignified golden age for your four-legged, canine companion.
Understanding Why Older Dogs Poop Indoors
As our dogs enter their senior years, they may experience changes that can lead to indoor accidents. Several factors can contribute to this, and understanding these can help owners provide the best possible care.
Age-Related Changes
As our dogs grow older, their bodies undergo various changes, much like we do in our senior years. Muscles may not be as strong as they once were, and nerve function can decline, impacting the signals that control their bladder and bowels. These age-related shifts can affect a dog's ability to control their bowel movements, leading to accidents around the house, which can be distressing for both the dog and their owner. Also, as dogs get older and stiffer and maybe find getting up from a lying position harder, they can sometimes ‘hang on’ for a little bit too long, leading to a loss of control when they do get up.
Medical Conditions
Several medical conditions can contribute to indoor accidents in senior dogs. Here are a few possible additional culprits:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This chronic condition causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, and weight loss. (Check out our Purina Gastrointestinal Dog Food, formulated to support dogs with intestinal disorders).
- Colitis: Inflammation of the colon can result in frequent bowel movements, urgency, and accidents.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can slow down various bodily functions, including digestion, leading to constipation and irregular bowel movements.
- Kidney Disease: As kidney function declines, dogs may experience increased thirst and urination, which can lead to accidents if they are unable to reach their designated potty area in time.
- Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD): Similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, CCD can lead to disorientation, memory loss, and a subsequent loss of bowel and bladder control and/or previously learned housetraining.
Side Effects of Medication
It’s worth noting that some drugs can cause diarrhoea or loose stools as a side effect. This can make it harder for your dog to hold it in until they're outside, potentially leading to more frequent accidents. Be sure to discuss any digestive changes with your vet, as they may be able to adjust the medication or offer other solutions.
Faecal Incontinence in Senior Dogs
Senior dogs, normally classified as those over the age of 7, can face challenges as they enter their twilight years. Cognitive decline, like dementia in humans, can cause disorientation, confusion and a breakdown in routine including house-training, while decreased mobility and a weakened immune system can contribute to an increased frequency of accidents. It's vital to catch these signs early and adapt your care routine to help manage these issues effectively, making sure your senior dog remains comfortable and happy.
Signs of Bowel Incontinence in Dogs
Signs of bowel incontinence in dogs can range from subtle to the more obvious. Here are some of the most common signs to watch out for:
- Faecal Soiling: Finding faeces in areas where your dog rests or sleeps – or en route to the door/garden.
- Straining or Changes in Stool: Straining to defecate without producing much stool or experiencing changes in stool consistency (like diarrhoea or very soft stools).
- Diarrhoea: Loose or watery stools.
- Accidents Indoors: Defecating while walking or sleeping.
- Bloating and Gas: Abdominal distension and excessive gas.
- Agitation and Restlessness: Increased irritability or anxiety.
- Reduced Tail Movement: Can be a sign of neurological issues affecting bowel control.
- Other signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.
Managing the Issue: Practical Tips
Consult your Vet
First things first, if your senior dog starts showing any of the above signs of incontinence, a trip to the vet is in order. Don't dismiss accidents as simply a part of ageing; they could be a symptom of a treatable medical condition. Regular checkups are key, but when there's a new issue, professional assistance is essential.
Dietary Adjustments
What goes into your dog has a big impact on their digestive health, especially as they age. Choosing food made for senior dogs can make a world of difference in managing bowel movements and helping to prevent accidents. Consider high-fibre food options, which can help regulate digestion and firm up stools, and steer clear of those that can lead to loose stools, such as foods high in fat or artificial ingredients. Consult your vet for personalised dietary recommendations based on your dog's specific needs.
Medication
Sometimes, medication is necessary to manage underlying health issues that contribute to incontinence. Your vet can prescribe appropriate medication based on your dog's diagnosis and overall health. They may also be able to prescribe medication to slow the progress of cognitive dysfunction. This is important for addressing the root cause of the incontinence rather than just managing the symptoms. Always consult with your vet before starting any new treatment for your dog.
Change your Dog’s Environment
Think about how you can make your home more senior-dog-friendly to minimise stress and accidents. This might include providing more accessible sleeping areas, perhaps using ramps or orthopaedic beds, and keeping the path to the garden clear for easy access when nature calls. And when accidents do happen, it's important to clean up effectively to eliminate odours and discourage repeat incidents in the same spot. Creating a comfortable and accessible environment can significantly improve your senior dog's quality of life.
Training and Behavioural Strategies
Establishing a consistent routine is crucial and taking your dog out regularly (at least every two hours) will help – especially if they are ‘forgetting’ that they need to go to the toilet. Remember to be patient – older dogs might need a bit more time to get outside and might also take longer once they are out there. Always reward them when they go to the toilet outside – as some positive reinforcement is always beneficial.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
Stress can worsen incontinence, so creating a calm and predictable environment is important for managing the issue. This is especially true for older and senior dogs who may be more prone to stress due to cognitive decline or changes in their routine. A consistent daily schedule, regular toileting opportunities, and your presence all help to reduce potential stress and keep accidents to a minimum. No matter how difficult you might find it, avoid getting frustrated or angry with your dog. They can’t help it and it will only make things worse – and their life more stressful.
Regular gentle exercise is also important to stimulate the digestive system and maintain regular bowel function – but only do as much as your senior is comfortable with.
Seeing your elderly or senior dog struggle with incontinence can be tough, but for many, it’s a common part of the ageing process. With the right approach and a bit of understanding, you can help manage this issue. Always seek veterinary advice when you're concerned about your dog's health and know that there are many strategies to support your ageing companion. Keep your chin up – with love and care, you and your dog can navigate this together.
