It's a distressing experience to find your older dog soiling the house, especially if they were once reliably house-trained. This behavior often signals underlying health issues or changes in the dog's environment. While an older dog pooping or peeing in your house can be upsetting, with patience and understanding, it can be resolved. By learning about common causes and implementing appropriate solutions, you can help your aging companion maintain a comfortable and clean living space.
Common Causes of House Soiling in Older Dogs
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)
Dogs with CDS may forget where they are supposed to eliminate or be unable to hold it due to cognitive decline. Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, pacing, getting lost in familiar places, changes in sleep patterns, and reduced responsiveness to commands.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs can make it painful for dogs to urinate, leading to accidents or holding it in until they can't anymore. The symptoms of UTIs include frequent urination, straining to urinate, accidents, licking at the genitals, blood in the urine, and lethargy.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can cause increased thirst and urination, making it difficult for dogs to control their bladder. Other symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and lethargy.
Arthritis
Pain from arthritis can make it difficult for dogs to get up and outside to relieve themselves. Lameness, stiffness, difficulty getting up or down, reduced activity level, and reluctance to play are also symptoms associated with arthritis.
Medications
Some medications can cause increased urination, diarrhea, or other side effects that can lead to accidents. Some common medications that can cause such side effects are diuretics, anti-inflammatory drugs, sedatives, and certain antibiotics.
Stress or Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can cause dogs to become anxious or fearful, leading to accidents as a way to cope. Common triggers for stress or anxiety in dogs include changes in the environment, new pets, separation anxiety, or loud noises.
Aging
As dogs age, their bodies may not function as efficiently, making it more difficult for them to hold their waste or get outside to relieve themselves. With aging also comes weakening muscles, decreased bladder control, and reduced sensory abilities.
Solutions to House Soiling in Older Dogs
If your older dog is having regular accidents like pooping or peeing in the house, you may need to take steps to support their health, well-being, and behavioral patterns.
Veterinary Check-Up
When your older dog poops in the house repeatedly, it's crucial to rule out any underlying health conditions. A veterinarian can diagnose and treat conditions such as UTIs, kidney disease, or arthritis.
Dietary Changes
Consider a diet specifically formulated for older dogs or one that promotes urinary health. A balanced diet can support overall health and bladder function.
Medication
If a UTI or other medical condition is diagnosed, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to address the underlying issue.
House Training Reinforcements
Even an older dog can benefit from positive reinforcement training. Use treats and praise to reward them for going outside to relieve themselves.
Environmental Changes
If stress or anxiety is a factor, create a calm and comfortable environment for your dog. Provide them with a safe space to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed.
Regular Exercise
While gentle exercise is important, avoid overexertion, especially if the dog has arthritis. Regular walks can help stimulate the digestive system and encourage both defecation and urination. Take your dog outside frequently, especially after meals and before bedtime. This can help prevent accidents and reinforce the association between going outside and eliminating.
Diaper Training
If accidents continue, consider using dog diapers or belly bands. This can be a temporary solution while you work on addressing the underlying causes.
