Bringing a new puppy home is a rewarding experience, often marked by the proud moment of successful potty-training. However, as dogs mature, occasional accidents can happen. But when a previously house-trained dog begins to frequently poop inside, it signals an issue that needs attention. This behavior is abnormal and warrants investigation into its underlying causes.
This article delves into the most common reasons why a dog might defecate in the house and provides actionable solutions to help you manage and resolve these incidents.
Key Takeaways
- Occasional indoor accidents from a house-trained dog are usually not a cause for alarm.
- Persistent indoor pooping in a house-trained dog often indicates a health problem, a disruption in their routine, or environmental stressors.
- To address this behavior, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical issues or implement behavior modification strategies.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Indoor Defecation
If your dog consistently poops in the house, it can stem from underlying health concerns or changes in their environment, diet, or daily routine. The crucial first step is to consult with your veterinarian to eliminate any medical explanations.
Intestinal Parasites
Inflammation of the intestines or a sudden urge to defecate can lead to accidents. A common culprit for gastrointestinal issues in dogs is intestinal parasites, or worms. Dogs can contract these parasites from environments like yards, dog parks, or contact with other animals. These worms inflame the gastrointestinal tract, which can manifest as diarrhea, blood in stool, or mucus.
Food Intolerance or Allergy
Gastrointestinal upset in dogs can also be triggered by food allergies or intolerances. While not extremely common, about 10-15% of dogs with diagnosed food allergies exhibit both skin and gastrointestinal symptoms, often presenting as loose stools. Common allergens for dogs include dairy, beef, chicken, wheat, and lamb. These issues can result in more frequent defecation, softer stools, and increased gas and stomach noises.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a growing concern for many dogs, particularly when their owner’s schedule changes, leading to more time spent away from home. Dogs experiencing this anxiety may exhibit nervousness as their owner prepares to leave, leading to destructive chewing, pacing, whining, and house soiling.
Noise Phobia and Outdoor Stressors
Fear or anxiety triggered by external factors can cause dogs to avoid defecating outdoors. Nervous dogs may become anxious due to loud noises like passing vehicles, barking dogs, thunder, or firecrackers. Other stressors include fear of predators, rain, or objects like skateboards and bicycles. A fearful dog might hold their bowel movements until they feel secure indoors.
Distractions During Potty Breaks
Some dogs may not complete their business outdoors due to distractions. If a dog spends more time sniffing and exploring than focusing on defecation, they might not relieve themselves fully, leading to indoor accidents later.
Changes in Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Abrupt changes to their established schedule for eating, walks, or play can lead to stress and contribute to house soiling incidents, especially for recently house-trained puppies.
Age-Related Issues
As dogs age, their house-training might become less reliable. Mild signs of canine cognitive dysfunction, or dog dementia, can cause older dogs to forget learned behaviors, leading to confusion and accidents. Symptoms include pacing, wandering, increased anxiety, and house soiling. Additionally, arthritis can make it physically difficult for older dogs to position themselves to defecate or to navigate to their outdoor potty spot.
Diet Changes
Sudden shifts in a dog’s diet, whether due to a new food brand or an encounter with garbage, can disrupt their digestive system. These abrupt changes can imbalancethe gut microbiome, leading to loose stools and subsequent accidents.
Strategies to Stop Indoor Pooping
Regardless of the cause, punishing your dog for indoor defecation is ineffective and can worsen anxiety. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and addressing the root cause.
Address Underlying Health Conditions
Consult your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any medical issues. Intestinal parasites can be identified via fecal testing and treated with medication. For food allergies, your vet might suggest a specialized diet. Incorporating a daily probiotic, such as Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora or Nutramax Proviable, can also support a healthy gut microbiome.
Manage Anxiety and Separation Anxiety
Behavior modification and desensitization techniques are key for anxiety-related issues. For separation anxiety, dogs can be gradually retrained to associate being alone with positive experiences. Seek guidance from professional trainers or veterinary behaviorists. Calming aids like pheromones (e.g., Thunderease) and supplements like Vetoquinol Zylkene or Purina Pro Plan Calming Care can also be beneficial.
Address Age-Related Concerns
If your senior dog shows signs of cognitive decline or arthritis, consult your veterinarian. Medications and specialized diets can help manage these conditions. Your vet can also recommend joint supplements or pain relief for arthritis.
Ensure Effective Potty Breaks
Prevent distractions during outdoor potty times. Immediately take your dog outside upon returning home or before engaging in play. Praise and reward them for successful elimination to reinforce the behavior.
Transition Food Gradually
When changing your dog’s diet, do so gradually over at least a week to prevent digestive upset. Start with a 25% new food/75% old food mix for two days, then move to a 50/50 mix, followed by 75% new food for two days, before fully transitioning. Probiotics can further aid this process.
Always clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors and discourage repeat offenses.
References
Merck Veterinary Manual. Cutaneous Food Allergy in Animals – Integumentary System.
References
Dr. Christina Hawkins, DVM
