Older Dog starting to poop in the house while eating

Question
Hello! i have a 14 year old white Spitz, and he sometimes poops in the house while he is eating, that is after he goes outside, he gets excited when we put the food out to him and does circles until we sit the food down then he will eat and at the same time he will poop, it is not loose, they are hard, and it is getting frustrating and I am not putting him to sleep. Please help!!!!!!

Answer

Hi Darrell,

For dogs, as for older people, incontinence can be a very manageable condition, with the proper diagnosis of the cause, the right medication (if indicated) and the appropriate environmental support. Your first step in gaining control of this problem is to have your dog should be examined by your veterinarian. His incontinence might be helped by medication which strengthen a weak sphincter muscle, helping your dog control his bowels.

Switching to a high fiber dog food can produce bulkier (more solid) stools by absorbing stool water. Change foods gradually over a period of a week will help your dog easily adjust to a new diet. Talk this over with your vet.

Best of luck,
Patti