My 10 Year old Schnauzer

Question
We have had Sheba for over 10 years and has been going to the bathroom outside for all these years.  Yes in the past she has pooped in the house because she was upset with us or we just didn't get her outside to do her thing.  The past month she has been pooping in the house.  In that period of time we have bought fish, is she jealous?  She has never done this over and over again in the house and would like to know if she might have a medical problem or do you think she is just jealous.  We treat her the same as we always do and give her lots of love.  She does have bad teeth and we had to have alot of them removed - she still has the bad breath - could this be the problem.  She is a very healthy dog and a good dog, but pooping in the house is making me wonder if she is really sick.  She seems fine - please help if you can.

Thank you.  Shauna Parsons

Answer
Only a veterinarian can determine if your dog has a health problem.

Make sure she is eating a quality food that is not too high in fiber, and that she is not being overfed. Both conditions make for excessive stools. It could be that as she ages she is having less muscular control and just needs to go outside more often.

It is about time for her spring checkup, so have the vet go over her thoroughly and maybe have a blood panel drawn up on her. Don't forget to take in a stool sample, too.