Pooing in the house after 12 years

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poiuytrewq

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I know its probably old age creeping up but does anyone have any suggestions?
Hes a 12 yr old black Lab and has been the most perfectly house trained dog ever until fairly recently.
It started when he was excited (sorry gross) poo would just fall out as he ran round and played, hes still very active and playful.
The last few days ive come home from work to poo on the floor. Hes still really cheery, like he has no idea its from him (he gets all squinty and cowers if hes in the wrong!)
I *think* he gets a bit excited hearing my car pull in and it happens then?
I cant leave the door open as 1. its not safe and 2. we have another little dog who would freeze to death, as would we!
Any suggestions? Is there something i can do or would you be taking a trip to the vet?
 
Poo is normal looking- scattered (because he does it on the move) He gets fed twice a day on dry food- same as hes had for ever!

I dont think we could install a dog flap as the back doors are the double glass sort leading off the dining area. The kitchen/utility has no garden access.

He go's out in the morning when we get up about 7am then again at about 8.30 before i leave for work. I finish work at 12.30 and the first thing i do is let out. Then for the rest of the day they come in and out a few times between horses being done/school etc last time being about 11pm. Hes ok over night.
 
I shall just be blunt here...the anal sphincter becomes lax with age-simples;) I've known several dogs get like this in old age. One,every time someone came to the house,he'd bark and a little 'nugget' would shoot out! Like people,their control gets a bit hit and miss in old age. :-/
 
Venevidivici said:
I shall just be blunt here...the anal sphincter becomes lax with age-simples;) I've known several dogs get like this in old age. One,every time someone came to the house,he'd bark and a little 'nugget' would shoot out! Like people,their control gets a bit hit and miss in old age. :-/
Click to expand...

This ^^^^coupled with your description and evidence of the pooh being scattered (bless his old socks) a vet visit just to check his anal functions for sure.:)
 
Get him checked by the vet.

Is his back legs starting to go as well? Sensation and strength can start to go, from the rear forwards, as they get older, often through arthritis in the spine.

Our old lab became incontentient towards the end of her life. She too was totally unaware she was doing and was really upset and stressed if she noticed. We made very sure never to make a fuss about it.

Pain relief helped a little: her's was due to arthritis in the spine (her backend was going) Feeding times were important: she usually poo'd a couple of hours after feeding so her dinner times were changed to suit. She was also fed 3 times a day and this really helped. Making sure she had enough fibre in her diet meant her poos were at least solid and easily cleaned up. Thankfully we have hard flooring, not carpet!

Sadly it's often just an old age thing and something you can only manage, not fix.
 
Kallibear said:
Get him checked by the vet.

Is his back legs starting to go as well? Sensation and strength can start to go, from the rear forwards, as they get older, often through arthritis in the spine.

Our old lab became incontentient towards the end of her life. She too was totally unaware she was doing and was really upset and stressed if she noticed. We made very sure never to make a fuss about it.

Pain relief helped a little: her's was due to arthritis in the spine (her backend was going) Feeding times were important: she usually poo'd a couple of hours after feeding so her dinner times were changed to suit. She was also fed 3 times a day and this really helped. Making sure she had enough fibre in her diet meant her poos were at least solid and easily cleaned up. Thankfully we have hard flooring, not carpet!

Sadly it's often just an old age thing and something you can only manage, not fix.
Click to expand...

Our old dog went like this too - it was uncomfortable for her to go due to arthritis so I guess she used to hold it and then she would end up doing it in her bed. It's just so sad when they have been such clean dogs previously. We never made a fuss of it either. In hindsight I think she probably could have been given painkillers as this could have made things easier but this was many many years ago and I don't think veterinary care was quite the same as it is now. :(
 
ah god, i hope its not arthritus I'd hate to think of him in pain :-(
I will try changing foot times a little. Maybe even swap morning breakfast for lunch? (or is that just mean?)
His back end as in legs and strength appear as good as ever. I mean he no longer springs over big gates but he certainly jumps smaller things (my daughter builds courses and he follows her!)
I will give his vet a call and just check if they think they should see him. Its so sad when animals get old.
 
Venevidivici said:
I shall just be blunt here...the anal sphincter becomes lax with age
Click to expand...

^^^This

My brothers old girl (lab) used to leave a trail up the stairs, she also went a bit senile, so would go outside (but forget to go), come back in, pooing as she came up the step at the back door.:rolleyes: She had no idea and has always been very clean even as a pup.
 
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