Why Does My Dog Poop in the House? Causes and Fixes
Indoor accidents are frustrating, but they usually have a cause you can address.
Medical causes
Digestive upset, parasites, food changes, food intolerances, infections, pain, cognitive decline and mobility issues can all lead to accidents. See dog roundworms for one example of a parasite that can affect the gut. Your vet can run tests and recommend treatment. Rule out health first, especially if the change is sudden.
Behavioral causes
- Incomplete house training, common in puppies and some adopted dogs.
- Schedule gaps: too long between breaks.
- Stress or anxiety. See separation anxiety signs in dogs
- Fear of going outside. See why does my dog refuse to go outside
- Marking. See why do dogs mark territory
- Changes at home: new baby, move, new pet or altered routine.
- Weather dislike.
- Excitement or submission, usually with urine.
Age and house training
Puppies have small bladders and need frequent breaks. See how to crate train a puppy for a schedule. Seniors may lose control. See senior dog behavior changes.
Retrain from the start
- Set a schedule: take your dog out after waking, eating, playing and naps, and before bed.
- Go with him to a consistent spot.
- Reward immediately when he goes.
- Supervise indoors with a leash, gate or crate when not watched.
- Watch for signs: sniffing, circling, restlessness.
- Interrupt gently if you catch him, and take him out.
Cleaning
Use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet accidents. Ammonia-based products may smell like urine to dogs. Clean thoroughly, so your dog does not return to the spot.
Do not punish
Punishing after the fact does not teach the right behavior, and dogs may learn to hide when they need to go. Reward success and stay calm.
Stress and anxiety
If accidents happen when you are away, anxiety may be involved. See how to help a dog with separation anxiety. Dogs may soil in a crate when stressed. Work gently.
Medical clues
Contact your vet if you see diarrhea, straining, blood, vomiting, weight loss, lethargy or more frequent accidents. Bring a stool sample if requested.
Diet
Keep feeding consistent. Sudden changes can cause upset. See how often should you feed a dog for schedule ideas.
When to seek help
If accidents continue after medical checks and retraining, ask a trainer or behaviorist. See when to see a dog behaviorist.
Common mistakes
- Punishing.
- Using the wrong cleaner.
- Not supervising.
- Ignoring health.
- Giving too much freedom too soon.
Troubleshooting
- He poops when I am away: consider anxiety and a longer break schedule.
- He poops at night: adjust the last meal and walk.
- He poops in one spot: clean well and block access.
- He poops after eating: take him out immediately after meals.
A simple plan
- See the vet.
- Set a schedule.
- Supervise and reward.
- Clean thoroughly.
Real-life examples
A lab begins pooping indoors and a vet finds a parasite, and treatment solves it. A terrier soils after a move, and routine and supervision restore habits. A senior beagle has accidents because of cognitive changes, and management helps. Causes differ.
Staying positive
Accidents are not spite. They are signs that something needs adjusting. Be consistent and calm, and most dogs recover.
The takeaway
Rule out health problems, set a schedule, supervise, reward and clean properly.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my trained dog poop inside now?
Think of health, stress, schedule changes or fear outdoors.
Should I punish him?
No. It rarely works and can make things worse.
How do I clean the spot?
Use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet accidents.
When should I see the vet?
If it is sudden, frequent or accompanied by other signs.