Dog Leaves Poop Stains? All Answers

You should clean your puppy’s bottom. Credit: Iuliia Zavalishina/iStock/GettyImages

How exactly do I get that dried poop stain off my pup’s butt? It’s a question that most likely no one ever expected to hear say or think themselves. But it’s not uncommon for puppy guardians to wonder. Clearing dried poo from a dog’s butt is certainly not everyone’s idea of ​​a good time, but doing so as quickly as possible not only results in a clean dog and home, it can also prevent completely preventable medical problems.

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Dogs tend to be messy

While a poo-covered rear end can certainly happen to any dog, regardless of breed, age, size, and health, there are some dogs that may be more prone to messing back there. Dogs that have naturally long or thick hair belong to this type of dog, as feces can easily become tangled in anything longer than short fur. A sick pup can also face more messes than a healthy dog, especially if your pup has a condition like giardia or parvo, both of which often lead to diarrhea, says VCA Hospitals.

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Puppies can also be prone to sticky butts covered in feces for a number of reasons. First, depending on their age, your pup may not eat the solidest of foods, which can certainly result in loose or wet stools that are easily smeared across their butt. Second, puppies have little to no control over their bladders and bowels, and it may take some several months to get the hang of pooping in appropriate places, which can lead to accidents anywhere.

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How to remove dried feces

Removing dried poo from your pup’s butt isn’t much different than removing dried mud or other debris from their fur. If you can get rid of the mess right away, you have the best chance of a clean recovery with little discomfort to your dog. Start with a damp towel or paper towel to wipe any large bits of feces from your pup’s butt, being careful to hit any areas where dirt may have spilled, like on the legs or even under the belly. You can also use baby wipes or pet wipes, which are available at most pet stores, grocery stores, and drug stores.

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If your dog’s dried poop won’t wipe off with a towel, bathe him with warm water and pet shampoo, taking extra care to gently wash the dried poop off. If you notice that your dog’s hair has become matted around his anus or is completely covering his anus, it is best to consult a doctor to have the mat removed as this can be too painful for you too quickly or without proper care can lead dog. When you’re done bathing or wiping your dog, dry him and his bottom thoroughly and make sure to brush long or thick fur regularly.

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Reducing poopy butts

Do you want to have less poppy seeds in the future? Who would deny this question! To reduce the risk of further messiness and associated discomfort, good hygiene is key – this means regular bathing, cleaning after messy bowel movements and regular hair trimming for long-haired dogs. According to Petful, not trimming thick or long hair around some dogs’ anus can lead to a condition called pseudocoprostasis, which can cause bad odors and fecal stains or potentially prevent your dog from having a bowel movement if the mat is too thick. Finally, if you see that your dog is dragging his bottom on the carpet, licking his anus compulsively, or tends to tighten or flinch when he poops, call your veterinarian to have his anal glands checked and expressed if necessary.

Louie didn’t exactly get a “clean” bill of health from the vet for his annual checkup. He is as healthy as a 2 year old French boy should be but apparently I have to help him with his grooming. While conducting a flea check, ruffling the hair from the base of the tail, the vet noticed that Louie’s bottom needed to be wiped.

I’m aware that Louie can have a messy butt on occasion and have scrubbed at that mess many times. And when he takes a bath, I use a washcloth and wipe him really well. However, the term “mess” is somewhat misleading as it implies it is caked with feces. It’s more like a few very small brown spots here and there in a ring around his bottom. But I wipe them away because cleanliness is good.

What I wasn’t aware of is that Louie also has feces under his cock. With a tiny little nub he can’t move the thing and it doesn’t move much either. It had never occurred to me to actually lift that nub to see underneath. I mean, who really looks for poo under their dog’s tail? It’s obvious that I don’t. I wipe more conscientiously and vigilantly now.

What’s the big deal if I don’t swipe? That’s a good question. Aside from the fact that the dog will be dirty and possibly smell like the feces he’s hiding, the crusty mass could easily cause irritation, his vet says, leading a dog to pull his butt to itch it away. While a dog will also scoot across the floor when their anal glands need to be expressed, a cheaper and easier solution is to check for caked dirt under the tail first. (And then, of course, get the anal glands tended, if needed.) If left uncleaned for too long, the irritation can lead to a rash that could make your dog more uncomfortable.

It might sound easy to clean, but here’s a quick rundown if you’re new to this task:

Of course you’ll want to lift your dog’s tail to see what’s going on underneath. Then take a damp washcloth and give it a good wipe. Make sure you remove all dirt particles. Then dry the area thoroughly; The tail can trap moisture, which can also cause a rash. Daily cleaning is good, but in most cases at least weekly cleaning is likely to be required. Be particularly careful when bathing.

If your dog has long hair, you should use a fine-toothed comb in this area to remove any crusts stuck to the base of the tail. Dampening the hair first will help soften any matter and also prevent you from pulling on the hair when you snag something with your comb. Your dog will appreciate this.

Final tip: There is a product called The Stuff that I use on my dogs after a bath. It forms a protective barrier on the hair that repels dirt. You can spray it on your dog’s back to prevent feces from sticking and it will make cleaning up much easier for you and your dog in the future.

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Let’s be totally honest; Nobody wants to clean or wipe a dog’s bottom, but often the alternative of not cleaning your dog’s bottom is actually a lot worse. For example, I own a French bulldog and I can’t really reach her own rear end. That means there’s occasionally something left on his butt after he’s pooped.

Then when he comes into the house and shakes, some of the poop lands on the floor. This means I have to wipe my dog’s bottom from time to time. It’s not comfortable, but I’ve figured out a good way to do it without choking.

Other reasons you might need to help them wipe down could be because you have a long-haired dog that is scabbed, an older dog that can’t clean itself, or your dog has had a bout of diarrhea.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to clean a dog’s bottom so it’s as clean, hygienic, and clean as possible for you and your dog.

How to clean a dog’s butt

This guide is divided into two; It includes the full cleaning process, which requires you to clean up a lot of mess, as well as just a few steps of wiping. If all that is needed is a quick wipe, you can simply follow Step 1 to properly wipe a dog’s butt in seconds.

What will you need:

Dog-Friendly Wet Wipes (see on Amazon)

) Dog Shampoo (view on Amazon)

) Scissors or clippers

rubber or latex gloves

1. The quick butt wipe method

This first step depends entirely on the mess you have to deal with. If you just need to quickly wipe your butt after a bowel movement and there aren’t long tangled hairs to deal with, then here’s what you need to do.

Get a dog-friendly wet wipe that is fragrance and chemical free. Lift your dog’s tail with one hand and possibly have another person distract your dog at the front end. Clean the area with the wet wipe with two fingers, being careful not to press too hard on the anus.

The next step is how to clean a dog’s butt when there’s a lot of hair and mess to deal with, and it takes a little preparation.

2. Prepare for cleaning

If instead you need to clean up an almighty mess of feces with matted and dirty hair, then we need to prepare a little where you collect the tools needed for the task at hand – I’ve listed those above.

For anxious dogs, you might want to set things up in the bathroom first and even relax them with a treat before you get started. This involves running some warm water in a sink with some dog-friendly shampoo in it.

Then you can calmly lead your dog into the bathroom and close the door behind you so that it does not run away.

I know some owners who have to leash their dog. It’s not uncommon as dogs don’t really want people messing around on their bottom end… I suspect that makes them feel quite threatened by it!

Handy Tip: If you are faced with a very bad mess and tangled hair, you might want to cut off a lot of hair with scissors or human hair clippers first.

3. Clean around butt hair

Now the real bottom cleaning begins, and you might want to put on rubber gloves for this part!

All you do is soak your cloth in the warm shampoo water and then work it around the affected butt hair, removing as much poop as possible. The warm water will help dissolve anything that’s stuck.

You may not get it all, but the goal here is to clean as best as possible. Again, you can use your dog wipes.

4. If necessary, bathe your dog now

Depending on the severity of the problem, you may want to put your dog in the bath at this point to get his butt even cleaner with plenty of warm water and shampoo.

This gives you the opportunity to work more warm water and shampoo into the butt area and then also shower to remove more stubborn dirt.

Hopefully you’re still wearing those gloves because you can work your fingers through your hair, pull out dried poop, and generally get that butt a lot cleaner.

5. Dry and trim butt hair

Once you’re satisfied you’ve cleaned your dog’s butt properly, you can take it out, dry it, and then use scissors to trim the butt hair.

If you regularly keep a clean butt area free of hair, future butt wiping will be much easier to manage.

You can then use the doggy wipes again for a final wipe.

This will prevent feces from sticking to longer hair

Poo stuck on butt hair is an ongoing problem for dog owners (the dog, not the owner), but there is a product that a friend recently recommended to me. It’s called The Stuff on Amazon and the way it works is really impressive.

It’s basically a non-stick formula spray. You spray it on your dog’s butt hair and it will help prevent feces from sticking and getting tangled up in a mess.

It works by creating a protective barrier on the butt hair which then almost repels dirt and debris. My friend says that dog poo no longer stuck to the hair on the buttocks and she had to clean the dog’s bottom less often.

Should you wipe a dog’s butt?

Of course, there will be times when you absolutely need to clean your dog’s bottom when it comes to messes and hygiene issues.

But what about the daily wipe; should you wipe a dog’s butt?

The answer is; it depends on.

Some dogs will need help wiping from time to time, but in most cases you won’t have to. When dog poop falls, it usually falls clean and away from the anus, meaning no dirt is left behind.

Most of the time, if dirt is left behind, it will fall off quickly once your dog starts walking and running.

But that will not always be the case.

For example, you might have a dog that can’t groom himself and gets messy on occasion, just like my French bulldog. Other times it will be required, but it’s rare to be honest unless your dog has unruly hair on his butt that hasn’t been trimmed in a while.

The other times you should wipe your dog’s bottom aren’t as obvious, and that’s when fecal matter collects under the tail.

And you won’t always notice it, so the occasional lifting and checking of the tail lift is essential if you want a hygienic and clean dog in your home and possibly on your furniture and bed. Once a week for a butt check should be enough.

Why is my dog ​​wiping his butt?

When you see your dog dragging his butt across the floor, it’s not always an indication that he’s wiping his own butt. That can have a completely different reason.

It’s called scooting, and dogs seem to wipe their own butts by dragging along the ground for the following reasons:

Anal gland or anal sac infections.

Something stuck to her butt (could be feces).

Allergic reactions to environmental factors.

parasites like worms.

Bladder or UTI infections.

wound or trauma.

rectal prolapse.

To learn more about how to identify the cause, please see this guide I wrote for dog scooting and when you might need to call a vet. It’s a guide for pugs, but applies to all dog breeds.

Conclusion

Next time someone asks you how to clean a dog’s butt, now you know!

Let’s face it, it’s probably not a question you’ll be asked, but it’s a skill that every dog ​​owner must master at some point in their life.

The trick is not to do this after eating as it can be quite an embarrassing task, especially for those with a weak stomach!

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For more enjoyable dog cleaning guides, please read the following:

The wet wipes method Effectively 2 votes

Step 1 Position Once your pup has done his business, you’ll have a better mopping result if you can position him where you can reach his dog. To do this, place your pup’s front paws on some sort of chair seat and stretch his body out so that his rear end is visible and within easy reach. If your little guy is small, put his front paws on the back of the chair.

Step 2 Always wipe up and away from his other potty areas. If it’s fresh poop, you might be able to remove it with a wipe or two.

Step 3 Dried If the poop is older and dried, it may take a few wipes and extra water or dog shampoo to get it clean. You might consider wearing gloves for that messier wipe.

Step 4 In fur Gloves on hands can make work more comfortable for you. When the poo has dried on your dog’s coat, dampen his bottom with a wet washcloth. Try to keep your little guy in position so you can see his butt in full. Make sure the area is clean so it doesn’t build up next time. Consider trimming the long fur in this area to make pooping easier for both of you.

Babies, puppies, kittens… all so cute and also often the culprit behind the last stain you want to remove. While uncomfortable, it’s possible to remove fecal stains from clothing, carpets, rugs, and more. The Good Housekeeping Institute’s cleaning lab has two tried-and-true methods, depending on the location of the stain, and you probably already have most of the supplies needed to get things looking (and smelling) the way they should again.

what you will need

How to remove fecal stains from carpet and upholstery

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For furniture and carpets, you can make a three-ingredient homemade solution to clean up the mess:

Start by mixing ½ tablespoon and 1 tablespoon in 2 cups of warm water. Sponge the stain with a sponge with the detergent and vinegar solution, then blot until the liquid is absorbed. Continue applying the solution and blotting until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed by the cloth. If the stain remains, use an applicator and then apply a drop or two of ammonia. (Omit the ammonia on wool rugs—it can discolor them.) Pat dry with cool water.

LAB TIP: The Good Housekeeping Seal holder has an enzyme-based formula that fights stains and the lingering odors that cause pets to soil in the same spot over and over again. It works on carpet, upholstery, mattresses and even in your car.

How to remove poop stains from fabric

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Luckily for new parents, removing poop from clothes is a lot easier:

Pre-treat with a pre-wash stain remover, e.g. B., or wash the item in warm water with an enzymatic detergent, e.g. B. Gr , soak. Wash with chlorine bleach such as if the fabric is safe, or with oxygen bleach such as .

Caroline Picard Caroline was the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com until late 2019, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness and other lifestyle news.

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When you own a dog, accidents are inevitable. Whether it’s being housebroken or the dog is getting older, most dogs have accidents at some point. It is not uncommon for sick or older dogs to lose control of their intestines, which can also lead to accidents.

Luckily, when your dog has an accident on the carpet, you don’t get stuck with the stain and odor forever. There are a number of ways to remove the odor and get your carpet looking clean again. Also, many of these techniques can be performed with items you may already have lying around the house.

Below we take a look at the most effective and easiest way to remove dog poop stains from carpets, as well as the odor that comes with it.

Before you begin… Before you begin…

Before you begin, there are a few things you should understand. First, you should remove as much of the solid as possible before attempting any of these steps. It will make them all more effective.

Second, don’t rub the stain when trying to remove solids. just take what you can Don’t scrub. If you do this, you’ll likely only spread the stain and push it deeper into the carpet, making matters worse. Gentleness is the key here.

Third, the sooner you start, the better. The longer the stain sits there, the more it will penetrate the carpet and the harder it will be to remove. Therefore, you should try to remove the stain as soon as possible.

How to Remove Dog Poop Stains and Odors From Carpet (4 Ways)

1. Baking soda

When it comes to virtually every stain, baking soda is your best bet. It’s the holy grail of household cleaners and should work wonders on most dog poop stains. As a moisture-binding starch, baking soda literally absorbs the stain and associated odors – and you can then just vacuum it up.

Using baking soda on a stain is pretty easy.

Simply sprinkle baking soda on the stop so it covers the stain. You don’t want it piling up there – just cover the surface. Then you should let the baking soda sit for as long as possible. Overnight is often best. However, pets or children should not enter the area while it is sitting, as baking soda can be toxic if too much is consumed.

Once the baking soda has had a chance to soak, you can soak it up.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is also a great cleaner, especially when it comes to odors. You can use it to make a household cleaner that is more powerful than most things you buy in stores.

All you have to do is heat the vinegar in a saucepan until it’s steaming, but not necessarily boiling. Then add about a tablespoon of vinegar to two cups of water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle or pour directly over the stain.

Then leave the solution on for a few minutes. By this time it should be cool. Then gently blot it with an old towel or paper towel. Do not rub as this will simply allow the stain to penetrate deeper into the carpet. Your main goal should be to remove all of the vinegar—not scrub the carpet clean.

You should now find that some (if not all) of the stains are gone. You may need to do this more than once to ensure the entire stain is removed.

Take it slow and careful. You don’t want to stir up the stain.

3. Dish soap

Surprisingly, dish soap is a very good cleaner under most circumstances, including dog stains. You can just mix it with warm water for a great solution for most stains. You need about one tablespoon of dish soap for every two cups of water. Just make sure your dish soap doesn’t contain bleach, as this can often do more harm than good.

You should use dish soap similar to vinegar. Add warm water to a bowl or spray bottle, then apply to the stain. Let it sit for about ten minutes to do its job, then blot it off.

Since dish soap is effervescent, you’ll likely need to rinse it thoroughly to make sure everything is removed. While this adds a few extra steps, it also helps get rid of the stain completely, so it’s not all for nothing.

To rinse, simply pour more cool water on the stain and blot again. Repeat until the blotting and pouring stops producing bubbles. We recommend rinsing at the very end of the cleaning. So if you use multiple cleaning methods, wait until you are completely done.

You can also add dish soap to the vinegar solution above and use both methods at the same time. This is often very effective. If you choose to go this route, consider using one tablespoon of dish soap and one tablespoon of vinegar in two cups of water.

4. Enzymatic cleaner

If you are looking for a commercial option, consider an enzymatic cleaner. This type of cleaner is great for urine stains, but can also be useful for fecal stains.

As the name suggests, this type of cleaner is packed with enzymes that literally eat away at the stain and odor-causing bacteria. Therefore, this cleaner is much more effective than most other pet cleaners on the market. You can find enzymatic cleaners at most pet stores and online. Although they may all have slightly different components, most of them work very similarly.

We recommend following the directions on the back of the bottle for the best results. This often involves spraying the area and then waiting a little for the cleaner to work. Next you need to blot the cleaner.

You can use enzymatic cleaners with any of the DIY methods mentioned above. If you decide to use two methods, we recommend using this last so that any leftover bacteria can be removed.

Check the back of the bottle for rinsing instructions. Sometimes the instructions will ask you to flush. Other times they won’t. If you also use vinegar or dish soap, you probably still need to rinse.

Our favorite enzyme cleaner is the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray because it permanently removes (and makes clean-up a breeze) even the worst pet stains and odors imaginable. They even offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Click here to order a bottle and refresh your home today.

At Pet Keen we have admired Hepper for many years and have decided to take a majority stake so that we can benefit from the excellent products this cool cat company has to offer!

Conclusion Conclusion

It can be very frustrating when our dogs have accidents on the floor. However, this does not mean that your carpet will be permanently stained or smelly. There is no stain that you cannot remove from your carpet using the above methods. You are so effective.

When cleaning, we recommend keeping animals and children away from the area. While most of these methods are non-toxic, they can still be a bit too much for smaller animals and humans. Baking soda is only toxic in very high amounts, but small dogs can consume too much of it if they start licking the baking soda that’s been spread on the floor. It’s not something you want to risk.

Also, you should only work in a well-ventilated area. Enzyme cleaners and vinegar are often very smelly and can give off strong fumes. However, baking soda and dish soap aren’t nearly as bad and can often be used without aeration.

In the end, using more than one method is often the best choice. In this case, we recommend using vinegar and dish soap in the same solution first, then moving on to an enzymatic cleaner, rinsing, and then using baking soda. While this may seem like a lot, it leaves an extremely clean carpet.

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Potty training your dog is essential if you don’t want him to mind his business around the house. New puppies take anywhere from 4 to 6 months to be trained while some can take as long as a year.

But if your well-behaved dog suddenly starts pooping inward or leaving little balls of poop while he sleeps, it could be a sign of a more important problem. For example, your dog could be constipated, have bowel incontinence, or be recovering from an injury.

Photo credit: pixabay.com

So if you’re wondering why my dog ​​leaves little balls of poo in his sleep, this article will examine the various causes and remedies, and discuss dog poo in general.

How does the pooping process work in dogs?

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First, let’s understand the mechanism of poop in dogs. Puppies less than 12 weeks old are still developing muscles that hold the feces.

For example, when feces fill the rectum, the muscles and nerves signal that it’s time to go to the potty. In the case of a housetrained dog, he’ll hold back the poop and let you know he needs to be let outside to relieve himself.

But this “holding the poop” is not a matter of course for dogs. They don’t poop in the house for fun. Don’t be mad at them. It’s something they learn throughout the training process. Positive reinforcements are the way to do this.

Take your dog outside and reward him for the task when he poops. This lets them know that their good behavior is appreciated when they poop outside. However, if you use punishment, they will be afraid to go potty and you will be too. As such, potty training dogs require both physical and mental conditioning.

Reasons Your Dog Leaves Poop Balls While Sleeping and Their Remedies

For example, if your dog poops involuntarily while sleeping, it could indicate a physical problem with his nerves or muscles, or it could be neurological. Let’s consider various reasons and their remedies.

#1. bowel incontinence

When your dog loses the ability to control his bowel movements, this condition is known as bowel incontinence.

It could mean your dog realizes he’s about to poop, but before he can tell you, the poop lands on the floor. It could also mean that your dog subconsciously poops while sleeping, for example.

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Bowel incontinence presents itself in two forms: reservoir and sphincter.

reservoir incontinence

The rectum, the final part of the large intestine, is responsible for holding and storing feces until the dog can poop outside. Unfortunately, the dog’s rectum cannot hold feces as it normally does with reservoir incontinence. Your dog knows he needs to go outside, but he can’t stop the poo from falling out.

The condition can occur from diarrhea, cancer, inflammatory bowel or colon disease. For example, if your housetrained dog suddenly starts defecating near the door or patio door, the faeces will be soft and contain blood or mucus; these could be symptoms of reservoir incontinence.

remedy

You must take your dog to the vet for a thorough examination. For bowel incontinence, treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you have diarrhea, the vet will prescribe anti-diarrheal medication.

There is no cure for inflammatory bowel disease, but the condition can be treated.

The treatment plan includes a mix of medications, diet changes, and supplements. The vet will continue to adjust treatment based on how your dog responds.

sphincter incontinence

The anal sphincter is the muscle that closes the anal opening and keeps feces from falling out. With sphincter incontinence, the sphincter loses its ability to stay closed. Nerve damage or lesions are possible causes of this condition.

When your dog suffers from sphincter incontinence, he will leave poop balls without even being aware of the situation. That should answer your question as to why my dog ​​leaves little poop balls in his sleep. They might unknowingly poop a bit while barking or playing.

Aside from poop balls, you will see other symptoms like inflammation of the anus, flushing, peeing involuntarily, and difficulty walking.

remedy

Sphincter incontinence is more difficult to treat than the reservoir. If the lesion is a tumor or an abscess, surgery may be needed. In the case of a wound, your dog’s condition may improve after the wound has healed. The vet will also recommend physical therapy.

When nerve damage occurs, medications can help improve communication between nerves and muscles. However, in most cases, a better alternative is to focus on treating the symptoms. For example, finding a place in your home for the dog to poop or adjusting the diet can help.

#2. disc problems

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Aging dogs and those suffering from multiple health conditions can develop disc problems. The disc could rupture and put pressure on the spinal cord. This, in turn, affects the ability of the nerves around the rectum to do their job. So your dog doesn’t realize that he has to poop.

Your dog could also have pain in the spine and hip area. Spine narrowing is a degenerative condition that affects many aging dogs. Aside from losing control of bowel movements, you will see other symptoms such as difficulty walking, weakness, and paralysis of the tail.

remedy

If the vet diagnoses a problem with the intervertebral discs, medications containing steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and dietary supplements will be prescribed. Surgery is also done to relieve pressure on the nerve roots. Any problem with the disc must be addressed or the condition will continue to deteriorate.

Not only will you find yourself cleaning up your dog’s pee and poop throughout the day, but your dog will be in significant pain.

#3. constipation

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If your dog is constipated, he may find it difficult to pass the hard clumps of feces in one go. The result is that they leave little balls of feces around the house. This is a common canine health problem, but you need to find and address the underlying cause to prevent constipation from becoming chronic.

Constipation can occur due to poor diet, dehydration, stress, lack of exercise, medications, anal gland problems, and age. In addition, your dog may exhibit other symptoms, such as:

remedy

If constipation is a one-time problem for your dog, adjusting the diet will help. For example, include more fiber in their diet and make sure they’re drinking enough water. Take them for walks, make this a routine and stick to it.

If the constipation is severe, the vet may suggest laxatives, other medications, manual defecation, or surgery. Do not give your dog over-the-counter medications. It is best to talk to your vet beforehand. Constipation could also be a symptom of another health condition; Therefore, a thorough investigation is essential.

#4. injury

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Has your dog recently had an accident? For example, has it fallen or gotten into a fight with another animal? Rear injuries could affect the way your dog poops. For example, if pooping hurts, your dog won’t apply any pressure to get the whole lump out. This causes feces to come out in small amounts.

You may notice other symptoms, such as difficulty walking or running, limited range of motion, and visible signs of pain.

remedy

In the event of an injury, it is best to have the dog examined by the veterinarian. Left untreated, injuries can lead to infections that lead to other health complications. If your dog refuses or only poops in small amounts, it can affect his digestive system.

The vet will prescribe medication or topical treatments to aid in healing. Your dog may need surgery if it has internal injuries.

Bonus Reading: My Puppy Doesn’t Poop After Eating! Should I be concerned?

#5. neurological problems

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As the dog ages, its muscles become weak. They will lose bladder and bowel control or even develop memory problems. Your older dog doesn’t leave poop balls around the house to annoy you. It could actually be a combination of bowel incontinence and memory problems.

Intestinal incontinence can lead to aggressive behavior in dogs. With reservoir incontinence, your dog is aware that he needs to poop. It knows the pooping place is outside and will try to get there. But due to weak muscles, they might just end up going indoors.

This action will confuse them. Therefore, it would help if you were patient, not resorting to punishment, and look for options to manage the symptoms.

remedy

You can try to house your dog in an area in the house that is easy to clean. Then take them out periodically to give them a chance to relieve themselves. The schedule for older dogs is all the more important. Don’t make sudden changes in their diet, exercise, or sleep routine.

Keep regular vet appointments. They might recommend therapy to better care for your dog. As your four-legged friend begins to age, he will need a little more care, attention and patience from you.

What should healthy dog ​​poop look like?

According to the AKC, the five factors you should evaluate when looking at dog poop are:

colour

shape

consistency

size

contents

The color of a healthy dog ​​poo should be chocolate brown. It should be shaped like a long piece of wood. The consistency should be firm but mushy. The size should be proportional to the amount of food eaten. Finally, the feces should not contain blood, mucus, or white granular bits.

When is dog poop a cause for concern?

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Poop becomes a cause for concern when it deviates from healthy standards.

If the color is anything other than chocolate brown, an investigation into the cause is required. For example, if the poop is green, it could mean your dog has eaten excessive grass or has a gallbladder problem.

If the poop is orange, it could be a liver problem. If the stool has red streaks, your dog could be suffering from constipation, injury, or other intestinal problems.

If the consistency of the poop is watery, your dog’s intestines could be the problem. Or if the poop is hard as pebbles, your dog is dehydrated.

Monitoring your dog’s feces is necessary to gain insight into their overall health. If you notice sudden changes in your dog’s poop schedule or in the poop itself, call the vet.

summary

Bowel incontinence, disc problems, constipation, injuries, or neurological issues could answer your question as to why my dog ​​leaves little pooballs in his sleep.

If you notice your potty-trained dog leaving small balls of poo on his bed, near the door, or anywhere in the house, he needs a thorough veterinary examination.

The vet can treat the condition with diet, medication, and surgery in some cases. Other times, you may need to shift your focus to manage the symptoms and make lifestyle changes to better meet your pet’s needs.

fecal incontinence

Medically referred to as fecal incontinence, the loss of the ability to control bowel movements is distressing for both dog and owner. Typical causes of this condition include spinal or tail injuries, anal gland disorders, and/or bowel disease.

symptoms and types

Sliding on the floor – can indicate a condition affecting the anal sacs/glands

Bowel movements in atypical areas (e.g. in the house)

Bloated stomach

Tenderness or reluctance to be touched near the tail, loss of tone, and voluntary movements of the tail

causes

Various reasons can be responsible for this:

The disease has reduced rectal function or compliance

The external anal sphincter may be anatomically disturbed, or the nerves may be damaged or destroyed

Nerve damage, spinal cord disease, or neural disorders that affect the ability of the sphincter to function properly

Infection or abscess of the anal sacs

Muscle Damage – Anal reflex is absent or weakened

Parasites – Intestinal worms

diet or medication

perianal fistula

This condition seems to affect older animals more than young ones. Keep in mind that gastrointestinal disease of any kind can increase the urge to defecate and is not necessarily indicative of fecal incontinence. Gastrointestinal disorders often cause weight loss, vomiting, spasms of the urogenital diaphragm, and a desire to defecate or defecate.

diagnosis

You must take a thorough medical history of your dog’s health, including a history of symptoms and any possible incidents that may have triggered this condition. If you have a feeling or idea what might be causing your dog’s incontinence, let your vet know. It can point your doctor in the direction of finding the underlying condition causing the symptoms so your dog can be treated effectively.

As part of a normal physical exam, your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your dog’s physiology, paying attention to the muscles of the anus and sphincter. A complete blood profile will be done, including a blood chemistry profile, complete blood count, urinalysis, and stool analysis. If an infection or parasite is present, it will most likely show up through one of these diagnostic methods.

The lack of supporting evidence of a medical condition may lead your vet to determine the cause of the incontinence as behavioral. If this is the case, you will need to consult with your veterinarian on how to proceed with a behavior retraining program.

treatment

If possible, your vet will identify the underlying cause; Fecal incontinence can go away if the underlying cause can be successfully treated

Try changing your diet. Feed them low-residue diets or foods like cottage cheese, rice, or tofu. Feed your dog regularly.

To reduce the volume of feces in the large intestine, you can give warm-water enemas.

If it becomes unbearable, you can take your dog outside. This may be a better solution than euthanizing a healthy animal.

Some patients with rectal abnormalities benefit from surgical reconstruction.

In dogs that suffer from spinal paralysis, you may be able to induce a bowel movement by pinching the tail or pelvis.

Or you could try placing a warm washcloth on the anus to stimulate defecation in an animal whose hindquarters are paralyzed.

If it’s behavior-based, retraining methods may be needed, along with a low-stress environment that makes your dog feel safe and not threatened.

medication

The choice of medication depends on the cause of the incontinence. For example, motility-modifying opiates increase shell contraction and slow the passage of feces. This will also increase the amount of water absorbed from the feces. Anti-inflammatory drugs sometimes benefit patients with reservoir incontinence caused by inflammatory bowel disease.

Motility-modifying drugs should not be used when an infectious or toxic cause is suspected, and opiate motility modifiers should never be used in patients with respiratory disease. If the patient has liver disease, these drugs should be used with caution. The use of opiates in dogs is not recommended at all, and exercise-modifying drugs can cause constipation and bloating.

life and management

You should work directly with your vet if your dog has been diagnosed with fecal incontinence. For example, if the cause is determined to be neurological, the vet will want to examine your dog frequently. Different types of radiological instruments can be used to measure progress. It will take patience on your part as it may take your vet a while to find a therapy that works for your dog.

Most of us lead very busy lives. Whether you’re running errands or stuck in the office, you might start to worry about your dog over time. How long should you leave your dog alone before he has to go outside? How long can a dog hold its poop? More importantly, how long should you leave your dog at home before you can walk them?

How long can a dog hold its poop?

Most healthy adult dogs will go to the bathroom about an hour after a meal. However, they can hold their bowel movements for much longer if necessary. In fact, for the most part, a healthy adult dog can hold its poop for 12 hours or more. If you get stuck in traffic or in the office, your dog might be fine. But just because a dog can hold its poop for several hours doesn’t mean it wants to. Think of the times you might have been looking for a public restroom or looking for the nearest rest stop.

While humans may have signs that tell us when our discomfort will end, your dog doesn’t always know when you’ll be home to let him out. Most urban and suburban areas have dog daycare centers and dog walkers that can help make your dog comfortable when you can’t let him out for several hours. Every dog ​​has different toilet habits, and it’s perfectly normal for some dogs to only poop once a day. A good guideline is to give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom at least every eight hours.

The eight-hour rule applies differently depending on the age of a dog. Puppies or older dogs cannot hold their stools as long as adult dogs. Puppies can hold their bowel movements for about an hour for every month they are old. So a puppy that is 2 months old may only be able to hold its bowel movement for two hours. This is one of the reasons puppies should not be left alone for more than a few hours. As tedious as it is to let a puppy out so often, it can save him the stress of having to hold him for so long and you the frustration of coming home to an accident. As dogs age, they have less ability to hold their bowel movements as long as they used to. Age-related changes such as incontinence, cognitive dysfunction in dogs, or other physiological changes can mean they can no longer hold it for a full eight hours.

What can prevent a dog from holding its poo?

There are several diseases and disease processes that can affect a dog’s ability to hold its poo. Intestinal parasites, pancreatitis, food allergies, bacterial infections, and even a sudden change in diet can cause diarrhea in dogs. A dog suffering from diarrhea will almost certainly not be able to hold its poo for as long as it normally can, and certainly not for eight hours. Chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can also prevent a dog from holding its poo for as long as it normally could.

Are there any health concerns in getting a dog to hold its stool?

It can cause emotional distress for a dog when they have to hold their poop for long periods of time. From the moment house training begins, a dog will want to please their owner by maintaining their toilet habits until they are allowed outside. When they absolutely can’t hold it anymore and feel like they need to go inside, it can be incredibly stressful for them. Things happen and sometimes you don’t come home when you want to. Therefore, when you come home after an accident indoors, avoid punishing or scolding your dog as this will only cause further stress for the dog.

Have you ever noticed how many dogs have reddish-brown spots on their fur? It most commonly occurs when tears wet the fur around the dog’s eyes or around its mouth, where saliva wets its fur, and where it licks its paws and front legs.

What Causes Spots in Dogs?

This discoloration is caused by a chemical called porphyrin. Porphyrins are primarily excreted in the bile and intestinal tract, but in dogs a significant amount of porphyrin is excreted in tears, saliva and also urine. Saliva and tears contain substances called porphyrins that turn light-colored fur pink, red, or brown. Porphyrins are a group of organic compounds, many of which occur naturally. One of the best-known porphyrins is heme, the pigment in red blood cells. If you’ve ever noticed a white dog licking or chewing its leg, the hair in that area will turn iron brown. The root cause of spots is the porphyrin in tears and saliva.

Why do spots appear on dogs?

Some dogs produce excessive tears — largely because when humans made wolves into today’s best friends, selective breeding produced short noses and bulging eyes, contributing to unusually narrow and often crooked tear ducts. Some medical conditions that lead to excessive tearing and licking are associated with the excessive discoloration, but are not the cause of the discoloration. In addition to allergies and irritants that can cause excessive licking, anatomical issues such as ingrown eyelashes, entropion, abnormally small tear duct openings, and irritants such as cigarette smoke can also be causes1.

When porphyrins remain in contact with hair for a long period of time, especially on white coats, the chemical stain develops. It is virtually impossible to remove once it has developed.

Is porphyrin staining in dogs serious?

Fortunately, porphyrin staining is in itself a cosmetic issue and does not harm the dog. However, the underlying or causative problem can be significant. Eyelid abnormalities can cause significant discomfort. Excessive salivation can be caused by oral conditions such as gum disease or dental problems. And dogs that lick and scratch their faces, feet, armpits, and genitals are often affected by allergies that can cause distress.

If your dog develops porphyrin staining, have your vet perform a full physical exam to rule out or rule out these problems.

Can porphyrin staining in dogs be treated?

Apparently, part of the answer is to prevent the porphyrin-containing liquids from staying in contact with the hair. Regular cleaning can only help minimally. Rubbing long hair in the eyes can also help keep the areas clean and dry.

How is discoloration in dogs treated?

Although somewhat unsightly, the discoloration caused by porphyrins is just that – cosmetically unsightly. The spots do not cause any discomfort. Although antibiotics have been used to combat discoloration in the past with mixed results, the use of antibiotics for a cosmetic problem cannot be recommended.

Questions to ask your veterinarian

My dog’s eyes are stained with blood-colored tears. What is causing the discoloration?

What caused my dog’s paws to be red?

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource for ensuring the health and well-being of your pets.

Resources:

Updated March 2019

Most people who own a dog, especially one with a white coat, will be familiar with the problem of coat spots. Patches of fur on certain areas of the body turn red or brown and darken over time.

Luckily, this discoloration won’t harm your dog – it’s just a cosmetic issue. However, it can be a symptom of an underlying health problem.

The chemistry of everything

On a chemical level, the reddish-brown coat coloration is caused by a compound called porphyrin. Porphyrins are iron-containing molecules that are formed when the body breaks down red blood cells. They are mainly excreted from the body in the faeces. However, porphyrin can also be excreted in tears, saliva and urine. All dogs produce and excrete porphyrins, but porphyrin coloring is of course more prominent in dogs with white coats.

Causes of fur spots

There are a number of different factors that can contribute to your dog’s coat becoming patchy.

Young puppies produce more tears when they are teething. This should decrease once they reach maturity.

In adult dogs, the contributing factors can be broken down into three categories – medical issues, allergies, and breed.

Diseases

eyespots

Medical problems that can cause spots around the eyes include eye irritation, blocked tear ducts, eye infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), and eye injuries (eg, scratches or cuts). Poor grooming that leads to lots of hair around the eye can also encourage excessive tear production and provide an environment for fungal infections to thrive and grow.

Anatomical or conformational abnormalities that can cause discolored eye fur include overactive tear ducts, narrow tear ducts, narrow eyes, shallow eye sockets, extra folds of skin, abnormally placed eyelashes, and rolling of the eyelids.

discoloration of the mouth

Medical conditions such as periodontitis (gum disease), excessive saliva production, and dental problems including abscesses can cause dogs to produce excessive amounts of saliva. In many cases, the excess saliva is produced to try to get rid of excess bacteria that are present as a result of dental/periodontal problems.

These problems can also cause your dog to have difficulty chewing their food, which in turn can lead to excessive saliva production, spreading unevenly around the mouth and running down the sides of the mouth.

allergies

Like humans, dogs have allergies to things like pollen, certain foods, certain plants, etc. And like humans, dogs will do whatever it takes to relieve the irritation and discomfort caused by these allergies.

Broadly speaking, dogs do this by licking the affected area. This means they deposit a lot of saliva on different parts of the coat around their bodies. Saliva that is not cleaned and accumulated can cause discoloration.

Licking to relieve allergy symptoms also makes the coat quite wet, and scratching for relief can cause skin damage. Both can result in areas of fur that serve as rich, fertile breeding grounds for fungal infections that can result in brown patches.

Allergens can also cause irritation and inflammation of the eyes, which can lead to increased tear production and discolouration of the eye area.

Breed

Dog breeds that are more prone to coat spots tend to be dogs with poor drainage, short noses and flat eye sockets, etc. These include Poodles, Maltese, Boxers, Bichons, and Bulldogs.

How to treat fur stains

In most cases, the best thing to do for a dog with a spotted coat—and to prevent the coat from becoming a spotted coat in the first place—is to avoid allergens that can irritate him, feed him a quality diet, and make sure that they are properly cared for.

This includes grooming their hair to ensure it doesn’t grow too long and cleaning their coat and face twice a day to remove excessive tears/saliva. Using a contact lens cleaner with boric acid can lighten already dirty coats.

It’s important to be aware of people trying to use remedies and supplements to get rid of stains on their coat. Very often these people will sell you products that don’t work and you should be careful before using these – and any other – dietary supplements.

diet

Diet can change things for many dogs, but it’s important that your vet has ruled out medical causes before changing your dog’s diet.

If your tap water is rich in minerals, consider switching your dog to filtered water.

Always feed from a stainless steel or ceramic bowl. Plastic is easily scratched and can harbor bacteria that can cause facial irritation.

There are some vet prescription diets (hydrolyzed protein diets) that break down the protein into very small particles that the body (theoretically) shouldn’t respond to.

You can also prepare your dog food at home using the same high-quality ingredients that you eat. A home-cooked diet can work wonders, and sometimes all you need to do is switch from a commercial diet to a home-cooked diet.

Here’s a beautiful little boy I worked on a while back, before and a few weeks after the diet change. Great progress!

If you want to try cooking for your dog, the best way to ensure the diet meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs is to get your recipe from a qualified nutritionist. Cooking your own diet should not be taken lightly and should be undertaken by someone who works with your dog and adjusts the diet to the NRC recommended amounts.

If you have any questions about this blog or need advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you enjoyed reading this, you may also enjoy this blog:

How Your Dog’s Immune System Can Go Wrong – Allergies

Homemade dog food

Beware of dog food recipes found in books or online

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Potty training can be one of the most difficult skills to teach a dog or puppy. And as luck would have it, we usually have to teach potty training when we first get our dog or puppy.

This can be difficult and at times seem downright impossible, but eventually it will click and your pup will only go about his business outside.

Once we finally potty train our puppies, we usually expect that to be the end of things. Sometimes that’s true, but other times dogs that were previously housebroken may suddenly or haphazardly start pooping indoors again.

This can be very frustrating or even alarming for owners. Is it a conscious choice? Is your dog just a stubborn jerk?

The answer is of course no!

There are many factors that can cause potty-trained dogs to poop indoors, some behavioral, some medical, and some training (AKA, the human side).

In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of potty training and help you and your four-legged friend get on the right track to success! Read on to find out more!

KEY FACTS: My dog ​​poops and pees in it after the walk!

Start by identifying the source of the problem. Some of the most common reasons doggos poop or pee after walking indoors are medical issues, substrate preferences, and poor initial potty training.

Some of the most common reasons doggos poop or pee after walking indoors are medical issues, substrate preferences, and poor initial potty training. Be gentle with your dog. Housetrained dogs often have accidents due to stress, a change in environment, or illness. So don’t get angry with them – they’re probably just as upset about the accident as you are!

Why do potty-trained dogs poop and pee in it?

The first question you need to ask yourself is, “Why?”

Why does your dog go to the toilet indoors even after using the potty? Once you’ve identified the why, you can move on to the “how.” In this case, the “how” is, “How do I help my dog ​​stop pooping in the house?”

Below we will identify some of the most common reasons why potty-trained dogs may poop or pee indoors after walks.

1. Medical problems can cause elimination problems

The first thing I always ask when addressing sudden potty training challenges is, “Is the problem a medical issue?”

There’s no point wasting time and energy on an exercise routine when the solution is as simple as something like antibiotics or joint supplements.

There are many medical factors that can cause potty problems. Some of the most common are:

urinary tract infection

kidney problems

Hormonal disorders such as Addison’s or Cushing’s disease

Hookworms or other internal parasites

Various gastrointestinal problems

The pain associated with joint degeneration or injury can also lead to elimination difficulties. After all, if it literally hurts to squat down, your dog doesn’t want to go until he really, really, REALLY needs to go.

Some medications can also cause incontinence. If your dog’s problems occur after starting a new medication, consult your veterinarian. He or she may be able to change your dog’s prescription to solve the problem.

But regardless of the cause, the takeaway is the same: visit your vet whenever your dog shows an issue out of the blue. This is your first step.

Once you’ve ruled out a medical (or drug) related issue, you can view the workout.

Need veterinary help fast? Don’t have easy access to a vet? You might want to consider getting help from JustAnswer – a service that offers instant virtual chat access to a certified veterinarian online. You can discuss the issue with them and even share videos or photos if needed. The online vet can help you determine your next steps. While talking to your own vet who understands your dog’s history is probably ideal, JustAnswer is a good backup option.

2. Your dog is not fully potty trained

Another reason your dog might have problems with pooping and peeing is that you expect your dog to be too responsible too soon.

Or, as dog trainers say, “your dog isn’t really potty trained yet – oops!”

This means that owners sometimes just think their dog is potty trained and start allowing too much unsupervised time indoors. But then he suddenly starts going to the toilet in the house. darn it!

And because the owner believes Fido is already potty trained, they struggle to rectify the situation.

So you should make sure your dog is actually potty trained before you live your life as if he is. In general, I don’t consider a dog potty trained until it hasn’t had any accidents around the house for at least six months.

Most of the time when I tell this to owners, they realize that their dog isn’t really potty trained and needs more structure, guidance, and supervision to achieve that goal.

Think of potty training as a long-term training goal. We won’t get there this week, next week, or the month after that. Potty training is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you’re struggling with the basics of potty training, try walking your dog on a leash every hour. When he leaves, praise him and toss the cutie a treat.

If he doesn’t go, bring him back inside, still on a leash, and keep him with you so he can’t run away and have an accident. Then try another potty break in about 20 minutes. Lather, rinse and repeat if necessary.

Slowly but surely, you build up the time between potty breaks.

3. Fido doesn’t stay focused: There’s too much to sniff, no time to poop!

Sometimes it’s just too exciting for four-legged friends to be outside on a walk or in the yard. Who can think about pooping when there are leaves, squirrels and butterflies to hunt and look at?

In my experience, dogs who are overexcited or easily distracted in the yard need extra time to completely empty their bladders and bowels.

These dogs often do a single poop early in the potty break, but it turns out it wasn’t the whole thing. You know?

Then, instead of going about his business, Fido gets distracted by reading his “pee-mail” or making sure the squirrel stays in his tree, good for nothing.

It’s only when you come back inside that Fido realizes he had other things to do on the walk.

For easily distracted dogs, I usually train them to pee and poop in a designated potty spot. That means when we go potty, we’re just potty training. You can do this by leading him (on the leash) to the same spot every time.

Walk around the designated area while super bored. I tend to walk in small circles so not much exploration is encouraged. If he leaves I’ll have a PUPPY POTTY PARTY!!

At a puppy potty party, or PPP if you will, I really look forward to the potty. I praise, give treats, and then let Fido off his leash (if necessary, I do traditional potty training in my yard where he’s securely fenced). When Fido goes potty on the potty, he earns his free sniffing time in the garden.

And by getting him to earn some off-leash time, I make sure my dog ​​isn’t distracted by having access to the entire yard.

By going to the same boring place day after day, my dog ​​can focus on our goal (potty) instead of all the exciting things to do in the yard.

4. Your dog may be nervous or distracted: squirrels and lawnmowers and wind chimes, oh my!

On the other side of the coin, you might just have a nervous or anxious yard dog. While many dogs are excited to explore the yard, anxious or nervous dogs feel apprehensive about exploring the yard.

When you encounter these dogs you will see the dog’s body language reflecting their state of arousal (in these cases the dogs appear fearful).

These dogs will be constantly and vigilantly looking around. They will have hunched shoulders or backs, low tails, low ears, or pricked ears that diligently pan to keep everything on their radar.

A nervous or anxious dog might be hesitant or afraid to even go outside. He may pant outside or fight on the leash and try to get back indoors as soon as possible, whether or not puppy potty duties have occurred.

For these dogs, the road to potty training perfection will be a little longer. Your first step will be to desensitize your dog to the backyard so that it becomes a safe place for you to be and consequently going to the bathroom.

Finally, potty training puts you in a vulnerable position. I probably wouldn’t go if I was afraid of a bear watching me.

And even if the garden doesn’t seem to cause you that much concern, for Fido the fear is real. They may just be wind chimes to you, but they are a potential threat to Fido.

Some dogs don’t have a particular problem with nature, but rather with being on a leash. This is a common problem with rescue dogs who have never been leashed before. Some dogs won’t pee on a leash no matter how hard you ask. You’re just too scared! This requires slow and gentle off-leash desensitization.

Just understand that desensitization training is a slow process. The rules to remember when desensitizing your dog to an area is that the pooch has to be the one who determines whether it’s fun or enjoyable – not you.

Start slowly and gently when tackling these types of issues. Head out into the backyard and then enjoy a cookie or a toy, or maybe just some compliments and cuddles. Then go back inside.

The key is that nothing bad or exciting happens while you’re in the backyard.

Keep these sessions incredibly short and sweet. If you can make sure your dog has as much fun as possible every time you go in the garden, you will slowly build your dog’s confidence in the garden and his ability to navigate the garden will grow.

Sooner or later your dog will start going outside for long periods of time or even really enjoying the garden. Once he’s not stressed, he’ll likely be able to go to the bathroom.

Just keep in mind that if your dog is really worried about going potty outside, you need to make sure there’s nothing in the room that’s making it too difficult for him.

Do you have a neighbor’s dog that runs along the fence and barks aggressively? Does that garden art you thought was pretty cute actually look like a mountain lion to your four-footed friend?

Look around your area and try to see it through your dog’s eyes. Could something as simple as picking up the giant Halloween explosion thingy calm his mind? (Side note: Inflatable yard decorations for Halloween and winter holidays drive a lot of dogs — and humans too — crazy.)

Respond to such frightening stimuli and you will likely see your dog become more comfortable in the garden.

5. Consider your dog’s substrate preferences: Ew! I’m not going there!

Substrate preference is a dog’s innate or learned preference for the texture or surface on which it urinates.

For example, dogs often prefer to relieve themselves on dirt, grass, or similar surfaces. These surfaces absorb the odors of feces or urine, making territory marking all the more effective.

For this reason, accidents involving dogs on carpets or bath mats are common. It feels like the right surface for them.

It’s not uncommon for dogs that live in puppy mills or shelters to unlearn their initial substrate preference and begin to prefer to relieve themselves elsewhere.

Most kennels have concrete floors or chicken wire floors over a pan that the human can pull out and clean without having to move the dog.

These dogs often go to the bathroom on hard/slippery surfaces such as tile floors, concrete (indoors or outdoors) or just “anywhere” because their original preference has been changed or trained to be ignored.

However, the solution is fairly simple: recognize your dog’s personal surface preference and cater to it. If your dog really just wants to potter on grass and you go for a walk, find a nice patch of grass.

Conversely, if he really wants to walk on concrete, that’s fine too!

By knowing your dog’s natural preferences, you can help make him feel comfortable enough to walk.

6. Weather can be a factor: it’s hard to make yellow snow

Bad weather can also make dogs reluctant to relieve themselves outdoors.

For example, some dogs just don’t like wet feet! Of my personal dogs, Sadie, a 3-pound Poodle mix with change, walks on wet grass, snow, mud, sticker ridges, lava — you know.

My boys on the other hand…

Hank, the 43-pound Lab pointer mix, worries his feet will get wet. Chico the Chihuahua shares this trait while adding the added drama of looking miserable when I insist he goes potty outside.

*Sigh*

The guilt is real, boys.

Keep in mind that some dogs don’t like going outside to poop or pee when the weather is bad. That’s fine – it’s up to their humans to find ways around this (in other words, keep an eye on the weather and plan accordingly).

If you live in a place that experiences inclement weather, you might want to stress that potty training must take place in inclement weather from an early age.

Dog Rainwear If you live in a place where it rains or snows frequently, you may find it helpful to invest in a quality dog ​​raincoat and a set of dog shoes for your pooch. These types of clothing are not suitable for all puppies, but they will help others stay comfortable outdoors when it rains when needed. As a bonus, these things will keep your pooch from getting your couch and carpets wet and muddy!

7. Premature praise can cause potty problems: I rang the bell, where’s my cookie?

Praising your pooch prematurely can distract him and prevent him from “downloading” everything he needs.

You’re so excited to see your pooch pottering outside, you’re starting your PPP too soon! While peeing, your pup will look up, pleased that you’re excited, and stop going to the bathroom so he can join the party.

Now your pup has a half-empty bladder and a mouth full of cookies. It’s only when he’s back inside that he realizes he still has to finish the job.

If you’ve found yourself with a four-legged friend who doesn’t completely defecate outside but always comes back to you super excited that he’s done anything at all, you might be an early treat deliverer.

If you find yourself falling into this category, don’t despair. Just wait until your pup has completely done the job before you praise him.

If he stops mid-bathroom break and looks at you expectantly, smile but don’t give him praise or treats. Wait for him to make pottery again and then celebrate.

Your potty training routine needs to reflect this knowledge, and you should establish a new rule of “two poops” or “two pees” before reinforcement occurs.

With a few weeks of practice, your pooch should start walking all the way the first time.

8. Lingering Odors: If it smells like bathrooms…

Fecal and urine odors sometimes persist. And that’s no coincidence; In the wild, these fecal and urine smells help mark a dog’s territory.

These smells linger through rainstorms and hot summer days, and dogs can smell them for a long, long time. And that smell tells them where to go.

It is both a honing device and an odor fence.

If you (or rather your dog) have had accidents around the house and you’ve cleaned them up but he keeps going to the bathroom in that area, you may have an odor problem.

Not all household cleaners are effective at eliminating these types of odors. Not every detergent does that either.

So if you’re having trouble with your dog repeatedly going to the bathroom in the same area of ​​the house, you may need to tweak your cleaning routine and use a heavy-duty carpet cleaner designed for dog urine.

Once you’ve eliminated the smell of urine or poop from your carpets and floors, you’ll likely have an easier time cleaning up order and getting your pooch to get outside again.

9. Lifestyle and Home Changes Can Cause Elimination Problems: Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

I’m pretty sure David Bowie was thinking about potty training challenges when he wrote Changes.

Many types of changes can upset your dog’s normal potty routine. From a change in his schedule to a change in the household (guests, new pets, etc.) to changes in his diet, disruptions can cause problems with bowel movements.

Whatever the change, if you notice a sudden shift in your dog’s potty training habits, he may need your help adjusting to the new norm.

If it’s possible and you know a change is coming, slowly start adjusting to the new routine before it actually happens.

For example, you could get a new job or go back to school. Previously, your dog had a potty break at 3:00 p.m., but now you don’t come home until 5:00 p.m.

So, before you start work or school, start gradually delaying your afternoon potty break. On the first day, wait until 3:15 am. Wait until 3:30 next time. And so on.

This way your dog can adjust more slowly and doesn’t suddenly have to hold it two hours longer.

If a diet change is necessary, do your best to gradually introduce your dog to the new food.

Suppose your dog eats one cup for breakfast and one cup for dinner. On the first day I feed ¾ cup old food and ¼ cup new food. I do that for a few days, then switch to ⅔ cup old, ⅓ new. Continue until your dog gets a bowl that only contains the new food.

It’s a bit trickier with guests or new pets. If this is a new pet who will be living permanently in the house, introduce the new pet and older dog slowly and cautiously.

Let them spend time together outside, on walks, in a quiet room, and give them time to themselves as well. Don’t just throw them together and hope it works out. After all, not all of us are social butterflies.

There’s a reason I didn’t have roommates in college!

For house guests or visitors, I would suggest going back to a previous potty training schedule. This means lowering your expectations of potty training your dog and giving them more guidance and supervision.

And if he’s really struggling because people are over, you might want to consider implementing a desensitization protocol while you’re at it.

10. Scolding Your Dog Can Lead To Elimination Anxiety: Stay Positive!

Scolding your dog after an accident usually just teaches him not to poop in front of you.

Which, of course, can make things worse because it could make him stop pooping outside when you’re with him.

Dogs who have been scolded or punished for going to the bathroom indoors often have a habit of “sneaking away” to go to the bathroom.

I then have customers say, “You know he knows not to go in because he’s sneaking away! And he looks guilty too!”

To which I say, “Actually…” and smile.

Dogs don’t feel “guilty”. At least not in the way humans do.

Instead, they exhibit appeasement behavior.

This means your dog will see that you are angry or upset and then try to calm you down. It has nothing to do with whether his behavior is “right” or “wrong” or whether he feels guilty. It’s about trying to make you feel better or behave better.

And the reason he’s sneaking away? Because he’s learned that you tend to lose your fucking mind when he poops in front of you! It’s better to avoid all the drama and poop behind the sofa.

The first thing you need to do to reverse this is to praise all the outside potties. And give him plenty of treats in return.

The second thing to do is swear never to blame your dog for going to the bathroom indoors. je.

I personally view any accidents inside as my own failure, not the dogs. Finally, why did I leave the dog struggling with potty training alone and unsupervised?

11. Age Can Change Your Dog’s Bathroom Needs: If you’re my age, you get up a lot in the middle of the night.

We’ve all heard that from grandparents, aunts, parents, and random strangers who are happy to open up about their late-night toilet routines.

But it is true! As you get older, your need to walk often increases and your ability to hold it decreases.

This also applies to your dog. Whenever I am confronted with a dog who is having trouble potty training, I always consider his age.

Is he too young to control his urges? Is he getting older and struggling with age-related incontinence?

Unfortunately, there is no magic training solution for this. If your dog simply needs more potty breaks, you need to provide them to avoid accidents.

But once you realize that’s the case, you can adjust and adjust your schedule so the potties don’t happen inside anymore.

So this is something.

However, you might also want to explore incontinence products like incontinence dog beds or indoor dog pots that will at least help keep your senior dog from making a mess.

***

It can certainly be frustrating dealing with a dog who likes to relieve himself after returning indoors. But rest assured, this is something you can fix.

Just start by figuring out why the problem is occurring. Is your pooch afraid of the backyard? Does he have a medical problem? Does your carpet still smell of urine from a previous accident?

Once you figure out why he’s pooping or peeing inside, you can use some of the strategies discussed above.

With a little effort and patience (and maybe another round of potty training), you can probably put an end to the problem.

If you have any experiences or questions about puppies pooping or peeing indoors, let us know in the comments below!

Animal lovers understand that sometimes they are faced with the question of how to remove pet stains. Pets are members of the family, but much like a child, they can also cause chaos. Whether you’re raising a young puppy or caring for an aging dog or cat, accidents happen and you can suddenly find yourself with a smelly urine stain on your beautiful hardwood floor.

Along with a strong odor, pet feces can leave unsightly black marks that require a quick response. There are a few ways to approach this cleaning task, but the most important is cleaning as close as possible to when the event occurs to prevent the chaos from having more time to settle. Before each treatment, start by dabbing any excess urine that is still on the surface.

WHITE VINEGAR AND GRAPEFRUIT OIL

Known as a natural disinfectant and deodorant, ordinary white vinegar you have in the kitchen is a great tool for removing these stains. Mix a cup of vinegar in a bucket filled with warm water and add a few drops of grapefruit oil to the solution to get rid of the odor. Scrub the floor with this safe cleaning solution, focusing on the most conspicuous areas. Scrubbing should remove the odor and stains.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

Depending on the depth of the stain, you may actually need to soak the stains with hydrogen peroxide. First scrub the stains with a cloth soaked in peroxide and allow to dry. If stains and odors are not adequately removed, cover the stain with a peroxide-saturated paper towel or soft wipe. Leave each towel on each blemished area for a few hours, checking repeatedly every hour for the stain to appear. After removing the stain, remember that your floor color will likely show a slight discoloration and will therefore require touch-up.

BAKING SODA

When figuring out how to remove pet stains, know that you can finish off the vinegar or peroxide cleaning process with baking soda to wick up any moisture or residue and also deodorize. Sprinkle the baking soda over the spot in a thick layer. Vacuum after about an hour. If it’s still wet, repeat the process.

ENZYMATIC CLEANER

According to Animal Planet, enzymatic cleaners are non-toxic and particularly effective at breaking down urine stains and odors. Several enzyme cleaners are made specifically to combat pet odors. Using natural enzymes, these cleansers neutralize and completely eliminate urine, but follow your cleanser’s directions and apply directly to the area it’s absorbing.

Note that for stubborn stains and odors, each of these processes may need to be repeated until both the stain and odor are completely removed. However, with a little elbow grease, the clutter is no threat to the integrity of your home. However, be aware that the staining and cleaning process can affect the wood and may require a little sanding or touch-up. Clean and maintain the wood regularly with dusters and a brushless vacuum cleaner.

Nature constantly calls for pets, so taking out the dogs frequently or changing the litter box frequently can avoid unnecessary clutter inside. And as always, be aware of any pet having unusual accidents and take them to the vet, who may have additional tips for keeping the litter in the right place.

This article was brought to you by The Colgate-Palmolive Company, makers of Murphy® Oil Soap. The views and opinions expressed by the author do not reflect the position of the Colgate-Palmolive Company.

Each editorial product is independently selected, although we may receive compensation or receive an affiliate commission if you purchase something through our links. Ratings and prices are correct and items are in stock at the time of publication.

Whether you have a new puppy or a longtime companion, pet owners know accidents happen. Here’s how to deal with dog poop mishaps.

At least one dog lives in many households across the country. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 48.2 million homes in the US own one. While dogs bring a lot of joy, they also bring a lot of poop with them.

Whether you’re a new pet owner or a longtime dog lover, it’s smart to know how to address fecal contamination on different surfaces, indoors and out, so you can intervene in the event of an accident.

Remember that dog poop contains some germs. Wear gloves when cleaning and test all cleaning products in an inconspicuous area according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep your dog (and children) out of the way while brushing. Remember that different cleaners should never be mixed.

You may also want to disinfect the surface. Disinfect the scrubbing brushes or rags you use when cleaning and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

How to remove dog poo from carpets and rugs

Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove dog feces from carpet. dr Stacy Choczynski Johnson, a veterinarian at Pumpkin, a pet insurance company, says these cleaners remove the pet odors that can cause a pet to repeatedly urinate or defecate in a certain area of ​​the home. Johnson likes Nature’s Miracle, a pet-friendly enzymatic cleaner that can be used on many surfaces.

To remove feces from carpets and rugs:

Scoop up as much feces as possible.

Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Blot the stain with a dry white towel and avoid scrubbing as this will grind the stain into the carpet fibers.

If you don’t have enzymatic cleaner on hand, reach for some soda water, says Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly brand.

Apply undiluted soda water directly to the stain and blot with a dry white cloth.

Repeat until moisture is absorbed.

Then place a fresh, dry white towel over the area and place a heavy object on the towel to soak up any remaining moisture.

How to remove dog poop from tile and hardwood floors

Removing dog poop from hard floors like tile and wood is much easier than cleaning it from carpet. Just pick up any bits of poop, then use an enzymatic cleaner to scrub the floor. It’s important to be thorough so your dog doesn’t keep coming back to the same spot.

How to remove dog poop from vinyl floors

To remove dog poop from vinyl floors, scoop up the poop and then make a DIY cleaner. Natalie Barrett, Cleaner and Quality Manager at Nifty Cleaning Services, suggests:

Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 2 tablespoons of dish soap and 1 gallon of hot water in a bucket.

Dip a brush into the mixture and scrub the stain off the vinyl.

Rinse with fresh water.

If the stain remains, mix equal parts baking soda and water and apply the paste to the stain.

Let it sit for 15 minutes. (Don’t let your pup sniff the mix.)

Remove the paste, rinse and dry.

How to remove dog poop from upholstery

If the poo lands on a pillowcase or slipcover that can be washed, that’s the best way to go. To remove feces from items like couches and chairs, Peterson recommends dabbing with soda water to remove stains and odors, or using a pet stain and odor remover designed specifically for use on upholstery. Always test products on an inconspicuous area.

How to get dog poop out of leather

Barrett recommends reaching for a few common kitchen ingredients to remove dog poop stains from leather:

Combine one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of cream of tartar.

Apply the mixture to the stain and leave it on for 15 minutes.

Use a damp sponge to wipe off the paste and blot the stain.

Rinse the sponge as needed and repeat the process until the paste is removed and the stain is gone.

How to remove dog poop from fabric

For washable fabric items like blankets or towels, Jodie Hamilton, Certified Cleaning Expert at Amazing Services, recommends a simple pre-wash pre-treatment:

Mix 10 parts water to 1 part detergent.

Apply to the soiled area and dab with a brush.

Allow to set, then blot with a dry white towel, rinse, wash and dry as directed on the item’s label.

How to remove dog poop from decking

Even if you have diligently trained your dog to tend to chores in the garden, accidents can still happen on other outdoor surfaces such as patios. After cleaning up the poop, Barrett tells him to dust the area with baking soda, let it sit for a while, and then sweep it away with a broom.

How do I get dog poop out of concrete?

Another common outdoor surface, concrete is prone to the occasional accident. If that happens, Barrett says to soak the affected area with boiling water and then sprinkle the area with baking soda. Scrub in the baking soda and leave it on overnight. In the morning, pour a cup of hot water over the baking soda and repeat the scrubbing process. Wash with clean hot water.

Any dog, even the well-behaved one, can sometimes accidentally poop in the house in the middle of the night.

Before you scratch your head wondering how this happened, let’s find out what the most common causes are and what you can do to stop it.

Why does my dog ​​poop indoors at night?

All of the reasons your dog poops around the house at night can be broken down into two categories: behavioral reasons and medical reasons.

behavioral reasons

The following three causes are particularly relevant to young puppies with no medical problems.

Your dog has never been housebroken in your home.

Your dog is feeling stressed.

Your dog has trouble communicating with you.

If you have just adopted a new, young puppy, this is perfectly normal. Even for an adult, housetrained dog; If they’ve never been housebroken ‘at your house’, you can expect quite a few accidents.

Before you get a dog, you need to ask the breeder, rescue, or shelter you are getting the dog from if the dog is adequately housebroken or not.

Once they are fully housebroken, the next step is to figure out how to raise them. Some dogs may be willing to poop on pads while others are on the paper.

If you change their normal behavior without proper retraining, they can become jittery and, as a result, poop indoors in the middle of the night.

Even if you follow everything the breeder says, it can still be difficult for your new dog to adjust to your schedule or a new food you are giving. Therefore, the best solution for a newly adopted dog is to retrain them, which I will discuss in more detail in the next section.

The next two most common reasons are separation anxiety and communication difficulties. Both of these problems should go away in a few weeks once your new pooch is comfortable with you.

medical reasons

If you are confident that your dog is not exhibiting any of the behaviors listed above, then you should suspect, especially after years without a pooping accident, that the cause of your dog’s pooping problems is medical in nature.

Because dogs can’t communicate with you in the same way humans can, you need to monitor your dog’s health and find any signs that confirm your suspicions.

The first place to look is their stools. Pay close attention to whether the stool is loose or if there is diarrhea. Then look at her tummy and see if her tummy is inflamed.

All of these could be signs that your dog has:

parasites

viral infections

Inflammatory bowel diseases

food intolerance

allergy

colon cancer

kidney disease

bladder stones

diabetes

common problems

If you have large dogs like German Shepherds, you should also be aware that they are prone to joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia.

These ailments cause pain when moving. As a result, they may be reluctant to go outside at night to relieve themselves.

Older dog poops in the house in the middle of the night

The number one reason older dogs poop indoors in the middle of the night is aging. Much like humans, your dog will find it harder to control their bowel movements as they get older.

Older dogs can also suffer from canine Alzheimer’s disease. If your dog suffers from this, he may forget to be housebroken and become confused with his surroundings, resulting in pooping in the middle of the night because he is too scared to go outside.

How to stop a dog from pooping in the house at night?

Below are the basic housebreaking steps you can take to quickly fix your dog’s pooping problems.

1. Develop new eating habits

The easiest way to stop your new dog from pooping around the house at night is to change their eating habits. Before using this method, you should first ask the breeder or shelter how they feed their puppies.

Most dog trainers I spoke to agreed that under normal circumstances it is better to feed your pup three to four times a day for puppies under five months old.

Or twice daily for adult dogs with dinner in the early evening, about two to three hours before bedtime. Do not give them treats in the evening or at night.

Make sure you feed your dog enough. You should neither underfeed nor overfeed them as this can cause them to suffer from a number of health issues such as bloating or bloating. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian or follow the feeding instructions on dog food labels to determine the correct serving size.

Be careful not to feed your dog protein-rich foods or foods that can cause constipation, such as: B. Cheese.

Most dogs have a bowel movement 15 to 30 minutes after eating, but if they eat too heavy a meal their bowel movements will be sluggish and they will poop late at night.

2. Take your dog for a walk

Exercise promotes bowel movements and bowel movements. It also exhausts your dog so he doesn’t run around the house at night while you sleep.

You might want to walk your dog around the block or play a few games about 20-30 minutes after dinner.

Morning walk or jog after breakfast is also a good idea if you have some free time before going to work. After the walk is over, you may want to encourage your dog to poop outside and give him praise when he does.

After a few weeks, this morning walk will help correct your dog’s unwanted pooping behavior.

3. Limit your dog’s exercise at night

Most dogs are not comfortable pooping in a small, confined area where they sleep.

So by limiting their exercise at night — closing their bedroom or putting them in a crate — you can reduce the chances of your dog pooping at night.

4. Create a designated outdoor bathroom space

Your dog might still be confused as to where to do his business. In this case, it will help to create a specific place in your garden.

For the first few weeks you want to give them frequent bathroom breaks and take them to that specific spot to clear up the confusion and help them remember that the specific area is for pooping.

5. Keep calm when accidents happen

Occasionally, while you’re still exercising your dog, indoor accidents can happen in the middle of the night. Keep calm and don’t scold them.

Anger only makes things worse because your dog doesn’t understand why you’re angry.

They only know that they will get your attention if they poop indoors and are therefore more likely to repeat the same action to get your attention, even though the action is the negative one.

If an accident happens, don’t throw away the rubbish right away, but display it in the designated spot in your yard and take your dog there and have it checked out.

That way, they learn where to be next time they poop.

6. Clean the area immediately

They want to clean up the scene of the accident immediately. Dogs remember by smell. If you don’t clean the area thoroughly, they will more likely want to return to the same area to poop due to the familiar smell of that area.

7. Take your dog to the vet

If you suspect that the cause of your dog’s poop problems is medical, then take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.

How to bring an anxious dog back indoors

Your dog can become stressed for a variety of reasons: they may simply move into your home, or they may feel lonely if you leave them alone in the house in the middle of the night.

If they’re feeling anxious, they may accidentally potty around the house. Other signs include howling, whining, destructive chewing, scratching at doors or windows.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce your anxiety:

Don’t make a big deal if you have to leave the house at night.

Put your dog in a room with windows with lots of toys to play with.

Leave some recently worn clothes behind. The smell of your clothes has a calming effect that can calm your nervousness.

If necessary, talk to your veterinarian and ask about any tools or medications that can calm your dog’s anxiety.

If an accident happens, keep calm and repeat all the basic housekeeping steps we discussed earlier.

Make sure you try all the steps listed above.

How to housetrain a dog with a crate

If you are one of those dog owners who prefer to put their dogs in a crate at night, the following steps may help you:

The crate your dog will sleep in should be big enough for him to lie down comfortably, have soft bedding, and plenty of toys.

Feed your dog dinner two or three hours before bedtime.

Let your dog go outside for a potty break an hour after dinner.

Let your dog outside before bedtime.

If your dog poops during potty breaks, reward him with a treat and take him for a walk.

How to housetrain a dog on a leash

If you prefer to let your dog sleep in your room, follow these steps to train him:

Feed your dog dinner two or three hours before bedtime.

Take your dog outside to potty an hour after dinner and 30 minutes before bed. Wait for your dog to poop when he rewards and praises him.

Tie your dog to the waist or belt with a short leash for the first few weeks. It may be uncomfortable for you, but it will help you identify if they’re going to poop in the middle of the night.

If your dog looks like he’s pooping in the middle of the night, take him to the toilet spot you’ve prepared in the yard immediately.

After a week or two, once they understand that they are not to poop in it, you can tie your dog back to doorposts.

How to teach your senior dog not to poop indoors

If the cause of your senior dog pooping indoors is behavioral, you may want to re-housetrain your dog (see the Basic Housetraining Steps discussed above).

But if the cause is medical or age-related, then there’s not much you can do. In this case, it is better to let your dog poop indoors.

Conclusion

Dogs can poop indoors for a variety of reasons, both behavioral and medical. If your dog has never been housebroken or is having trouble communicating with you, you may need to retrain him.

Additionally, if your dog is experiencing separation anxiety or pain from an illness, they may have trouble going outside to relieve themselves.

Often the best way to determine the cause of your dog’s poop problem is to take him to a veterinarian for a check-up. Once you’ve identified the root of the problem, you can begin treatment and hopefully stop your dog from pooping around the house at night.

related questions

Dogs often “go” when they are out and about, when the opportunity presents itself. For example, if they start sniffing trees or go to the bathroom, even briefly, then stepping off the sidewalk into the same patch of grass might leave them.

Dogs usually poop outside, but sometimes they refuse when frightened. This could be due to a traumatic experience in the past, e.g. B. if you were yelled at or hit while toilet training.

If your dog does his business in your bed while lying on it, it may be because he feels comfortable and safe in your bed. Dogs often want a soft place to rest, and this is often in the same room as their owners.

It could also mean that they haven’t had a chance to do their business all day. A lack of opportunities to go outside (e.g. due to bad weather) can lead to dogs excreting indoors.