Incontinence in an older dog?

Question

Hi. My older dog-11 years old- who has had GI issues for a pretty long time is starting to p**p in the house. He has always been great about this since he was a puppy, rarely having any problems except in situations when he was sick. He would rather explode than go in the house. Now he isn't even asking to go out anymore. This morning he was outside and came back in and then after the door was closed he pooped in the house. Im not quite sure what to do besides watch him everytime he's outside to make sure he's gone before coming back in the house.

Answer 1

It may be incontinence, but I think it may also be the beginning of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (the equivalent of alzheimer's).  In either case, your dog should first of all have a complete geriatric check-up, and tell the vet exactly what's going on with him.  

Whatever you do, don't scold him, he either can't hold it or if it's CDS, he's confused about what he's doing.  But in any case, the vet can help him.  And you're doing the right thing by watching him to make sure he goes before he comes back in.  Give him lots of praise, too, so he knows he's done it right!

Answer 2

It might be his way of saying he wants more attention or he might be sick. You should ask your vet

Answer 3

I  agree  with  Jenifer  M

Answer 4

I have been dealing with this for two years now, we ended up putting our dog down this week at the age of 15 1/2 years old, their bladders start getting week,and I think with our dog, she just couldn't hold her p**p sometimes,but she never came back in and went. Talk to you Vet ,and see what he has to say,maybe you need to bring in a sample,he could have a parasite,they do have medicine,a urine sample too might show he has an bladder infection,good luck,it's not easy sometimes,but I never scolded my dog for doing it in the house,she was old,and I think they get forgetful too,good luck,you must love your dog as I loved mine,

Answer 5

The best product out there to help with this type of problem is the Happy Jack Dog Diaper. It has helped other dog owners with the same problems - check the testimonials on the site.

http://www.BestDogDiapers.com

A solution to male dog:

TERRITORIAL MARKING

INCONTINENCE

MEDICAL ISSUES

EXCITABLE URINATION

HOUSEBREAKING

Answer 6

Is the stool loose or diarrhea? Sounds like he needs to be checked it could be pain associated? Sorry to wide of issues for me to help.

Answer 7

Incontinence in older dogs usually leads to other issues.  They can give you something like Proin to help build the bladder.  I would ask the vet to do an xray and blood work up to see how many issues I am dealing with and what stages I am in.  Dogs are great masters at hiding pain.