Old dog random pooing!

[johnnysgirl]

Johnny (14 ish greyhound) has started doing little poos. It doesnt seem to be related to when I leave him, he just does them every now and then a little 'one shot'. So he may be fine overnight, but then during the day will do one on the sofa, or even just walk into the kitchen and do one. he has been known to go outside, come in and then poo in front of us. Its like its involuntary? and he looks really embarrassed about it. He not completely incontinent, he tells us when he needs to go out, and doesn most of his poos outside, but its like every now and then he cant help himself.

He is fed Burgess Supadog greyhound and lurcher, with half a tin of sardines twice a week. He has two feeds a day - I tried giving him three but it seemed to upset his digestion and jsut seriously confused him.

I am reluctant to give him wet dog food, as when he has had it in the past it has upset his digestion. its like he is quite stuck in his ways now! The sardine is ok, but he does fart badly after it!

He is also on meta cam.

Any suggestions?

[samburns]

Oh Laura, poor Johnny

I don't have any suggestions, sorry I think Sue (andywillow) has had one of her oldies suffering the same kind of problem and dealt with it with no more than a good dose of good humour

Give your beautiful old boy a big squidge from me

Sam x

[Emma]

We've had two that have done this in their twilight years

It is incontinence, but due to a lack of anal muscle control and strength when they want to go.

Our vet said there was nothing they can give them to help, if it were urinary, then they could have meds.

We didn't find a change in diet helped, but we got to know their patterns, and kept kitchen roll and mistral disinfectant in a spray bottle nearby so we could clean up quickly.

Its upsetting to see them getting old and unable to control it, and making a fuss just makes them fret, so its best to let them out more and when accidents happen, just clear it up as scolding them won't help the situation, as a previously clean dog will get distressed about doing it anyway, and they really can't help it

Emma x

[francesd]

Aww poor Johnny. My old boy Tyke (whippet/terrier aged 16) also does this now and again. not sure what can be done other than letting them outside frequently to the toilet. Tyke paces back and forth so doesn't take much encouragement to go outside as he doesn't seem to remember that he's just been out.

I think as they get older they can just do things involuntarily at times but I would also just let your vet know. Tyke wakes up knowing he needs the toilet but sometimes doesn't get out in time (thank goodness for easy to clean floors) it certainly isn't his fault and I don't even bother saying anything (he can't hear anyway) If you think changing Johnny diet would upset his digestion i would stick to what you give him.

Sorry that hasn't been much help but I've realised this is something that we have to cope, with not something that Tyke has any control over. In the scheme of things here its just not a problem.

Fran
x

[Tina 1208]

My old lady Florin used to leave us little 'currants' all over and often struggled to get to the toilet in time so would be going as she went out of the door. Just be grateful if you can pick up rather than wipe up!! It will come to us all one day....

[Flaperoo]

At 14 , I would not change his diet.

I have had several old dogs over the years who have had this sort of erratic pooing behaviour.. I agree with you it is probably involuntary rather than an illness/diet based problem.

Johhny is doing fantastically well. I'm sure if I get to the equivalent of his age I will need nappies

Maryxx

[andywillow]

Apr 24, 2012 13:52:31 GMT -5 samburns said:

Oh Laura, poor Johnny

I don't have any suggestions, sorry I think Sue (andywillow) has had one of her oldies suffering the same kind of problem and dealt with it with no more than a good dose of good humour

Give your beautiful old boy a big squidge from me

Sam x

Yes Sam's absolutely right! All our oldies got like that, they didn't realise they were doing it, a nugget would simply drop out without them knowing
This pic says it all, this is the tv stand and Tara our old girl no longer with us was laid on the dogbed next to it, spot the mistake ;D



It was during the time when we had 3 oldies together that we decided hard flooring was a much more practical option ;D

[johnnysgirl]

Glad hes not the only one!

I have never told him off for going to the toilet inside, as he doesnt mean it bless him. I had always thought its my fault if he goes - its usually that I had a lie in, or forgot to let him out... but now, it doesnt seem to make much difference. Sometimes i think he wanders about out side and forgets what he is meant to be doing out there!

He honestly seems a bit confused but not distressed about it.

Thanks for the reassurance that this is normal for an old chap. its really helpful to check with you lot!

[Anthea]

My 13 yr old whippet Rupert who left this world for the bridge 3 months ago now had a few episodes like that for a while before he left us, but just like you say he looked at us knowing it was wrong, i never scorned him as I knew it was probably an age thing as he would always g to back door when i got up in the morning for his morning wee.

Just love him he sounds a beautiful dog

[dash4misty]

My 16 year old beagle cross used to do this , he would even go outside then come in and do it the vet said it was a form of dementia poor old boy used to look quite worried
Sue x

[sammy13]

My Sam used to do small ones all round the garden(we lost him in january at 14 and a half),he was on loxicom and tramadol and would be outside for ages doing the random little bits Just a sign of old age and Johnny seems to be doing very well for his age,bless him