Why Has My Adult Dog Started Toileting Inside The House?

Everyone’s been there. Your dog’s been mysteriously quiet, and when you get up to investigate their whereabouts, you spot something yellow or brown out of the corner of your eye (or worst-case scenario, you step in it beforehand!) on your pristine carpet. If your dog is no longer a puppy and has been going outside to do their business, this can be a strange and frustrating dilemma. What makes a previously housetrained dog start taking bathroom breaks inside your house?

Medical Reasons

Dogs can’t converse with us to let us know when something is wrong or when they don’t feel very well. If your dog has an upset tummy or is feeling a bit under the weather from another illness or condition, then they may not be able to make it outside to use the bathroom. It is important to book an appointment to see a vet so they can make sure your pooch doesn’t have any underlying illnesses or conditions that are causing him to toilet inside. Internal blockages, digestive problems, or even tumours could cause your dog to start “going” inside.

Old Age

A dog is considered senior when they hit around seven-years-old (this could be younger for breeds with shorter lifespans). As well as being at a higher risk to an array of health issues, older dogs can also have problems with housetraining. This is generally because they are less energetic, more easily confused, and can forget things, like remembering to go outside to use the bathroom. You can help jog your senior dog’s memory on the rules of housetraining by treating them like a puppy. Take your dog outside frequently, and when they do use the bathroom outside, give lots of praise and treats.

Behavioural Issues

Dogs are very sensitive to change, and these changes can cause your previously housetrained dog to start using the toilet inside. These changes could be big, like bringing in a new pet or human baby into your household. They could also be minor, such as a heated argument between a family member, or a change in your pooch’s feeding routine. It’s important to recognise any potential triggers that could have caused your dog to feel a little upset and led to using the bathroom inside the house.

You should make sure you feed your dog at around the same time each day, as this will help you know when your dog needs to use the toilet. Additionally, you should ensure your dog gets regular exercise, as walking helps stimulate your dog’s bowel movements.