Finding diarrhea in the house from your old dog can be distressing and messy. Senior dogs sometimes lose bowel control or develop digestive issues that lead to accidents indoors, which can be a sign of underlying health problems.
We outline the common causes of diarrhea in old dogs that leads to accidents in the house, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Old Dog Diarrhea in The House — Why It Happens
Diarrhea in an old dog that happens inside the house usually points to digestive upset, illness, or age-related changes.
Loose stools may develop from diet changes, infections, or organ problems, while accidents indoors often happen because older dogs struggle with control, mobility, or urgency. Anxiety, pain, or simply not making it outside in time can make the situation worse.
It’s important to determine whether your old dog’s diarrhea is a short-term issue or a sign of a bigger health concern.
Old Dog Diarrhea in The House: Common Causes
Dietary Indiscretion
One of the most common reasons for sudden diarrhea in old dogs is eating something unusual.
Trash, spoiled food, or table scraps can upset the stomach quickly. Because senior dogs often have more sensitive digestion, even small changes can trigger loose stools.
If your dog isn’t able to get outside fast enough due to urgency, this leads to accidents in the house.
Read more: Old Dog Diarrhea and Panting (What it means)
Food Intolerance or Diet Change
As dogs age, their digestive systems become less tolerant of abrupt changes in diet.
Switching foods too quickly, introducing rich treats, or giving table scraps may overwhelm the gut. Diarrhea may follow, and if your old dog can’t hold it, you’ll find messes indoors.
Chronic food intolerances, such as sensitivity to dairy or grains, may also cause recurring loose stools and indoor accidents.
Gastrointestinal Infections
Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections often cause sudden, watery diarrhea.
Old dogs are more vulnerable to infections because of weaker immune systems. They may not be able to signal you in time before an urgent bowel movement, leading to diarrhea in the house.
Other signs can include vomiting, fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Some senior dogs develop chronic digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
IBD causes repeated episodes of diarrhea, sometimes with mucus or blood. Because flare-ups often strike suddenly, accidents indoors are common.
Panting, restlessness, or reluctance to eat may accompany flare-ups, making this a condition that requires long-term management.
Kidney or Liver Disease
Organ disease can interfere with digestion and metabolism.
Dogs with kidney or liver problems may have toxins building up in their bloodstream, leading to nausea, diarrhea, and weakness. They may not have the strength or awareness to reach the door in time, causing accidents indoors.
Weight loss, increased thirst, and general decline often appear alongside diarrhea in these cases.
Arthritis and Mobility Problems
Sometimes the issue is less about the gut and more about getting outside.
Old dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or muscle weakness may struggle to reach the yard before urgency hits. This can result in diarrhea inside the house even if the underlying cause is mild digestive upset.
Pain or stiffness also makes accidents more likely if your dog hesitates to move quickly.
What to Do If Your Old Dog Has Diarrhea in The House
If your old dog suddenly starts having diarrhea in the house, begin with simple, supportive steps.
Make sure your dog stays hydrated. Offer fresh water at all times, and encourage small, frequent drinks. Dehydration is a major concern for senior dogs with diarrhea.
You can feed a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice for 12–24 hours to help settle the stomach. If stools begin to firm up, you can slowly transition back to your dog’s regular food.
Keep the environment clean and supportive. Use washable bedding, puppy pads, or easily cleaned surfaces if diarrhea accidents are frequent. This helps reduce stress for both you and your dog.
Finally, monitor for additional signs like vomiting, lethargy, or blood in the stool. If these appear, home care isn’t enough, and veterinary help is needed.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should seek veterinary advice promptly if:
The diarrhea lasts more than 24–48 hours.
Your old dog is also vomiting, weak, or refusing food.
The stools contain blood, mucus, or appear black and tar-like.
Your dog has sudden weight loss or shows signs of dehydration.
Accidents in the house are becoming frequent despite normal potty habits.
Because senior dogs have less physical reserve, even a short period of diarrhea can lead to complications. Your vet can perform tests to determine whether the cause is infection, organ disease, or chronic conditions like IBD.
Related: Old Dog Diarrhea (Causes and when to worry)
Key Takeaway
Diarrhea in the house is never just a housekeeping problem when it comes from an old dog — it’s a signal that something may be wrong with their health or mobility.
While dietary issues and mild digestive upsets can cause temporary accidents, persistent diarrhea or repeated indoor messes may point to infections, chronic disease, or age-related changes that need attention.
At home, you can support your senior dog with hydration, a bland diet, and a comfortable environment. But if the problem doesn’t resolve quickly or is paired with other warning signs, your veterinarian should be your next step.
With proper care and attention, you can help your old dog stay comfortable, healthy, and maintain dignity in their senior years.