If your old dog poop and pee in house, it’s more than just a house-training regression—it could signal age-related health issues, behavioral changes, or even emotional distress.
We break down why this problem occurs, what it could mean for your aging companion, and what you can do to manage or resolve it.
Old Dog Poop and Pee In The House: Why It Happens
When your old dog poops and pees in the house, this is caused by various factors. As dogs age, they can lose control over their bladder and bowels due to weakened muscles, cognitive decline, or medical conditions like incontinence, kidney disease, arthritis, or diabetes.
Older dogs may also forget house training cues, struggle with mobility, or experience stress and confusion from canine cognitive dysfunction.
These age-related changes make it harder for them to signal or reach the proper place to relieve themselves, leading to frequent accidents indoors.
Old Dog Poop and Pee In The House: Common Causes
Age-Related Incontinence
One of the most frequent causes of old dog poop and pee in house is incontinence due to aging.
As dogs get older, their muscles—particularly those controlling the bladder and bowels—become weaker.
This can make it hard for them to “hold it” as they once could.
Incontinence can happen both when your dog is awake and alert or when they are sleeping.
You may notice small puddles of urine or unexpected bowel accidents without warning.
This form of incontinence is often related to weakened sphincter muscles or conditions like hormone-responsive urinary incontinence.
Related: Old dog diarrhea and blood (Causes and Treatment)
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Dog Dementia)
Another common reason why an old dog poop and pee in house is a condition known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), which is similar to Alzheimer’s in humans.
Dogs with CCD can become disoriented, forget routines, or fail to signal when they need to go outside.
If your senior dog seems confused, gets stuck in corners, doesn’t recognize familiar people, or forgets house training, CCD could be the reason behind their indoor accidents.
This condition usually progresses slowly, so early signs might be subtle but can become more apparent over time.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
If your old dog is peeing in the house more often than usual, a urinary tract infection could be to blame.
UTIs are common in older dogs and cause increased urgency and frequency in urination.
Your dog might also strain while peeing or seem uncomfortable.
In some cases, UTIs can also irritate the bladder to the point where your dog cannot control the urge to pee.
This can result in unexpected accidents even in dogs that were previously house-trained.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or intestinal upset may explain why an old dog poop and pee in house unexpectedly.
Age-related changes in gut motility, food sensitivities, or inflammatory bowel disease can cause your dog to lose control of their bowels.
Some older dogs also have reduced sensory awareness, meaning they may not even realize they are defecating indoors until it’s too late.
Gastrointestinal diseases should always be evaluated, especially if the poop is loose, bloody, or contains mucus.
Joint Pain and Mobility Issues
Mobility is a major concern in aging pets.
Arthritis, hip dysplasia, or spinal conditions can make it painful or physically challenging for a senior dog to go outside to relieve themselves.
If it hurts to walk or climb stairs, your dog may hesitate or delay going outdoors until it’s too late.
This limitation could be why your old dog poop and pee in house despite knowing the right place to go.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a serious medical condition that becomes more common as dogs age.
One symptom is excessive urination (polyuria), often accompanied by increased drinking (polydipsia).
If your old dog is urinating frequently and cannot make it outside in time, kidney disease might be the underlying issue.
This condition can also cause weakness, lethargy, and weight loss—so a veterinary evaluation is essential.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) involves an overproduction of cortisol and is another condition common in older dogs.
Dogs with this disease often drink and urinate more than normal, sometimes resulting in indoor accidents.
You might also notice other symptoms such as a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, or excessive panting.
This hormonal imbalance can contribute to why your old dog poop and pee in house regularly.
Diabetes
Similar to Cushing’s, diabetes in dogs can lead to increased thirst and urination.
An older dog that is developing diabetes may begin having accidents due to the urgency and volume of their urine output.
Diabetes can also cause weight loss, increased appetite, and lethargy.
If your old dog is experiencing these symptoms along with frequent accidents, it’s time to get a blood test.
Stress or Environmental Changes
Changes in environment, loss of a companion, or new people or pets in the home can lead to stress-induced accidents.
Older dogs are especially sensitive to change, and this emotional distress can disrupt their routine.
Stress can also exacerbate cognitive dysfunction or cause physical symptoms like diarrhea, which may explain why an old dog poop and pee in house even if previously house-trained.
Related: My dog has bloody diarrhea and is shaking (Here’s why)
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications given to older dogs for arthritis, heart conditions, or other ailments can lead to incontinence as a side effect.
Diuretics, in particular, increase urine production and may cause accidents in dogs who can’t get outside quickly enough.
If your dog has recently started a new medication, consider whether this could be contributing to their accidents.
What to Do When an Old Dog Poop and Pee in House
If your old dog poop and pee in house repeatedly, the key is not to panic but to investigate. Here are steps you can take:
1. Schedule a Vet Visit:
The first and most important step is to consult your veterinarian.
Incontinence, kidney disease, UTIs, diabetes, and other medical issues can all be diagnosed with a physical exam, urine analysis, and blood work.
2. Use Dog Diapers or Belly Bands:
For dogs with ongoing incontinence, consider using protective products like dog diapers or belly bands.
These prevent messes around the home while you figure out a long-term solution.
3. Increase Bathroom Breaks:
Senior dogs benefit from more frequent potty breaks.
Try letting your dog out every 2–3 hours, especially after eating, drinking, or waking from a nap.
4. Create Easy Access to Outdoors:
Use ramps or remove obstacles to help your dog reach their usual bathroom area.
You can also add a dog door or indoor potty pads for convenience.
5. Manage Diet Carefully:
A stable, high-fiber diet tailored to senior dogs can reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Avoid switching foods suddenly, and always keep fresh water available.
6. Use Enzyme Cleaners:
If your old dog poop and pee in house, clean the area with enzyme-based cleaners to remove odors that could attract them back to the same spot.
7. Provide a Safe, Low-Stress Environment:
Minimize stress by maintaining a predictable routine, offering quiet spaces to rest, and avoiding major changes to the household whenever possible.
8. Cognitive Support:
If cognitive decline is suspected, your vet may recommend supplements or prescription medications that support brain health.
Mental stimulation like puzzle toys can also help keep their mind active.
When to Seek Immediate Help
While some in-home accidents are manageable, certain signs warrant immediate veterinary attention:
Blood in stool or urine
Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
Noticeable weight loss
Excessive thirst or urination
Lethargy or signs of pain
Sudden behavioral changes
If your old dog is having these symptoms in addition to peeing or pooping in the house, don’t delay a professional evaluation.
Key Takeaway
It’s not uncommon for an old dog poop and pee in house due to physical, emotional, or medical reasons.
While the issue can be frustrating, understanding the root cause is essential to helping your senior dog live comfortably.
By working closely with your vet, adjusting routines, and using support tools like diapers or mobility aids, you can manage this issue compassionately.
Early intervention often makes a big difference, so always act sooner rather than later when new symptoms arise.