What is Lack of Bowel Control?
Aside from the puppy training moments, most dogs are very conscientious creatures and will not defecate inside the house unless there is a problem. While fecal incontinence is most common in older dogs, there are medical reasons that may contribute to this problem in younger dogs. An illness, disease or injury may be the cause for the lack of bowel control. Consult the appropriate veterinary professional without delay; her knowledge and understanding will be able to remedy the situation.
Fecal incontinence is the medical term for a dog who is exhibiting a lack of bowel control. This can be an unpleasant situation for you as a pet owner, and will most likely cause stress for your dog as well. A visit to the veterinary clinic is imperative in order to diagnose and treat the cause, as well as prevent further complications that can arise from the incontinence.Lack of Bowel Control Average Cost
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Symptoms of Lack of Bowel Control in Dogs
The inability to control bowel movements stems from a lack of communication of sorts between the brain and the colon. There can be various explanations for the problem, and the veterinarian will be able to diagnose the problem. Take note of the following signs, and relay them to the veterinarian at your clinic visit:
- Lack of anal tone
- Passing feces while walking
- Passing feces while sleeping
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Bloated abdomen
- Scooting hind end along floor
- Diarrhea
Causes of Lack of Bowel Control in Dogs
There are many reasons why your dog may lose control of his bowels and have an accident in the house. Remember, this can be an upsetting occurrence for your pet. To avoid further complications resulting from the added stress, take your dog to the veterinarian in order to pinpoint the exact cause that may be included in the list below:
- Degenerative myelopathy (spinal cord disease)
- Peripheral myopathy (damage to nerves which impairs sensation)
- Muscle atrophy (wasting)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Trauma after injury such as impact from car accident
- Paralysis or debilitation of hind legs (this can lead to a colon that is never expressed fully, as the dog does not have strength to eliminate feces - because colon is not fully empty, your dog may lose bowel control when asleep or upon standing)
- Infection of anal sac
- Viruses such as Parvo, which cause uncontrollable diarrhea
- Perianal fistula (chronic lesions around the anus)
- Parasites (resulting diarrhea for an extended length of time can lead to damaged muscles in the rectum)
- Spinal tumor
- Myasthenia gravis ( a neuromuscular disease that keeps the muscles from contracting)
Diagnosis of Lack of Bowel Control in Dogs
Diagnosing the cause for the lack of bowel control will be greatly improved if you are able to give the veterinarian informative, relevant information. Make a note of the incidences when your dog has an accident in your home, and try to document any behavioral changes that you may see as well. Collect a fecal sample to bring to the clinic for analysis.
Along with the feces analysis, the veterinarian may want to do a urinalysis. These tests, together with a chemistry blood profile and complete blood count, can help diagnose infection or parasites if present. A discussion of your pet’s medical history and a thorough physical examination will be done, which will include checking the anal and sphincter muscles.
If required for an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian may recommend radiographs of the abdomen, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine to see if there are visible tumors or spinal arthritis.
Treatment of Lack of Bowel Control in Dogs
When treating fecal incontinence, it is essential to address all of the complications and causes that may accompany it. For example, a dog who has incontinence in the form of diarrhea may have blistering around the anus, which if left untreated, can lead to a secondary infection. Another instance of a complication may be a stress induced illness. Though you may not be able to ascertain the amount of stress the fecal incontinence is causing for your pet, there is no doubt that the situation is causing him discomfort.
If the lack of bowel control is being caused by a simple infection, antibiotics may quickly resolve the problem. A parasitic infection, such as giardia or intestinal worms can be eradicated with the appropriate medication. There are drugs that can strengthen the sphincter muscles if necessary.
Surgical reconstruction of the anal and sphincter area may be required in some dogs. The veterinarian will be the absolute best person to decide on the appropriate treatment protocol. Some may recommend therapies such as chiropractic care, physiotherapy or acupuncture, for example, if the incontinence is resulting from lower back pain or weakness.
In the case of a senior dog, the incontinence may be less treatable, in which case diapers or frequent trips outside may be of help.
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Recovery of Lack of Bowel Control in Dogs
Working closely with the veterinarian will be a big part of taking care of a dog who has lack of bowel control. Pay special care to the instructions given to you by the veterinary professional; your cooperation will be instrumental in relieving your dog of this problem. Follow instructions completely when dealing with medication. If the veterinarian suggests diet changes, be sure to heed the advice. Your veterinarian may prescribe a hypoallergenic diet (with ingredients like rice, fish oil, and soy hydrolysate) or an intestinal diet (containing corn meal, chicken liver hydrolysate and soybean oil).
Psyllium supplements may help to slow down diarrhea, but can also aid in facilitating stool elimination. You will have to consult with the veterinarian in order to find the right diet balance that works with your pet’s digestive system.
At home, patience is key. We never want our pet to associate accidents of bowel control with anger. Frequent walks allow for plenty of opportunities for your pet to pass a bowel movement. Exercise can assist the digestive system with elimination, and chances are if your pet has emptied his colon after a long walk or run, you may have helped him to avoid an accident later. A long walk before bed may benefit the situation also.
A lack of bowel control can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Lack of Bowel Control Average Cost
From 16 quotes ranging from $200 - $5,000
Average Cost
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Lack of Bowel Control Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Mutt
Eight Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Uncontrollable Bowels
My dog is near the end of the process of being house trained. She will let us know when she needs to go outside. She will pee then come right back inside on her own accord. Soon thereafter, she poops in the house. Usually, as she poops she walks around while it comes out. The poop itself looks very normal. Is this due to her still being young or should I be worried about the possibility of something else?
July 31, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. This sounds like she is not housetrained, and thinks that she should defecate inside, I think. It may help if you take her for an actual walk when she needs to go outside, as that will often stimulate dogs to defecate, and she will learn that outside is where she is supposed to be doing that.
I hope that helps and that everything goes well for her
July 31, 2020
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Anatolian Shepherd Dog Mix
Three Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Passing Feces While Sleeping
My dog has recently started to poop in his sleep. Not more than a nugget. He gets fed in the morning and spends time outside frequently. He is my SD so he is usually extremely healthy. This just started a couple weeks ago and has happened atleast 4-5 times? Just hoping he is okay and it’s nothing serious. Thank you.
July 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello,
This may not be anything serious. It would be best for him to go outside right before bedtime and make sure that he spends enough time outside to poop before coming back in. This will help prevent him from pooping in his sleep. If this still continues, it would be best to check him for worms.
July 26, 2020
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Golden Retriever
Honey
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy Combined With Loss Of Bowe
Lethargy And Loss Of Bowel Control
My golden retriever will be 11 in February, 2019.
She up until yesterday typically acts like a puppy interrupted by lots of sleep. This afternoon she pooped while laying down on the kitchen floor and appeared not to even notice! She is very lethargic...She doesn't seem to be in any pain and there are no marks or anything...just seems extraordinarily tired...her poop was perfectly normal and healthy looking.
Aug. 21, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Sudden lethargy can be a sign that something is wrong, especially in an older dog. It would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as they can examine her, assess her vitals and health status, and see what might be going on and what testing or treatment might be necessary.
Aug. 21, 2018
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Boston Terrier
Foxy
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea, Vomitting,
Diarrhea, Vomitting, Lack Of Energy
Diarrhea, Vomitting
I have a 7 year old Boston terrier. She has never had an accident in my home after she was 6 months old. Last year the food she grew up on was discontinued and we had to buy new food for her. As soon as this happened she started to have poop left on her behind after she went potty - we have cleaned her with a wet paper towel after each trip outside for the last 6 months or so - she currently eats nutropro limited ingredient lamb and sweet potato recipe for small dogs. It seems to treat her better than other foods we've tried. It may not be related but timing wise it happened this way. She'll occasionally scoot her bottom across the floor. Anyway for the last 3 days she has had a larger and funnier than normal mess after her potty trips, today she started poopy water like diarrhea which smells super foul. This evening she had poop coming out of her and didn't even know it. I have taken her dog food up and cooked rice and scrambled eggs for her; going to give her some pumpkin later. She seems stressed; early had terrible panting and a rapid heart rate but that's calmed down. I'm super worried and don't know what I should do for her. Planning to take her to the vet Friday when they can see her. Any advice? Should I take her in for an emergency after hours visit, wait, or something I can do in the meantime while I wait for her appointment?
June 20, 2018
0 Recommendations
Diarrhoea from diet can be a difficult problem, as you know trial and error is the only real way to determine a suitable diet. If Foxy isn’t in any distress, she can probably wait until her appointment but ensure that she is kept hydrated since she will be losing a lot of fluid from loose stool; if she presents symptoms again of rapid heart rate or anything else concerning you may want to visit an Emergency Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 21, 2018
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German Shepherd
Ace
11 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Incontinence
Trouble Walking
My 11 year old German Shepherd has had weakening back legs, starting about a year ago. Recently he has begun defecating at random and does not even notice it happens. The only way I know is when I actually see it. He does not even squat anymore, I would liken it more to the way a horse defecates. I have a feeling this is a degenerative spinal issue given the weakness in the legs but is there any way to help somewhat restore feeling to his colon? I of course never reprimand him because he literally has no idea it has even happened when it does. These are his only health issues as well. He is otherwise in perfect health, no tumors or other ailments.
June 14, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
German Shepherds are prone to degenerative problems with the nerves of the back end, and that may be what is happening to Ace. There is no treatment for that, unfortunately, but giving good pain medication to help with any arthritis issues can sometimes help the whole picture and lessen the signs of the nerve dysfunction. It would be best to have him examined by a veterinarian, as they can assess him and provide safe pain medication if he needs it.
June 14, 2018
You just described exactly our experience with our 13 yr old German Shepherd mix, including the weakness in the back legs. I'll be interested to hear the response.
June 14, 2018
Mascha F.
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Cihweenie
Chico
3 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
We have a 3 month year old chiweenie n he was born with round worms n had it bad when we got him from his previous owners. We have been giving him worm treatments but he recently started dropping bigger amounts of worms in his feces and puking them up . Then a sudden Change in his behavior no longer our little happy go lucky pup . He began losing weight and lost control of his bowles he will be walking and it will be falling out in a liquid mess and it does it when he is laying down to he won't eat but he does drink his Pedialyte on his own and stands from time to time .
Lack of Bowel Control Average Cost
From 16 quotes ranging from $200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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