Finding Small Solid Stools in a Dog's Bed

Small, solid stools left in bed while a dog sleeps usually mean the anal sphincter relaxes too much during sleep. Possible causes include anal gland problems, weakness in the nerves at the base of the spine or tail, back pain, and age-related muscle weakness.

Ask your vet to check his anal glands, rectum, back, tail and back legs. Taking him out for a bowel movement right before bed often reduces night-time accidents. Treatment depends on the cause, but management such as feeding at set times and a highly digestible diet can help while the cause is found.

See fecal incontinence in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.