Old Dog Can’t Hold Her Poop: Is It Dementia?

Dementia can cause a dog to forget her house training and go indoors, but that usually looks different. A dog with dementia often doesn’t seem to realize she needs to go out. What you describe, where she feels the urge and tries to get outside but can’t hold it, sounds more like urgency. That often comes from a bowel problem such as colitis or inflammatory bowel disease, which can make stool come on too fast.

Age alone is rarely the whole explanation, so book a vet visit. Your vet will examine her, including a rectal exam, and may suggest stool and blood tests. Bowel problems are often treatable. Ask too about arthritis, since pain can slow a dog down on the way to the door.

If she also shows other signs of dementia, such as confusion or night wandering, mention them, as treatment can help some dogs. Meanwhile, take her out often and soon after meals, put her bed near the door, and use washable floor covers. See our guides to colitis in dogs and senior dog fecal incontinence.

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