Older Maltese Passing Small Poops in His Sleep: How to Manage Night Accidents

Small, firm pieces of stool passed during sleep, without the dog seeming to notice, usually point to weakness of the anal sphincter or the nerves that control it rather than a behavior problem. In an older dog it’s worth asking your vet for a focused rectal and neurologic exam, including the reflex around the anus and a check of the back legs and tail. If anything is abnormal, a referral to a veterinary neurologist may help find a cause.

While you look into it, a few practical steps often reduce night accidents. Ask your vet about feeding his main meal earlier in the day, so his bowel is more likely to empty before bedtime, and give him a good, unhurried walk late in the evening. A highly digestible diet can also reduce stool volume. A waterproof cover and a washable blanket on the bed make cleanup easy for you and for sitters.

A dog diaper can help for a night or two while he’s away, but change it promptly and don’t rely on it long term, as trapped moisture can irritate the skin. See our guide to bowel incontinence in dogs.

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