Older Min Pin Dropping Balls of Poop Around the House: What Else Can Help?

We’re so sorry you’re dealing with this on top of your own treatment. Small balls of stool left around the house and in the bed usually point to sphincter incontinence. If your vet found the sphincter muscle itself in good shape, the next place to look is the nerves at the base of the spine. Ask whether a neurologic exam of her back legs, tail and anal reflex would help, or whether a referral makes sense later if money allows.

We wouldn’t recommend herbal products. None are proven to help bowel incontinence, and some can interact with medicines or upset the stomach. There’s no medicine that treats the incontinence itself, so management is often the most practical, and least expensive, approach.

Take her out often, especially soon after meals. Ask your vet about a highly digestible diet, which can mean less stool to clean up. Use washable or waterproof bedding, and keep her in an easy-to-clean area when you’re resting. Some areas have low-cost clinics, vet school clinics or charities that help with pet care costs. See our guides to bowel incontinence in dogs and senior dog fecal incontinence.

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