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My dog suddenly poops on bed & floor. Why is this happening?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | unneutered

My dog has suddenly started pooping on my bed and sometimes on the floor. What's going on with him?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on August 22nd, 2016

Since it sounds like this is a recent behavior change, the first step would be to have Stain examined by a vet to see if there may be a medical reason that he is pooping in strange places - there are many illnesses that can cause dogs to suddenly begin having house-training accidents, so your vet may recommend doing a fecal exam and possibly some blood work to check for any problems. If everything comes back normal, then this behavior may be a result of stress or anxiety, or some recent change in his routine. In that case, I would recommend going back to basics with house-training for the next few weeks to help get things back on track - take him out frequently, and go for long walks if needed so that he has plenty of opportunity to poop outside. When he does, reward with a treat. In the house, supervise closely to prevent accidents and use a crate if needed to confine him at night or when you aren't able to watch him. Once he has gone a few weeks without any accidents, you can gradually transition back to his normal routine.

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24Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 7th, 2016

    If this is a recent change for your dog, then the first thing I would suggest would be to have him checked by your vet since he may have a urinary tract infection or other medical problem causing the accidents - he/she can do a urinalysis to check for any abnormalities, and get him started on medication if needed to treat any problems that are found. If his exam and urine testing comes back normal, then this may simply be a minor housetraining setback - sometimes, even adult dogs can have lapses, especially if there has been any increased stress or changes in his environment recently. In that case, I would recommend going back to basics with his housetraining for the next week or two - supervise him closely at all times, praise and reward when he uses his pee pads, and be ready to interrupt him right away if he starts to have an accident. Once has has been accident-free again for at least 14 days, you can go back to your normal day-to-day schedule without constant supervision.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 2nd, 2019

    I am sorry to hear about Eli! I would recommend an examination at her veterinarian if this is a sudden change without any known cause (such as a very stressful event or illness) to check for a medical cause of the problem, such as parasites or a food sensitivity. If your vet finds that Eli is healthy, then you may need to restart potty training as some dogs do need to be retaught. I recommend this article for information on potty training: https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/a_foolproof_potty-training_plan/

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 26th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. This could be a behavioral problem that has suddenly developed. Anxiety can lead to behavioral changes as well. I would recommend letting him out more frequently and seeing if the Adaptil collar helps (which can be found online quite easily). If he is afraid of something outside, he may find that he feels more safe defecating indoors on the beds. I would try the above and see if this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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