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Why is my senior dog suddenly peeing and pooping in the house?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | 16 years and 4 months old | 26 lbs

I have an older dog 16 human year. He has always been house broke. Recently he started peeing in the house month or so ago now he poops in house to. What could be the cause?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 2nd, 2017

Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sometimes as a dog ages they develop something called cognitive dysfunction (like dementia) where they forget their training. This may be the cause of Tot's accidents. A supplement like Senilife may help withi this. Pain and arthritis can also lead to accident in an older dog as they have a harder time going outside and positioning to go to the bathroom. Sometimes urinary tract infection, internal medical issues or digestive problems may also cause accidents in the house. A visit to your Veterinarian may help to sort out what the cause of Tot's accidents are. Until you are able to take him to the vet you may want to take him outside more frequently to avoid accidents.

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