Why is my dog pooping at night? Is it anxiety or a health issue?

Question

I struggle with crating my dog because he's already so anxious and has separation anxiety. He's a rescue we've had for 2 weeks and he listens really well but he's been pooping at night even after we've taken him out. He willingly goes in the crate with minimal whining but I feel terrible for putting him in there. The first week we had him he slept in a dog bed in our room without issue and now he's pooped 2 nights in a row after we've told him to get in his bed for the night. What is going on? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 3 years old | 22 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Crating actually helps with separation anxiety, as it gives a dog a safe place of their own. I wouldn't feel terrible for putting Duke in there, as it can be a fun place for a dog to be in, and it helps them feel secure. That being said, him pooping two nights in a row could actually be due to a medical illness as opposed to separation anxiety. He could be suffering from diarrhea, which would make him have to poop immediately. I would take him into the vet in the morning for an exam. Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by intestinal parasites, GI illness, a sudden change in diet. or a foreign body. The vet can diagnose if he does have a medical illness causing the pooping in the night, and can treat accordingly.

Why is my dog pooping at night? Is it anxiety or a health issue?

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