My senior dog poops inside, eats it, and wanders. Is it anxiety?

Question

My wife & I have a 13 year old female dachshund who is almost completely deaf whom we've had for 9 years. My wife simply tolerates the dog. So, the dog likes me more than my wife. The dog made a bowel movement in the house today a few feet from my wife without her noticing and then my wife caught her trying to eat the bowel movement. The dog knows to go to the back door when she needs to potty. Lately, the dog wonders up and down the hall trying to find me while I'm at work. Separation anxiety? Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | 13 years and 4 months old | 18 lbs

Rebecca, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi thanks for using PetCoach. Tootsie could certainly be exhibiting some signs of anxiety. Dogs can also develop some cognitive dysfunction as they get older as well. There are some diet some supplements that can possibly help with cognitive dysfunction, as well as medications. It maybe worth a visit to her veterinarian, to discuss options and try to differentiate whether this may be anxiety or cognitive dysfunction. Here’s a bit more information on cognitive dysfunction and some foods or supplements that may help https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/behavior-counseling-senior-pet-cognitive-dysfunction https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-for-dogs-with-cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome-cds https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/behavior-counseling-senior-pet-behavior-problems https://indoorpet.osu.edu/dogs/aging_pets/cds

My senior dog poops inside, eats it, and wanders. Is it anxiety?

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