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My senior dog is leaking poop and has arthritis. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 11 years and 10 months old | 122 lbs

Quinn, almost 12yrold dane mix, has started to leave accidental poop after a sleep.(3 times) Only small pebble (in comparison to his normal poop) am aware eyes and ears are fading (for 2 yrs). Has arthritis in hips 3.5yrs. (Issues up and down, and hesitant with stairs) Should I be worried? Is this him getting to "the end" ? What can I do to help make things easier/ more comfortable for him? If this is the end, how can I prepare Demon for the future without Quinn? All info/ advice available plz

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 25th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about Quinn! I would definitely recommend bringing Quinn in to his vet for an exam and discussion. There are medications that can help with arthritis and make him more comfortable if he isn't on anything currently (including omega fatty acids, joint supplements, NSAIDs, and drugs like Gabapetin, as well as alternative treatments like acupuncture). Your vet may recommend increasing the fiber in Quinn's diet by changing diets to something higher in fiber or adding fiber (such as canned pumpkin or psyllium) to the diet which can bulk up the feces and make it easier to poop and less likely to fall out. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do for your other dog in preparation. If Demon does have anxiety after Quinn is gone, there are some non-drug options for this such as an Adaptil (pheremone) collar or diffuser, or a calming supplement like Composure or Solliquin.

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