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My old dog is peeing and pooping inside. Health issue or dementia?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Long Coat) | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

My older dog has recently begun to pee and poop on the kitchen floor. She never did this, I have pee pads set up nearby and she's always been good about using them. Is this sound like a health issue or do dogs get dementia?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 4th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sadie. Older dogs can develop a senile like disorder known as canine cognitive dysfunction. It is somewhat similar to Alzheimer's disease in people. The dogs will forget their house training. They tend to mix up their days and nights, pace, pant and some will get stuck in corners or under furniture. It is worth having her evaluated by her veterinarian to determine if this is the case or if something else is causing her inappropriate elimination. I hope this information helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 7th, 2017

    There are medications and new diets to help with cognitive dysfunction in dogs. If pitta isn't having any other medical problems causing this I would recommend asking your vet about medication for cognitive dysfunction or one of the prescription senility diets. My old man collie mix is on hills B/D diet and there's a definite improvement in his overall attitude. Practically speaking you may just need to confine her to a smaller room where it's easier to clean, possibly trying puppy training pads to see if she would use those. Good luck, it's hard watching our friends get older.

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