Dog Poops In Sleep: How to Solve This Issue

Updated on October 12th, 2023

If your dog poops in sleep, you surely are looking for solutions. It is not pleasant to wake up and have to clean the floor or the bed or bathe your pup. However, be patient: your four-legged friend cannot handle this problem alone. Keep reading to find out all about it.

Best 5 Ways to Stop Dog Pooping In Sleep

Correcting this problem will depend on the cause. Let's see one by one the solutions for your dog that poops while sleeping:

1. Healthy Diet

Reservoir incontinence due to a bowel condition or age may improve if the diet is modified. For example, you could choose a quality low-fiber dog food. This will influence the number of bowel movements per day. Check with your vet about it.

2. Daily Exercise

Although going for a walk with your dog will not solve the problem, it does give him a chance to empty his intestines.

Discover: How Long After Eating Does A Dog Poop?

3. Antibiotics

In the case of an infection of the anal glands, stool incontinence can be treated with antibiotics. In these cases, anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory medications are often used, in addition to more specialized treatments.

4. Physical Therapy

Neurological issues can cause your dog to poop while sleeping. One of the best ways to treat this is through physical therapy. Of course, a specialist should perform it.

5. Surgery

If your dog has anal trauma or disease, he may need surgery. Your trusted veterinarian will determine if surgery is necessary.

Doggie Diapers To Avoid Accidents

If your dog has fecal incontinence due to age, there may not be a solution to this problem. In this situation, it may be interesting to resort to dog diapers to avoid accidents during sleep.

How To Choose A Diaper For Your Senior Dog

1. Pick The Material

You can choose between disposable or washable diapers. This last option is eco-friendly, although a higher investment is necessary and, in addition, you will have to regularly wash the diapers.

2. Measure Your Dog 

Dog diaper sizes are determined based on the dog's waist size or weight.
This depends on each brand, so stay tuned!

3. Consider The Breed

Does your dog have a long tail? If so, you should choose diapers with a hole for the tail, although it is possible that there is a leak through it.

Top 4 Reasons Why A Dog Poops In Sleep

While the reason your dog poops in sleep will be determined by your vet, these are the main causes of the problem: 

1. The Puppy Is Not Yet Trained

All dogs have incontinence when they are young. However, they have the ability to learn when and where to relieve themselves.

If you have a puppy, the problem may be that he has not yet learned to regulate his pee or poop. Try to start the training as soon as possible.

Check out: How To Potty-Train Your Puppy

2. Your Dog Has Aged

3. Anal Wound Or Mass

4. Diseases That Affect The Intestines

Reservoir incontinence occurs when the last part of the large intestine cannot hold stool. This may be due to specific diseases such as diarrhea or chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. The urge to defecate is so great that your dog cannot keep the feces down.

As you can see, your dog poops in sleep because he has a condition that he can't handle. Do not yell at him or punish him for this.

➡️ Visit your trusted vet to receive the best guidance to live happily with your furry friend.

FAQ

Why Is My Dog Leaking Poop While Sleeping?

There can be a variety of reasons why your dog is leaking poop while sleeping. It could be due to age or certain medical conditions. If you're concerned about the issue, it's best to consult with your veterinarian in order to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Is It A Veterinary Emergency If My Dog Poops While Sleeping?

No, in most cases, dog pooping while sleeping is not a veterinary emergency. It's important to keep an eye on your dog to make sure they're healthy, and the issue isn't getting worse. Additionally, consulting with your veterinarian can help you figure out the cause and develop a plan to solve it.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Leaking Poop While Sleeping?

There are a few ways to help prevent dog pooping while sleeping. First, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and playtime throughout the day. This will help regulate their digestive system and keep them from holding their waste for too long. Additionally, feeding them a high-fiber diet can also help reduce the occurrence of dog pooping while sleeping. Finally, if your dog is older or has a medical condition, it's important to consult with your veterinarian for a diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

If you're dealing with dog pooping while sleeping, rest assured that there are solutions that can help keep the issue in check. With the right combination of diet, exercise, and medical care, you can help keep your dog comfortable and happy.

Is There A Cure For Canine Poop Leaking While Sleeping?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all cure for dog pooping while sleeping. However, with the right combination of diet, exercise, and medical care tailored to your dog's specific needs, you can help reduce or eliminate the issue altogether. It's best to consult with your veterinarian, so they can make an accurate diagnosis and