[Craig_K]

Our 15 month old, female golden retriever has been pooping in her crate twice in the past 4 days. Usually she will bark if she needs to be let out. We have had her since January (we rescued her) and this is the only 2 times she has pooped or peed in the crate.

What could be causing this? We haven't really changed anything with her diet, the kinds of treats we give her or anything.

We need help badly, we have a professional trainer coming on December 1st but until then this can't be happening.

Please help!

 

[Lillith]

Have you taken her to a vet? Parasites, UTIs, and other medical issues can cause potty problems. They sometimes have to go more than usual, or can't hold it, so they are forced to have an accident. Once you rule out medical, then it is probably a training issue.

 

[Craig_K]

The morning of the first incident we called the emergency vet line (local line, not some 1-800 line). She actually threw up right after she pooped in the crate. The vet asked us if she had any interest in food, and she did, she ate the little bit of food we put down with no hesitation. The vet said not to worry about it. He said that she probably ate some of her own feces. I may still take her into the vet but I am not sure what else they could tell us that he didn't tell us over the phone.

 

[Lillith]

If it just happened one time, sure, it could have been a simple upset tummy, but if it is continuing to happen then it may be a bit more than that. Just because she is still eating doesn't mean everything is fine. Some parasites cause dogs to want to eat more because they steal the dog's nutrients! They vet will take samples of your dog's urine and stool, run tests for parasites/UTI, and can tell you if there is anything wrong.

It could also very well be that she had an upset tummy that one time, had an accident in her crate, and then decided it was okay to go in there all the time, but that is rare. The only way you'll know is if you schedule a vet visit.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

What is her feeding schedule? How much does she weigh and how much are your feeding her? What brand are you feeding her? How soon after feeding her is she crated for the night? How long is she crated at night?

It may be simply you are feeding too much and feeding too much later in the day (if you feed 2X a day).