Expert: Delores Beck - 9/25/2008

Question
I have two dogs, an airedale and a cocker.  The cocker was adopted from an animal alliance, but has lived here for 5 years, with the other dog for 2.  All of a sudden, out of the blue, the dog is pooping all over the house.  Today we caught him in the act, and my son ran him out immediately and told him no.  I am at my wit's end and do not know what to do with him. (nothing has recently changed in the household)  PLEASE HELP

Answer
Anytime a dog suddenly changes a behavior, it's time for a vet visit.

Before I can help I need more information.
How often is he pooping?  More than usual?
Is the stool normal?
How often do you feed him? And what do you feed him?
How much exercise (walks) does he get?
When did he last have a full Wellness check?

I need to know all that but first I'd take him and a stool sample to your vet.  Dogs have no way of telling us there's something wrong and, as I said, when a good boy like this "all of a sudden" changes, then a physical cause must first be eliminated.  He could have picked up a parasite or be having some digestive issues.

So get that done and let me know.  And do take a stool sample to the vet.
Delores