Dogs can have strange behaviors. These can either be things they learned early in life, their environment, or due to circumstances out of their control such as illness. One of these behaviors is dogs sleeping in their sleep. In this article we discuss everything you need to know.
There are several reasons as to why your would sleep in their poop. Illness, aging, lack of training, and cramped sleeping space are all possibilities. Read on to find out more about each reason and how to stop the behavior.
#Why Dogs May Sleep In Their Own Poop?
They’re Old
As dogs age, they can sometimes have unwelcome symptoms such as going to the bathroom in their sleep. They may lose control of their bowels and bladder the older they get.
They’re Sick
Sometimes, if your dog is sick, they can poop in their sleep. Certain illnesses can cause dogs to have diarrhea or lose control of their bowels. However, this is usually only a temporary condition unlike the loss of continence that happens as they age.
They Can’t Control Their Poop
For the reasons listed above, your dog could be unable to control their poop. If your dog seems to be acting strangely or seems to be unable to control their poop, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible.
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They Have Bad Behavior
If your dog is not trained properly, they may not know where it is acceptable to go to the bathroom. They may not realize that they are not allowed to go to the bathroom wherever. A solution to this is to contact a dog trainer and work on correcting this behavior.
They Have Trouble With Their Pooper
There are certain medical conditions that are centered around your dog’s behind. Things like sphincter or fecal incontinence. These are conditions on their own and are not related to or are symptoms of another illness. This is another instance where you should seek out your veterinarian’s help.
They’re Scared
If your dog is left home alone or is suddenly frightened in their bed or where they sleep, it could cause them to spontaneously poop. It is not an illness or condition. It is simply a temporary loss of control due to fear.
They Like The Smell
We all know that dogs like smelly things. And that sometimes this is comforting to them. So in order to make their sleeping space more comfortable for them, they may poop in the same location.
They Did It Before And Got Used To It
Depending on your dog’s past, they may have exhibited this behavior before. If they’ve pooped in the place where they sleep before and have never been stopped, they may simply think it’s okay. If you haven’t had your dog for his entire life, then this behavior could be something he learned while living with a previous owner or owners.
They’re Pregnant Or Nursing
Just like a human, when a dog is pregnant or nursing, their hormone levels can be more askew than they normally are. When this happens, it can induce bodily functions-like pooping-more frequently and easier than usual. Your vet can inform you when and if it becomes a problem.
They’re Hiding Their Own Smell
Dogs are descendants of wolves. Which means that they sometimes present behaviors that harken back to their ancestors. One of these behaviors is called ‘scent masking’ which is where they cover up their scent to protect themselves from danger in the wild.
They Don’t Have Much Space To Sleep
If your dog’s sleeping area is cramped and they spend a lot of time there, they may not be able to help it if they have an accident.
Finding Comfort Or Warmth
Your dog may have gotten used to sleeping in their poop if it has become a regular behavior. This combined with their affinity for yucky smells make give them some form of warmth or comfort.
Other Medical Issues
As we’ve mentioned in this article, there are numerous medical issues that your dog could suffer from that causes them to poop where they sleep. You should keep an eye on your dog for other symptoms or if the incontinence gets worse. You can always call the vet or a 24/7 pet emergency center for advice or medical attention.
Some Dog Breeds More Prone To Sleeping In Their Own Poop Than Others
Pooping in their sleep is not a breed specific condition. It can happen to any dog However, older dogs are usually more susceptible to this behavior.
Lack Of Proper Training
Again, this can be a lack of training. Your dog may not be properly house trained or know the appropriate places to go to the bathroom. You can get training for your dog so that they can rectify this behavior.
Do Some Dogs Enjoy Sleeping In Their Poop?
It may be possible for some dogs to enjoy sleeping in their poop. It could be for numerous reasons, the smell is comforting to them, the behavior is familiar, etc. It is a strange preference, but not entirely impossible.
#Ways To Clean Up After Your Dog Has Slept On Poop
Wear Gloves
One of the most important steps to remember when cleaning up your dog or their bedding is to wear gloves. Your dog’s poop can have bacteria and germs that can cause you infection and illness.
Pick Up Any Solid Waste
First, you should pick up the solid waste and dispose of it in a plastic bag or flushing solid poop down the toilet. Once that’s taken care of you can then proceed to clean up the liquid waste.
Use A Paper Towel To Clean Up Liquid Waste
Using a paper towel will help you to soak up the liquid waste, ensuring that it does not spread and make a larger mess or stain any bedding when you wipe it up. Paper towels are not only very absorbent, but also disposable so it is a preferable option to using regular towels and having to wash them multiple times to get them clean.
Apply A Pet-Safe Cleaning Solution
A pet safe cleaning solution will help to ensure that there are no stains and that the area or areas are disinfected. And being pet-safe, you don’t have to worry about the cleaning solution being harmful to your dog. You can find these cleaning solutions online and in pet stores.
Scrub The Area Thoroughly With A Brush Or Sponge
Using a brush or sponge, you should thoroughly scrub the area that was pooped on. If this is a frequent occurrence with your dog, you may want to retain the brush or sponge and dedicate it to solely cleaning up incidents like these. Just make sure to thoroughly clean it after each use.
Dry The Area With A Clean Towel Or Paper Towel
Dry any remaining wet areas with a clean towel or paper towel. Again, paper towels may be more preferable as they are absorbent and disposable.
Use A Pet-Safe Deodorizer To Eliminate Any Remaining Odors
Similar to a pet-safe cleaning solution, there are pet-safe deodorizers that can get rid of any lingering odors left behind. You can also find these online or at pet stores.
Train Your Dog To Use A Designated Potty Area Or Crate Train To Prevent Future Accidents.
Training your dog to use certain areas for the bathroom and others for sleeping-and differentiating between the two-can be helpful as well. Once they unlearn this negative behavior, you won’t have to clean up messes as often, if ever again. Online tutorials, pet communities, and hiring a trainer are all possible options to help make this happen.
Praise And Reward Your Dog For Good Behavior And Avoid Punishing Or Scolding For Accidents.
Each time your dog does as you want and poops in the correct area, make sure to praise him. This will let him know that this is a good behavior and will continue to do it to please you and get praise/a reward. Sometimes your dog will have an accident, but can’t help it.
If they have an accident and poop where they sleep, you should not scold or punish them. A firm but gentle ‘no’ will suffice.
#What To Do If Your Dog Sleeps In Its Poop?
Make Sure Any Medical Issues Are Taken Care Of
It is important to regularly keep up on your dog’s health. But it is even more important if they are pooping where they sleep. Making sure that any medical issues your dog could have are ruled out or taken care of will be helpful. It may even explain why the dog is doing this.
Keep Your Dog’s Sleeping Area Nice And Clean
Routinely cleaning and maintaining your dog’s sleeping area will also make it easier to prevent this behavior. It can also make things easier to clean up when an accident happens.
Use Comfy Bedding That’s Easy To Wash
Comfortable, easily washed bedding will be good for both you and your dog. Whether your dog sleeps with you or in his own space, if he poops in his sleep, it will be easier to clean up.
Watch Your Dog Closely To Make Sure They Don’t Sleep In Their Poop
Make sure to keep an eye on your dog if you suspect he’s been sleeping in his poop. If you discover this is the case, take the actions described in this article.
Teach Your Dog Good Behavior, Like Using The Potty Area And Not Sleeping In Their Poop
Giving your dog a potty area or specific place to go to the bathroom can be a big help. You can try to train your dog on your own or get the help of a trainer.
Give Your Dog Plenty Of Exercise And Things To Do
Exercise and movement can help your dog go to the bathroom more regularly.
Give Your Dog More Time Outdoors
Allowing your dog to spend more time outside will be helpful. Your dog can expend energy and have more time to go to the bathroom outside. He is less likely to poop where he sleeps if he has more time to relieve himself outside.
If The Problem Continues, Think About Getting Help From A Dog Trainer Or Behavior Expert
If the problem continues and you can’t find a medical reason behind it, it could be a behavioral problem. As we mentioned it could be learned behavior from a past owner, a lack of training, or not being house trained. You can look into hiring a dog trainer or dog behavior expert to help your dog correct the problem.
Get A Dog Sitter Or Walker To Help Out
If your schedule doesn’t allow for ample time to walk your dog or give him a lot of playtime, then you have a couple options. You can hire a dog sitter or walker to help you give your dog more exercise.
Buy Some Doggy Pee Pads
Buying some doggy pee pads can help you to keep your dog’s sleeping area clean. If your dog has an accident in his sleeping space, then liquid waste will be soaked up by the puppy pad and you can wrap up any solid waste in the pad. This will leave you less of a mess to clean up on the floor or bedding.
Is It Normal For Dogs To Sleep In Their Own Poop?
It is not normal for your dog to sleep in his own poop. Whether it is a previously learned negative behavior or a health condition, there is no reason a healthy dog would do this. It can be a treatable reason, and you should take your dog to the vet to ensure that the condition is discovered and treated in a timely fashion.
What Health Risks Are Associated With Dogs Sleeping In Their Own Poop?
The biggest health risk is your dog accidentally ingesting bacteria from the poop. This can cause illness and infections.
What Should I Do If I Catch My Dog Sleeping In Their Own Poop?
You should move your dog from the dirty area, but do not scold or punish them. Make sure that your dog is not showing signs of being ill and is not dirty. Then you should clean the area where your dog pooped.
Are There Any Signs I Should Look For To Know If My Dog Has Been Sleeping In Their Own Poop?
Your dog may be dirty or smell like poop if he’s been sleeping in his. If you see that your dog is dirty, check his sleeping area to see if he has pooped there. You’ll want to clean it to prevent odor and stains.
Also, if your dog is acting differently or strange-lethargy, difficulty holding poop, etc-these could be signs that he is sleeping in their own poop.
What Steps Can I Take To Make Sure My Home Is Clean And Odor-Free, Even If My Dog Sleeps In Their Own Poop?
Routinely cleaning your house and bedding using pet-safe cleaning products will help keep it odor free.
Is It Okay To Punish A Dog For Sleeping In Its Poop?
You should never punish a dog for sleeping in its poop. It isn’t really their fault, as there is a reason behind it out of their control. Training them to go in certain areas will help them to stop this behavior. You can reward them when they go where you want them to, but you should never punish a sog for sleeping in its poop.
How Long Can A Dog Hold Its Poop?
If your adult dog is healthy, they should be able to hold their stool for 12 hours. Though you should regularly take your dog out so they have ample opportunity to go to the bathroom.
What Should I Do If My Dog Poops On My Bed?
If your dog poops on your bed, you should immediately clean up the waste and wash your bedding. You can use the methods and products we mentioned in this article. You should also make sure that your dog is clean as well. This can be done through a bath or using pet-safe soap and a washcloth to gently wash the dirty area on your dog’s body/fur.
Why Would My Dog Poop While He’s Asleep?
There are a couple reasons why your dog would poop in his sleep. Sphincter or reservoir incontinence will be behind this behavior. We explain the two in further detail down below.
What’s The Difference Between Not Being Able To Control The Poop Coming Out (Sphincter Incontinence) And Not Being Able To Hold The Poop In (Reservoir Incontinence)?
There is a difference between sphincter incontinence and reservoir incontinence. However, both can cause your dog to poop while he’s asleep. Sphincter incontinence is usually caused by some type of nerve damage. Your dog may also have difficulties with urinary incontinence, walking, and the way that they carry their tail.
Reservoir incontinence is when your dog’s rectum cannot hold or store the normal amount of poop. This gives them the urge to poop and can be uncontrollable. Sphincter incontinence poop will be solid and shaped like logs or even balls. Reservoir incontinence poop will be softer, more like diarrhea.
Why Do Old Dogs Poop In Their Sleep More Often?
Old dogs tend to sleep in their poop more often than younger dogs for a number of reasons. Usually, they are more prone to illnesses that cause this behavior. Also, sometimes older dogs are too tired, weak, or in too much pain to get up and move.
