Just recently my 1 1/2 year old lab started pooping in the house at night. Our feeding schedule is close to the same as usual (within 30 minutes), he is let out prior to bedtime, there have been no changes in his diet. Yet just out of the blue somewhere between midnight and 6:AM he is pooping (it is not a loose bowel movement). Since he was a puppy he has slept inside (outside all day) and there have been very few accidents until recently. He has always been free to roam the house at night. His appetite is good and he shows no outward signs of being sick. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Larry

Has he been checked by a Vet for worms, something else? Has something happen to upset his life?

I would consult the vet? Has he been drinking regularly? Does he have trouble walking at all? This could be something to consult your vet with, for a few reasons. You don't know why this is happening, and it could be a sign of many things, so I think it would be best for him if you helped him by bringing him to the vet so they can try to figure out why. Good luck for him!

Are all his stools loose or just the ones at night. If all are loose, I would be leaning towards parasites of some sort as Judy mentioned. It's worth a trip to the vet for aonce over, because parasites can become deadly.

If it is only night time stools that are loose, I would be inclined to say something is stressing him out at night. Do you live in a rural area? Might there be animals wandering around? Is it possible to feed him a little earlier, and take him out a little longer before bed?

Dogs can suddenly develop allergies to certain foods, is he itching and scratching a lot?

Have you considered crating at night?

I had not thought about worms. There has been nothing upsetting that I am aware of. We live in town so there are no wandering animals, he has water available all the time, he has no trouble walking and the stools are not loose.
Due to our work schedule it is sometimes hard to feed earlier, I have started letting him out again before bedtime, will monitor that and see if it helps.

Thanks for the help.

I still would try a Vet - I meant that sometimes someone who upsets a dog comes to visit, there's a change in your routine, something along those lines.

Let us know how the dog does -

Yes please keep us posted. :)

We live in town so there are no wandering animals,

A lot people who live in towns don't realize the amount of wildlife that wanders around at night including pest species like rats and mice.

Is he neutered?

Well a few changes.. started feeding a little later and letting him stay out another 30 minutes before bed and it looks like the problem is solved. I will still take him to get a check-up. Thanks for all the help.

Well a few changes.. started feeding a little later and letting him stay out another 30 minutes before bed and it looks like the problem is solved. I will still take him to get a check-up. Thanks for all the help.

Thank you for the update.

I am glad he seems to be doing better. I hope it stays that way. :)

Glad to hear things are turning around, and thanks for the update! :)