My 10-year-old 75-pound husky/collie mix defecated in the house this morning for the first time ever. He didn't even seem to be aware that it had happened. He's also passing enormous amounts of noisy (and smelly) gas.

He's basically an inside dog, but has access to the yard through his dog door. I walk him twice a day, which is when he usually "poops".

He had a complete physical done two months ago and came away with a clean bill of health (except for a non-cancerous fatty tumor under his front leg). He does have arthritis and the beginning of cataracts, but neither of these explain what on earth caused him to do this. I'm very concerned; Smokey has been my best friend all his life. I hate to think this is something really serious.

Welcome to the world of senior citizen canines, snrobbins. They suffer from the same old age ailments we do and sometimes we just have to not worry about it. It may be a random incident and he won't do it again. He is still your best friend only now you have to care for his quality of life deteriorating.

No advice, what can I say, I have gone through this too. You say he didn't appear to have know he did it, maybe so, he has his doggy door but could be he just got caught short.

ms tickle

Thanks, Ms. Tickle - I appreciate your response. I have to admit he and I are suffering from a lot of the same old-age problems, which is good in a way since I can empathize (I'm 63). We both have arthritis and cataracts, and neither of us is quite as peppy as we used to be, but we still take time to walk and play, and I love my guy enough to take care of whatever needs he has as he ages. I just hate to see him deteriorate! Wish he could stay a teenager forever.

Imagine saying that about your human kids!!

Sheila Robbins

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Originally Posted by snrobbins

Thanks, Ms. Tickle - I appreciate your response. I have to admit he and I are suffering from a lot of the same old-age problems, which is good in a way since I can empathize (I'm 63). We both have arthritis and cataracts, and neither of us is quite as peppy as we used to be, but we still take time to walk and play, and I love my guy enough to take care of whatever needs he has as he ages. I just hate to see him deteriorate! Wish he could stay a teenager forever.

Imagine saying that about your human kids!!!!

Sheila Robbins

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Yes, sheila, I am in the same boat too. All we can do is just love them to pieces, right !

Tick