[jamiem77]

My 4 year old chocolate lab has been pooping in the house while my husband and I are at work. It began a month or so ago and has happened a few times each week. She was not pooping in the morning so we changed her meal times and began feeding her a small amount of food in the morning about a week and a half ago. She is now pooping in the morning, but there is still a pile when we get home, and it's definitely hours old. The stool appears healthy. We have not changed environments, or anything in her lifestyle for that matter. What's going on? Let me also throw in there that she is the happiest dog anyone could possibly imagine. I've had labs my whole life but she is even more joyful than any of the others.

[shazamataz]

I would probably cut out the morning meal and just give her one later at night.

Mine get one meal at about 7pm at night and they don't eliminate until late the next day.
They also get 1 cup of dry food left out for them of a morning to 'free feed' on (they don't really like dry so it takes them all day to eat it)
However the dry they do get contains enzymes to both reduce the amount of waste and reduce the odour, it's good stuff, a lot of different companies make this type of dry.

[jamiem77]

Thanks for trying to help. That was what I was doing before... feeding her in the evening, around 7 without morning food. That's when the problem started. Free feed won't work with Zeppy. She devours anything put in front of her. : ) I think I may talk to my vet. Thanks again for the response.

[Luv_a_bull098]

Ohhh, don't feed your dog once a day. That causes bloat, especially in labs. They're prone to it.

What kind of food are you feeding? That could be a huge impact on your dogs potty problems. If you feed grocery brand dog foods then his tummy is full of fillers and can't help but go potty when he has the urge to.

Keep him in a crate or an area that is safe for him to be in. Don't give him too much room to motor around in, he'll just end up going potty there. A crate will teach him that this is home and you do not go potty where you sleep. If he's old enough, he'll catch on to this real quick

It could also be a form of Separation Anxiety. Its his way of scolding you whenever you leave him alone. There are a lot of ways to deal with Separation Anxiety... Consult a behaviorist. They'll know exactally what's going on. Vets will more than likely prescribe medication that your dog may or may not need.

[shazamataz]

Labs aren't quite as prone to bloat as other breeds, but yes I probably should have specified to rest him for an hour before and after meals to avoid it.

[minxie]

I wish I could help you wish this, but I am having a similar problem... a more loved dog you could not get... She goes on walks and is allowed outside for her duties... but insists when she gets inside to sneak off and leave presents in the bathrooms or office. It is always when you turn your back for one minute. We have had the carpets cleaned but has done it again tonight. She is chastised and put in her overnight cage... I hope we are doing the right thing ourselves...