dog pooping indoors? causes and simple ways to stop it

If your dog has started pooping in the house, even though they seemed fully house-trained, it can be stressful. The good news? This issue is more common than you might think — and it’s usually fixable with a few changes. Dogs don’t do this out of spite. It’s often their way of signaling discomfort, confusion, or a health issue.

Why Dogs Poop Inside the House: Common Causes

1. Disruption in Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit. Any change to their daily routine — from walk times to feeding schedules or your availability — can throw them off and cause accidents.

2. Health Concerns

Sudden indoor pooping may signal a medical issue. Digestive problems, infections, intestinal parasites, or age-related decline (like incontinence or canine cognitive dysfunction) can all be contributing factors.

What to do: If your dog shows signs like diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behavior, contact your vet to rule out medical causes.

3. Food-Related Issues

Digestive upset from switching foods too quickly, eating rich or unfamiliar foods, or consuming something that doesn’t agree with them can lead to indoor pooping. Some dogs may also have food sensitivities.

Tip: Transition new foods gradually over 7 to 10 days and stick to a high-quality, digestible diet.

What Your Dog's Poop Color & Texture Means 

4. Emotional Stress or Anxiety

Big life changes — like moving homes, a new family member or pet, or even loud noises — can stress dogs and lead to indoor accidents.

Solution: Focus on consistency, provide comforting routines, and consider calming aids if needed.

5. Gaps in House Training

Even if your dog seemed house-trained, they may not have been fully reliable. Others may regress if their training hasn’t been reinforced or if something in their environment has changed.

Fix: Reinforce house training basics — praise outdoor pooping, supervise closely, and limit access to areas where accidents have happened before.

6. Scent Marking or Repeated Accidents

While more common with urine, some dogs may also poop indoors to mark territory or return to areas that haven’t been cleaned thoroughly.

Tip: Use enzyme-based cleaners to remove lingering odors. Standard cleaners don’t always eliminate the scent, and dogs may return to the same spot.

What You Can Do to Fix It

1. Stick to a Predictable Schedule

Consistency is key. Feed and walk your dog at the same times every day. Most dogs need to go to the bathroom within 30 minutes after eating.

2. Reinforce Positive Behavior

Give immediate praise and treats when your dog poops outside. This reinforces the behavior you want and builds a positive association.

3. Clean Accidents the Right Way

Use enzyme cleaners to remove all traces of odor. Avoid bleach or regular household cleaners, as they may not eliminate the scent completely.

4. Limit Freedom Indoors

If your dog is having accidents, consider using gates or closing doors to limit their access until the issue improves. Crate training can be useful for some dogs.

5. Meet Their Emotional and Mental Needs

Boredom or lack of stimulation can contribute to stress-related behaviors. Daily walks, playtime, and brain games can help.

6. Consult a Vet or Behavior Expert

If the issue doesn’t resolve, speak with a vet to rule out medical causes, and consult a trainer or behaviorist for long-term solutions.

Final Thoughts

Finding poop in your house is never pleasant — but your dog isn’t doing it to upset you. There’s usually a reason behind the behavior, and with a little patience and consistency, it can be resolved. Whether it’s a small adjustment to their routine, a tweak in their diet, or extra support during stressful times, your dog will benefit from your calm and gentle guidance.

Remember, your dog counts on you — and with the right steps, they’ll be back to doing their business where they should in no time.