# Dog Pooping Uncontrollably: Causes of Fecal Incontinence Uncontrollable pooping in dogs means the dog cannot hold stool, which is different from having loose stool. If your dog has dog diarrhea uncontrollable enough to soil the house, the stool itself is the problem. If stool leaks out without the dog noticing or trying, the problem is usually the muscles or nerves that control the bowel. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Fecal incontinence (no control) and diarrhea (loose stool) are separate problems, and they can happen together or alone. - Anal sac disease is a common and treatable cause of leaking and scooting, and it can sometimes be fixed in the clinic [1]. - Nerve or muscle damage, including damage after some surgeries, can cause true loss of bowel control [1][2]. - Sudden, heavy, bloody diarrhea with weakness or vomiting needs emergency care the same day. - Do not give human anti-diarrheal drugs or antibiotics on your own. Your veterinarian calculates any dose from your dog's weight and health. ## What Uncontrolled Pooping Looks Like and What Is Normal Normal bowel control means your dog can wait, postures to poop, and leaves the stool in one place. Normal stool is formed, easy to pick up, and passed one to three times a day for most adult dogs. Fecal incontinence looks different. You may find stool in your dog's bed, on the couch, or in the crate with no sign the dog tried to go outside. Some dogs drip small amounts of liquid stool while walking or sleeping. Others pass stool normally outside and still leak between trips. Watch for these patterns: - Leaking without posturing, which points to a control problem - Straining, scooting, or licking the rear end, which points to pain or anal sac disease [1] - Urgency with loose stool, which points to diarrhea or colitis - Both leaking and diarrhea at the same time, which can have two causes at once If your dog is straining but not passing stool, see our guide on [Dog Straining to Poop: Causes and When to Help](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-straining-to-poop). If your dog has stopped pooping but still eats, read [Dog Not Pooping but Eating Normally: Causes and Solutions](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-not-pooping-eating-normally). ## Main Causes of Uncontrolled Pooping in Dogs The causes fall into three groups: problems in the rectum and anus, problems in the nerves and muscles, and problems in the gut itself. ### Anal Sac and Rectal Problems The anal sacs sit on each side of the anus. They can become clogged (impacted), infected, abscessed, or cancerous [1]. Common reasons they clog include failure of the sacs to empty during defecation, poor muscle tone in obese dogs, and too much gland secretion [1]. When the contents are not squeezed out over time, bacteria can overgrow and cause infection and inflammation [1]. A dog with sore anal sacs may scoot, lick, strain, or leak. Your veterinarian can often squeeze impacted sacs by hand, and may inject a softening agent if the material is hard or dry [1]. Antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is present, and hot compresses may help if there is an abscess [1]. Extra fiber can be added to the diet to bulk up the stool, which helps the sacs compress and empty [1]. If treatment does not work, the problem keeps returning, or a tumor is present, the sacs can be removed surgically. A common complication of that surgery is fecal incontinence [1]. ### Nerve and Muscle Causes True incontinence often comes from nerve or muscle damage. The pudendal nerves and the muscles around the anus control when stool leaves the body. Damage to those nerves can come from a disk problem in the lower spine, a pelvic injury, or a mass pressing on the nerves. Surgery near the rear end can also affect control. In one review of male dogs having perineal hernia repair, dogs that developed fecal incontinence after surgery were 3.4 times as likely to have the hernia come back [2]. The same review found that dogs neutered before the hernia repair were 4.4 times as likely to have a recurrence compared with dogs neutered at the time of surgery [2]. This does not mean you should avoid neutering. It means timing and surgical planning matter, and your veterinarian will weigh those risks. ### Gut and Diarrhea Causes Loose stool can overwhelm control even when the nerves work fine. Infectious colitis causes large bowel diarrhea and can make dogs very sick in severe cases [3]. Common parasites such as Trichuris vulpis and Tritrichomonas blagburni should be screened for in dogs with ongoing diarrhea [3]. Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) causes sudden bloody diarrhea and lethargy. A study of 412 dogs looked at weather patterns and AHDS cases, and the exact triggers for the syndrome are still unknown [4]. Most dogs with AHDS recover with supportive care, but severe cases need hospitalization. Rarely, a mass in the pelvis can press on the colon and change how stool passes. One case report described a young dog with a fluid-filled vaginal structure that compressed the descending colon and urethra, and the dog later returned with tenesmus, which is painful straining to poop [5]. Growths and strictures like these are uncommon but are on the list your veterinarian will consider. ### Cause Table | Cause | Typical clues | How urgent | |---|---|---| | Impacted or infected anal sacs | Scooting, licking, straining, leaking, odor | Routine visit, same day if swollen or painful [1] | | Anal sac abscess or tumor | Firm swelling, blood or pus, weight loss | Same day to urgent [1] | | Nerve damage (spine, pelvis) | Leaking without posturing, weak rear legs, wobbling | Same day | | Post-surgical incontinence | Leaking starting after rear-end surgery | Call the surgeon right away | | Infectious colitis | Mucus, blood, urgency, frequent small stools | Same day if bloody or painful | | Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome | Sudden bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy | Emergency if weak or vomiting | | Pelvic mass or stricture | Straining, thin stool, vomiting, weight loss | Same day | ## Red Flags That Make It an Emergency Call an emergency clinic now if you see any of these: - Bloody diarrhea with vomiting, weakness, or collapse - A swollen, hot, or draining area beside the anus - Straining with no stool produced for more than a day - A bloated, painful belly - Collapse, confusion, or pale gums - Leaking that started right after surgery Bloody diarrhea alone is serious. In the AHDS study, dogs with the syndrome often had bloody diarrhea and lethargy, and some developed sepsis during hospitalization [6]. Do not wait to see if it passes. ## Safe Things You Can Do at Home While You Wait You cannot fix incontinence at home, but you can keep your dog comfortable and protect the skin. - Keep the rear end clean and dry. Rinse with warm water, then pat dry. A thin layer of pet-safe barrier ointment can protect skin from stool. - Use pee pads or washable covers on beds, and check the skin twice a day for redness or sores. - Offer small amounts of plain water often. Do not withhold water unless your veterinarian tells you to. - Feed a bland, easy-to-digest meal only if your veterinarian approves it. Sudden diet changes can make diarrhea worse. - Do not give human anti-diarrheal medicines, antibiotics, or pain pills. Some are toxic to dogs, and dosing depends on your dog's weight and health. - Collect a fresh stool sample in a clean bag or jar. Your veterinarian will likely want it. - Take a photo of the stool and note the times it happened. This helps your veterinarian sort out diarrhea from true incontinence. If your dog also leaks urine, especially during sleep, see [Why Is My Dog peeing in sleep? Urinary Incontinence and Hormone Deficiency](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-peeing-in-sleep-urinary-incontinence-and-hormone-deficiency). Urine and stool leakage often share nerve-related causes. ## What the Veterinarian Will Check and Test Your veterinarian will start with a full history. Expect questions about when the leaking started, whether your dog notices it, what the stool looks like, and whether there have been recent surgeries or diet changes. ### Physical and Rectal Exam The rectal exam is the most useful first step. Your veterinarian will feel the anal sacs for size, firmness, and pain, and check whether they can be expressed by hand [1]. They will also check anal tone, feel for masses, and look at the stool on the glove. ### Tests Your Veterinarian May Run - Stool testing for parasites, including Trichuris vulpis and Tritrichomonas blagburni [3] - Blood work to check organ function, hydration, and infection - X-rays or ultrasound to look for masses, strictures, or pelvic problems [5] - Neurologic exam to test reflexes, pain response, and tail tone - Advanced imaging such as CT or MRI if a spinal or pelvic cause is suspected ### Treatment Depends on the Cause For anal sac disease, treatment may include manual expression, a softening injection, antibiotics, hot compresses, or added fiber [1]. Surgery to remove the sacs is an option when other treatment fails or a tumor is present, and incontinence is a known complication of that surgery [1]. For diarrhea, your veterinarian may use diet changes, probiotics, or targeted treatment. Antibiotics are not automatic. One reason is that antibiotics can harm the gut microbiome and add to antimicrobial resistance, so veterinarians now choose them more carefully [7]. Probiotics are being studied as an option, and one trial looked at a probiotic blend in dogs with diarrhea to see how well it was tolerated and how it changed the fecal bacteria [7]. For nerve damage, treatment may include rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, or surgery, depending on the cause. Some dogs regain control. Others need long-term management with diapers, scheduled potty breaks, and skin care. ## Prevention and Monitoring You cannot prevent every cause, but you can lower some risks. - Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Poor muscle tone in obese dogs is a known factor in clogged anal sacs [1]. - Ask your veterinarian to check the anal sacs at routine visits, especially if your dog scoots or licks. - Treat diarrhea early. Ongoing colitis and parasite infections are easier to manage before they become severe [3]. - Follow post-surgical instructions closely after any rear-end surgery, and report leaking right away [2]. - Track your dog's stool for a week if problems keep coming back. Note color, consistency, blood, mucus, and timing. If you see mucus or jelly-like coating on the stool, read [Why Is My Dog having mucus in stool? Colitis and Large Bowel Diarrhea](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-having-mucus-in-stool-colitis-and-large-bowel-diarrhea). If your dog eats stool, see [Why Is My Dog eating stools? Coprophagia Causes and Deterrents](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-eating-stools-coprophagia-causes-and-deterrents). ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article cannot tell you what is causing your dog's problem. Only an exam and testing can do that. Individual cases need a veterinarian. Call an emergency clinic now for bloody diarrhea with vomiting or weakness, a swollen or draining area near the anus, collapse, or a painful belly. Call your veterinarian the same day for new leaking, leaking after surgery, straining with no stool, or a dog that seems painful when sitting. Schedule a routine visit for mild scooting, occasional leaking, or a change in stool that lasts more than two days. If your dog is older and leaking has come on slowly, do not wait months. Early exams are easier on your dog and often cheaper than emergency care. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is uncontrollable pooping the same as diarrhea? No. Diarrhea is a change in stool consistency, while incontinence is a loss of control over when and where stool leaves the body. A dog can have formed stool and still leak, or have diarrhea and still control it. Many dogs have both at once, which is why your veterinarian will ask about timing and whether your dog notices the accident. ### Can anal sac problems really cause leaking? Yes. Impacted, infected, or abscessed anal sacs cause pain and inflammation that can lead to scooting, straining, and leaking [1]. The good news is that many cases improve with manual expression, softening agents, antibiotics, or added fiber [1]. If the problem keeps coming back or a tumor is found, surgery may be needed, and incontinence is a possible complication [1]. ### Will my dog regain bowel control after nerve damage? It depends on the cause and how much damage occurred. Some dogs improve with rest, medication, or surgery, and others have lasting leakage. Your veterinarian can give you a more honest outlook after the exam and any imaging. Even dogs with permanent incontinence can live well with diapers, scheduled breaks, and skin care. ### Should I change my dog's food to stop the leaking? Not on your own. Diet changes can help some causes, such as colitis or anal sac disease, but the wrong change can make diarrhea worse. Added fiber may help anal sacs empty by increasing fecal bulk [1]. Ask your veterinarian which diet fits your dog's specific diagnosis and weight. ### How soon should I bring my dog in? Bring your dog in the same day for new leaking, leaking after surgery, straining with no stool, or any blood. Go to an emergency clinic now for bloody diarrhea with vomiting, weakness, collapse, or a painful swollen rear end. Mild scooting or occasional leaking can wait for a routine visit, but sooner is better than later. ## Related Articles - [Dog Not Pooping but Eating Normally: Causes and Solutions](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-not-pooping-eating-normally) - [Dog Straining to Poop: Causes and When to Help](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-straining-to-poop) - [Why Is My Dog peeing in sleep? Urinary Incontinence and Hormone Deficiency](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-peeing-in-sleep-urinary-incontinence-and-hormone-deficiency) - [Why Is My Dog eating stools? Coprophagia Causes and Deterrents](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-eating-stools-coprophagia-causes-and-deterrents) - [Why Is My Dog having mucus in stool? Colitis and Large Bowel Diarrhea](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-having-mucus-in-stool-colitis-and-large-bowel-diarrhea) - [Why Is My Dog straining to defecate? Megacolon Obstruction and Constipation](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-straining-to-defecate-megacolon-obstruction-and-constipation) - [Incontinence in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/incontinence-in-dogs-causes-symptoms) - [Dog Poop Not Solid: Causes of Loose Stool in Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-poop-not-solid) - [Why Does My Dog Keep Having Diarrhea? Causes and Next Steps](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-keeps-having-diarrhea-causes) - [Canine Intestinal Parasites Causing Diarrhea: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention](/knowledge/parasites/pet-parasites/dog-intestinal-parasites-diarrhea) - [Intestinal Parasites in Dogs: Diagnosis, Home Treatment Myths, and Veterinary Management](/knowledge/parasites/pet-parasites/intestinal-parasites-in-dogs-diagnosis-home-treatment-myths-veterinary-management) ## References 1. [Disorders of the Rectum and Anus in Dogs - Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-rectum-and-anus-in-dogs). Merck Veterinary Manual. 2. [Dogs neutered prior to perineal herniorrhaphy or that develop postoperative fecal incontinence are at an increased risk for perineal hernia recurrence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39778339/). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2025. 3. [Infectious Colitis in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis, Management, and Clinical Outcomes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41876338/). The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 2026. 4. [Presentations of idiopathic hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome in dogs in relation to meteorological factors](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42679218/). Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 2026. 5. [Hydrocolpos in a mixed-breed dog: a case report](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42757221/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2026. 6. [Colonic Stricture Formation in a Dog Treated for Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome With a Rectal Foley Catheter](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40785148/). Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001), 2025. 7. [Pilot study evaluating tolerability and changes in fecal microbiota associated with novel probiotic administration to dogs with diarrhea](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41568344/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2025. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)