How to Stop My Dog From Pooping on My Bed (+ 5 Step Clean)
Coming home to find that your dog has pooped on your bed is both shocking and frustrating. “How to stop my dog from pooping on my bed?” is a question you might have asked yourself in disbelief. However, rest assured that this is a problem that can be solved.
We’ll explore some possible reasons behind this messy habit in the upcoming sections. Whether it’s a new puppy, an older dog, or a pet acting out when left alone, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll give you some advice on how to clean up effectively after such incidents.
Are you ready to keep your bed clean and poop-free? Dive in below!
How to Stop Dog From Pooping on My Bed
Stopping a dog from pooping on your bed involves consistent training, creating a proper bathroom routine, and ensuring your dog’s health and well-being. It’s important to understand that this behavior might be a sign of underlying issues.
Here’s how to start addressing this situation:
- Regular bathroom schedule: Make sure your dog has regular opportunities to relieve themselves outside. This is especially important before bedtime or when you’re leaving them alone.
- Restrict access: If possible, keep your bedroom door closed or use a pet gate to prevent your dog from getting on the bed when you’re not there to supervise.
- Training: Teach your dog the “off” command to get them to leave the bed when needed. Also, reinforce house training principles regularly.
- Health check: If your dog suddenly starts pooping on your bed, it could be a sign of a health problem. Consult with your vet to rule out any medical issues.
Remember, patience is key when dealing with this issue. Never punish your dog for accidents, as this will increase their anxiety and worsen the problem.
But while these steps will get your dog to stop pooping on your bed, you need to know that the underlying behavioral issues (anxiety, training difficulties, marking, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.
“Well, how do I make these changes last?”
By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.
The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog poops on your bed and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.
In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog pooping on your bed ever again!
Why Does My Dog Poop on My Bed?
Finding your dog’s poop on your bed can be surprising, distressing, and just plain gross. But why does this happen? Let’s delve into some possible reasons.
Anxiety and Stress
Dogs can express anxiety and stress in various ways, including inappropriate elimination. If your dog only poops on your bed when they’re left alone or during times of change or stress, anxiety could be the culprit.
Medical Issues
Another important thing to consider is if there are any medical issues at play. Dogs suffering from incontinence, gastrointestinal problems, or other health issues may not be able to control where they go. If your dog suddenly starts pooping on your bed, you may need to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.
House-training Issues
If your dog isn’t properly house-trained, they might not understand that they’re supposed to go outside. This is particularly common in puppies or dogs who have recently moved to a new environment.
Seeking Attention
Sometimes, dogs might poop on your bed as a way to get your attention, especially if they’ve learned that this behavior gets a strong reaction from you. This doesn’t mean they’re being ‘naughty’ – it’s just their way of communicating that they need something.
Marking Territory
Although less common, some dogs may poop on your bed as a way of marking their territory. This behavior can be more prevalent in dogs who are not spayed or neutered.
Understanding why your dog is pooping on your bed is the first step towards addressing the issue. Once you have an idea of the cause, you can tailor your approach to stopping this behavior. Go back to the first section of this article where we’ll explain more on doing that, and then taking care of things.
Dog Pooped on Bed: How to Clean
Discovering your dog has pooped on your bed is not a pleasant surprise. Here are the steps to tackle this messy problem and get your bed clean and fresh again:
- Remove the Poop: Using a plastic bag over your hand or a poop scoop, carefully remove as much of the poop as possible without rubbing it deeper into the fabric.
- Pre-Treat the Stain: Use an enzyme-based pet stain remover to break down the stain and odor. Spray or pour it on the stain, following the directions on the bottle.
- Wash the Bedding: Wash the affected bedding in the washing machine. Use the hottest water setting allowed for the fabric and add a laundry booster for extra cleaning power.
- Air Dry: If possible, let the bedding air dry. The heat from the dryer can set any remaining stain, making it harder to remove later.
- Recheck the Bedding: Once the bedding is dry, check for any remaining stain or smell. If necessary, repeat the process.
Remember, it’s essential to eliminate not only the stain but also the odor to discourage your dog from soiling the same spot again. If your bed continues to be your dog’s preferred bathroom spot, go back to the first section of this article to learn how to stop it.
Dog Pooped in My Bed, Not on It
Finding that your dog has pooped in your bed, as opposed to on it, might seem puzzling. However, this behavior might indicate a few potential issues, including anxiety, a need for comfort, or a health concern.
Here are a few reasons why your dog might have pooped in your bed:
- Anxiety: Dogs may poop in unusual places when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. This could be due to changes in the environment, separation from their owners, or fear of loud noises.
- Comfort: The bed is often associated with comfort and safety. If your dog is feeling unwell, they might choose to poop in your bed because it’s a place where they feel secure.
- Health issues: Certain health problems can cause a dog to lose control over their bowel movements. If this behavior is unusual for your dog, it might be worth a trip to the vet.
To address this issue, consider implementing a regular bathroom schedule, restricting access to your bed, and reinforcing house training. Remember, punishment isn’t effective and can often make the problem worse. Always approach this situation with understanding and patience. Learn more about how to do that in the first section of this article.
Dog Poops on Bed When Left Alone
If your dog poops on your bed only when you’re not home, they may be dealing with separation anxiety, a condition where a dog becomes extremely anxious and upset when left alone. The stress and anxiety can cause a dog to lose control over their bowel movements. Let’s look into the most common explanations:
- Separation Anxiety: Dogs with separation anxiety can exhibit destructive behaviors, including inappropriate elimination. They might poop on your bed because it smells like you, which comforts them.
- Inadequate Potty Training: If your dog hasn’t been fully potty trained, they might not understand that the bed isn’t an appropriate place to relieve themselves.
- Limited Access to Bathroom Area: If your dog doesn’t have a way to get outside to their regular bathroom area when you’re gone, they may have no choice but to go indoors.
- Medical Issues: A dog with gastrointestinal or urinary issues might have accidents indoors, including on your bed. If this behavior is sudden, it’s worth checking with your vet.
Understanding why your dog is pooping on your bed when left alone is the first step to addressing the issue. Find out about how you can do that, and then how to treat it, by going back to the first section of this article now.
Not addressing this right away is only going to lead to the problem getting even worse and more frequent. Your dog will also be pooping under your bed, pooping in your shoes, pooping in your bedroom, or even going outside and pooping on your deck. I’m sure you can see why it’s important to get a handle on things!
Puppy Pooping on My Bed
Discovering that your puppy has pooped on your bed can certainly be frustrating and ruin your day. Let’s discuss why this might be happening and how you can help your puppy learn better habits.
Incomplete House-Training
Puppies are still learning the ropes when it comes to where they should do their business. If your puppy is pooping on your bed, it might be a sign that their house-training is not yet complete. Regular, consistent training can help them understand where it’s appropriate to go.
Anxiety and Fear
For puppies, the world can be a big, scary place. If your puppy is feeling anxious or afraid, they might poop on your bed as a response to these feelings. Providing a secure, comfortable environment can help your puppy feel more at ease.
Health Issues
Just like adult dogs, puppies can also experience health issues that lead to inappropriate elimination. If your puppy is having regular accidents on your bed, a trip to the vet might be in order to rule out any potential health problems.
Lack of Access to the Right Spot
Puppies have small bladders and may need to go to the bathroom frequently. If they don’t have easy access to the appropriate bathroom spot, they might end up going wherever they happen to be – including your bed.
It’s important to remember that your puppy isn’t pooping on your bed to upset you. They’re still learning, and with patience and consistent training, they will eventually understand where they should and shouldn’t go. Learn more about teaching them proper potty behavior by going back to the first section of this article now.
Why Did My Old Dog Poop on My Bed?
If your old dog has pooped on your bed, it might be due to age-related health issues, anxiety, or changes in their ability to control their bowel movements. As dogs age, their bodies undergo changes that can affect their habits and behaviors.
Here are a few reasons why your old dog might have pooped on your bed:
- Age-related health issues: Older dogs can develop health issues such as arthritis, dementia, or incontinence that can affect their ability to control their bowel movements or reach their usual bathroom spot in time.
- Anxiety: As dogs age, they can become more anxious and may poop in places where they feel safe and secure, like your bed.
- Changes in routine: Changes in your dog’s routine or environment, such as a new pet or family member, can cause stress and may lead to unusual behaviors, like pooping on your bed.
It’s important to handle this situation with patience and understanding. Increasing the frequency of bathroom breaks and restricting access to your bed might help. If the issue persists or if there are other signs of illness, consult with your vet. If you can rule out health issues, go back to the first section to learn more about dealing with their behavioral problem.
Dog Suddenly Pooping on My Bed
If your dog suddenly starts pooping on your bed, it’s a sign that something has changed in their environment, health, or routine. Here are some common reasons this might be happening:
- Medical Issues: Health problems, such as gastrointestinal upset, urinary tract infections, or even age-related issues like dementia, can lead to changes in a dog’s elimination habits.
- Changes in Routine: Dogs thrive on consistency. If there have been major changes in their routine, such as a new work schedule or a move, this could cause stress and changes in behavior.
- Anxiety: Dogs can experience anxiety, which can manifest in a variety of ways, including inappropriate elimination. This could be due to separation anxiety or fear-based anxiety from things like thunderstorms or fireworks.
- Lack of Access to Potty Area: If your dog can’t get to their usual potty area, they may choose your bed as an alternative. This could be due to doors being closed or changes in the household that prevent them from accessing their usual spot.
The key to resolving this issue is to identify the underlying cause. If it’s a health issue, a trip to the vet is in order. If it’s behavioral, you may need to address the source of the anxiety or make changes to their routine or environment. Go back to the first section of this article and we’ll explain how you can do that.
I’m sure you’re ready to quit finding little “presents” in your room, so I’ll let you get started on things now. Good luck, and thanks for reading this article “How to Stop My Dog From Pooping on My Bed!”