9 year old dog defecating in the house

[Toughtips]

Is this normal for a dog as they get older? He has been walked and been and then let out again before we go to bed. He doesn't whine or ask to go out again. Last night he crapped in the house. Once it had been cleared away he kept rapping on the stair gate for attention but he didn't want to go out or need anything else. He just wanted to be upstairs with us. Is this normal behaviour or do I need to see a vet?

Personally I would go to the vet, just to be sure, especially if they have only just started doing it.

I'd say to go to the vet too.

Vet. Very often there's something resolvable or manageable. 9 isn't very old for a dog nowadays.

Defo see the vet. For any change in behaviour the vet should be your first place you go to rule out any physical problems before you start to look for other solutions.

100% see the vet. Any changes in behaviour are the only way they can tell you there's an issue. We had this in May with our 13 year old Staffy and she has been diagnosed with Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. Obviously don't wish to scare you, hope it's nothing 😇

Not normal. Vet ASAP.

If this is brand new behavior, I would take him to the vet As soon as they could see him. There could be variety of issues.

If he was at the stairs trying to get your attention, is it possible that he is developing mobility issues or arthritis? My Golden retriever started having accidents in the house and it turned out it was because she had arthritis and she was having trouble going out/up and down stairs etc. Vet prescribed two medications for her (an anti inflammatory and a steroid) and everything changed. She suddenly wanted to go for long walks again. She had also been blind, so the arthritis combined with the blindness, she was struggling.

Not saying that is the case here, just sharing personal experience. Please take the pooch to the vet. You will both feel better.