My nine month old Lab has been clean for months until recently once or even twice a week I come downstairs to a dump on the carpet - even when I put down newspaper she likes to go quite near, not on

Last night I let her out at 11.30pm she did a large dump in the garden (Yard) bingo! I thought, but no this morning there was a load more.

I guess it is diet. She has Science Plan with a little wet food but it is less than the recommended dose on the packet so the food is too rich and I should change to another brand. But whenever I look it seems Science Plan is the best one around.

What does everyone think?

Also .. How do I get a picture next to my name like everyone else has?

OK, several thoughts here....:2cents:

1. I am not sure what "science plan" food is, are you talking about Science Diet? If so, even though its price would indicate quality, it is not one of the better foods out there. Many vets push it because Hills (the parent company) gives them incentive to push it. I think there are many many foods better. If I were on SD, I would consider a change to Diamond Lamb and Rice or even better, one of the Kirkland products at Costco, which are made by Diamond. Many on this board to well with Nutro products and Pro Plan too, as well as many other foods. Very few here like science diet though.

2. Are the piles normally formed? Or more like diahrrea? If the second, I would have a stool sample looked at to eliminate the possibility of parasites.

3. Where does your dog sleep? at 9 months of age, I would think your dog would either be crated at night, or sleep with you. Either possibility would prevent the piles. If with you, just shut the door. A 9 month old should not be wandering freely, though, at night, IMO.

4. Why newspaper? I have never understood the "paper training" concept. Why would we want to teach our dogs to potty in the house?

Thanks for the info -

Science Diet is called Science Plan in the U.K and you are right about the Vets pushing it. The problem has proved to be temporary although I have looked for the products you mention don't seem to be on sale under that name in the U.K Have decided on Pedigree complete for Junior dogs for the time being.

Pebbles has a downstairs room to herself which she sleeps in quite happily having outgrown the puppy crate a while ago.

The newspaper is put down in case of any accidents during the night. We haven't had a day time accident for months on end.

Stools are normally firm but a bit too regular hopefully this will change.

I was tempted to feed her adult food but think She may need the extra calcium and vitamins in puppy or junior food.

Has her diet changed in the past week or two? Does she sleep with you or is she available to get to you during the night. I would think at 9 months that she would make it throught the night with ease. If you have not changed the diet and she can get to you or be with you at night I would wonder too. The only thing I can think if she can't be with you at night she maybe be scared or is acting out.

Originally posted by Pebbles


Also .. How do I get a picture next to my name like everyone else has?

I read some place on the board that you have to have atleast 50 posts to get a custom avater.

If it were me, I'd get a crate that she can comfortably fit in and crate her at night. Crating should solve the problem, that is if when she is having accidents at night that its an emergency. I'm also curious if her stools she's leaving in the house are nicely formed or mushy. If they're nice and formed - I'd say she's just having a relapse in house training, but if they're soft and mushy - maybe there is something bugging her tummy and she can't help having an accident.

I'd still go with crating her at night again until the problem is resolved. You don't want to allow her to have accidents for too long, otherwise it may become habit.

Cooper is over a year, and still crated at night, and when I leave, and he often goes in and crates himself for a little nap. His crate isn't the largest, I think the measurements are roughly 24x36, and he is an 80 lb boy, but he has plenty of room in there and loves it.