Dog is losing bowel control

my Lab is about 9 years old and started pooping as one said like a horse as he walks along.  We noticed it some time back and it's getting worse.  He has started even losing it when he sleeps.  It's almost a daily occurance.  We took him to a vet and they did blood work and said he was fine.  Is it common for dogs to lose feeling back there or is there another possible explanation?

[Fourpaws]

I would think your vet would be more help to you. There has got to be an underlying condition causing this. 9 yrs old seems a little young to be having issues with this. I have never heard of this at that age-though it is not possible. Maybe you should see a different vet. Other than the poop issue how is his overall health?

[wileydes]

I have a 9 year-old shepherd with the same problem. Contrary to the previous comment, 9 years IS senior for a larger dog. My guy has a combination of arthritis in his lower spine and hip dysplasia. Neither are very severe, but my vet says that as he ages, these conditions cause a loss of muscle mass in the dog's hind quarters. This loss of muscle also means a loss of muscle control - hence the loss of bowel control. There isn't much that can be done outside of diapering the dog. I haven't gotten to that point yet, but I walk him about an hour after he eats so he'll poop outside and hopefully not go while he's sleeping. That seems to be helping a lot as far as indoor accidents.

Hope this is helpful to you.

[brndawg99]

I have a 12 year old choc lab with the same hip and poop problems. All I can say is thank heavens for dry dog food!! He is otherwise healthy and not heavy for his size which helps the hip problem. He loves to back up to me when I am on computer and have me massage his hips.  His accidents are mostly in his
sleep about 4 in the morning.  It is obvious he feels bad about it so I have never given him heck over his problem.   Have had success feeding him most of his food
in the morning and just a small amount later in the evening.  Try to give him lots of time outside especially immediately after he eats.