Help!? My Puppy Pees in the House
Although accidents do happen, an older dog or puppy that constantly urinates in the house can be quite annoying. Inappropriate dog urine should be addressed as soon as possible. The first step is to determine the source of your dog’s accidents in the house.
There are several factors that can cause inappropriate urination in dogs. We are here to help you determine whether your puppy is just learning, getting older, or has a more serious urinary tract infection.
Why is my puppy peeing in the house?
If you notice your dog peeing all over the house, don't hesitate to bring it to the attention of a veterinarian. Your dog's house training may not be complete when he is a puppy. You may need to review the instructions as you go through the house training process.
However, if the inappropriate urination started well after potty training and your dog is housebroken, there are other possible causes for the behavior.
It is crucial to rule out any health issues before looking at behavioral reasons for incontinence. There are several reasons why your puppy is peeing in the house.
Urinary tract disorders
A urinary tract infection may be the cause if your dog suddenly starts urinating in the house or in other inappropriate places. This is one of the most common causes of incontinence in dogs and a common health problem.
Before you lose patience with your dog, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so he or she can examine and discuss the problem with you. For a urinalysis and possibly a urine culture, your veterinarian will likely need a sample of your dog’s urine. 2 This test is performed to detect pathogens and abnormal cells in the urine.
A course of antibiotics is the next step if your vet diagnoses a urinary tract infection. In addition, your vet may discover bladder infections (cystitis), crystals in the urine, bladder stones, structural problems and even malignancies.
Most urinary tract problems can be treated with medications, supplements, and dietary changes. Bladder stones, for example, may require surgery in more severe cases. If your veterinarian does not detect a urinary tract condition, other health problems should be investigated.
Health problems and incontinence
In general, urinary incontinence is more common in older dogs, although it can occur at any age. Incontinence may be the cause if your dog is intermittently drooling or leaking, or leaving pee on the bed or floor during naps. It is important to know that if your dog is incontinent, he does not know what is happening and has no control over it.
Fortunately, medications can be used to treat incontinence. If a dog is intentionally urinating in a place where it shouldn’t, incontinence is usually not the cause. Ask your vet for more information.
Kidney disease, diabetes, and Cushing's disease are just a few conditions that can contribute to urinary problems. Depending on your dog's other symptoms, your veterinarian may order additional diagnostic tests to rule out one or more conditions (if present). The diagnosis will determine the treatment plan.
Dogs get older
Puppies can still have accidents during the housebreaking period, but old age can also have other causes for urinary problems. Three forms of dementia or senility can contribute to soiling in the home in older dogs.
These dogs can forget where they are or forget their house training. In addition to heart disease and diabetes, kidney failure is common as people age. This is another incentive to consult your veterinarian regularly.
Medications and nutritional supplements can help some people with dementia feel more in control of their condition. Older dogs with urinary problems may also need diapers or absorbent pads to keep their beds and other sanitary areas clean.
Behavioral problems at home
If your vet has ruled out any health issues, you and your dog may be dealing with a behavioral problem. Dogs, especially males, can exhibit marking behavior. However, marking can become a habit and persist long after hormones have adjusted. Another explanation could be that your dog urinates submissively or in excitement.
If your dog feels threatened, this can happen. Even if a dog is young or scared, it is normal for him to pee when someone is looking down on him. To determine if your dog's behavior is triggered by something in your home, take a look around you.
Have you brought a new pet into your home in the past few months? Has a new family member arrived, such as a baby? Has a family member recently moved or passed away? These types of environmental changes can have a major impact on dogs.
If your dog is afraid of everything that might happen outside, this could lead to inappropriate urination. Your dog may have seen another dog, heard a construction project nearby, or seen something
Puppy pees in the house due to fear and stress
If your vet determines that your dog does not have a medical condition that is causing him to pee indoors, your dog may be suffering from anxiety. Examine your dog’s life to see if anything has changed suddenly or drastically. Have you recently moved or welcomed a new family member—human or animal—into your home?
Has your daily routine changed significantly, for example due to different or longer working hours, which could cause separation anxiety to manifest itself? Do you spend more or less time at home than usual?
Your dog may become anxious about these adjustments, which can result in urinating in the wrong places. Other sources of anxiety for your dog include loud, unfamiliar noises—such as a new appliance or thunder—and the thunder itself. Your dog may also be afraid of everything outside, which keeps him from going outside.
My puppy is still peeing in the house
If your house-trained adult dog suddenly starts peeing in the house for no apparent reason, it can be disappointing for you and your family. There is usually an underlying reason for your dog’s relapse, and we understand your frustration at having to return to a lifestyle that involves cleaning up after himself.