Although accidents happen, it can be frustrating if your dog suddenly starts peeing in the house after they are well past their potty training.
Inappropriate urination is a common issue among many pet owners. However, it is often beyond the dog’s control and is usually linked to underlying causes unrelated to bad behavior. The first step to addressing this is determining why your adult dog exhibits this behavior. It could be because your dog is still training, aging, or showing potential signs of a urinary tract infection or a more serious health problem.
Dog Peeing in the House? Here are the Possible Reasons Why
Lack of House Training
House training is a gradual and continuous process, and occasional accidents are common, especially among new puppies still in the learning stage. However, if fully house-trained dogs exhibit sudden and consistent inappropriate peeing, it may signal an underlying problem, primarily health issues contributing to this behavior change.
Aging
While new puppies may experience occasional accidents during house training, senior dogs can face additional urinary issues, resulting in more frequent soiling. Aging dogs undergo physical changes such as muscle weakening, urinary incontinence due to kidney problems, and mobility problems like arthritis, making it challenging to relieve themselves outdoors in time. Additionally, cognitive issues like dementia may arise with age, posing challenges for dogs to remember proper potty habits and increasing the likelihood of urinary accidents.
Pet owners with senior dogs can find convenience in using a dog grass pad with a tray, which provides an accessible indoor area for their potty breaks.
Urinary Tract Issues
Increased urinary accidents may also signal urinary tract problems, such as urinary tract infections or the formation of bladder stones. These result in inflammation, pain, and various symptoms like increased thirst, decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or skin problems.
In severe cases, your canine companion may experience strain during urination. You may also detect blood or an unusual odor in their urine. Proper medication, diet management, and the use of supplements are necessary to treat the underlying causes and manage symptoms.
Behavioral Problems
Besides possible health issues, behavioral problems are also a possible reason why your dog pees indoors.
Some dogs, particularly males, display a marking behavior where they deliberately pee in places to establish territory. Changes in the household, such as welcoming new pets, can trigger urine marking. If left unaddressed, this behavior can become a habit.
Submissive urination is another behavioral aspect that happens when a dog feels intimidated or anxious, often in response to loud noises or environmental changes such as introducing a new pet or a new baby in the family.
It's essential to identify and avoid triggers that lead to these behaviors. Consistent training and providing a supportive environment can help build your dog's confidence and nurture a healthier relationship with them.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Peeing in the House
You can check a few things to figure out whether your canine companion has a medical or behavioral issue causing frequent accidents. Observe for additional symptoms along with the urinary issue. If there are other health-related signs, take your dog to the vet immediately for tests to rule out potential medical problems.
Simultaneously, assess your home and surroundings for any changes that may be triggering behavioral issues. Your vet may also help identify the root cause and develop a plan to relieve your dog's anxiety.
Whether the issue is medical or behavioral, you can benefit from revisiting and reinforcing the basics of potty training in your dog. Using an indoor grass pad for dogs proves particularly effective for small dogs, senior dogs, and those with health problems that limit outdoor trips.
Resolve Inappropriate Peeing with Gotta Go Grass
Our Gotta Go Grass features a fresh patch of grass within a tray, providing a convenient alternative for dogs requiring indoor relief. It has natural moisture-absorbing properties and is better at controlling urine odor than fake grass. But the most striking benefit is that the natural dog potty grass recreates the familiar sensory experience dogs associate with potty, increasing the likelihood of successful potty training.
Accidents will always be part of pet ownership. But it's crucial to avoid punishing your dog and instead focus on positive reinforcement. Don't give up on your furry pet; with patience and possibly some help, you can work through the challenges by taking the initial steps to address the issue.
Is your dog constantly peeing in the house? Share your experience with us by leaving a comment.
