Finding a wet spot on the rug, the sofa or the bedroom floor is frustrating, and it can leave you wondering what you did wrong. The good news: a dog who suddenly pees in the house is almost always telling you something. Here are the most common reasons, when to call your vet, and what you can do at home while you work on the cause.
Common reasons your dog pees inside the house
- A medical issue. Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney problems or diabetes can all cause more frequent or uncontrolled urination.
- Incomplete house training. Many dogs, especially young ones and rescues, simply have not fully learned where to go.
- Stress or anxiety. A move, a new baby, a new pet or time alone can lead to accidents.
- Marking. Small amounts of urine on vertical surfaces or favorite spots are often marking rather than a full bladder. See our guide on how to stop a dog from marking indoors.
- Hormones and the heat cycle. Females in heat often urinate more. Read more in our dog in heat guide.
- Age. Older dogs may lose some bladder control. We cover that in incontinence in senior dogs.
When to call the vet
Book a visit if the accidents start suddenly in a dog who was reliably house trained, or if you notice straining, blood in the urine, a strong smell, drinking much more than usual, licking at the genital area, or signs of pain. Only a vet can rule out a medical cause, and treating it is often the fastest way to end the accidents.
What you can do at home
- Keep a simple log. Note when, where and how much your dog pees. Patterns make the cause much easier to spot.
- Go back to basics. Take your dog out after meals, naps, play and first thing in the morning, and reward calmly right after they go outside.
- Never punish accidents. It tends to make dogs hide when they need to go, which makes the problem worse.
- Clean with an enzymatic cleaner. Regular cleaners can leave a scent that tells your dog to go back to the same spot.
- Limit access for now. Baby gates or a closed door can protect carpets while your dog gets back on track.
Protecting your home while you find the cause
Solving the problem can take days or weeks. In the meantime, many owners use a washable dog diaper as extra coverage around the house, so rugs and sofas stay cleaner while they work with their vet or on training. The Cocoon Pets Washable Dog Diaper comes in XS to XL and in Beige, Black or Pink. Measure your dog's waist first and check our size guide to pick the right fit.
A diaper is a helpful tool, not a fix on its own. Keep taking your dog out regularly, check the fit often and give breaks so the skin stays clean and dry.
Keep reading
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.