Housebreaking accidents happen on occasion, even though they are frustrating. However, if your adult dogs start to constantly urinate in the house then you are probably scrambling in desperation for answers. Inappropriate urination is actually a widespread problem in dogs, but you must address the issue immediately before it gets out of hand.
The first step is to determine why your dog is urinating in the house. The process is often referred to as “inappropriate urination” by medical professionals. Adult dogs typically do not urinate in the home unless there is a problem. During puppyhood, accidents are common. Once a dog is fully house trained, they do not usually break their training unless there is an issue.
Urinary Tract Problems
If your adult dog start to urinate in the home, then it’s time to make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian. Often inappropriate urination is caused from a urinary tract infection.
Your dog’s vet will examine the animal and take a urine sample to perform a urinalysis and a urine culture. If a vet diagnoses the dog with a urinary tract infection, then the physician will prescribe a round of antibiotics to treat the infection. Once the UTI clears up, your dog should stop urinating in the home.
Other urinary tract issues such as cystitis (bladder inflammation), bladder stones, tumors, crystals in the urine, or other abnormalities can also cause urination in the house. If your veterinarian suspects there are other medical issues, then he will order additional tests.
Urinary Incontinence
Sadly, many senior dogs start to suffer from urinary incontinence. Your dog might leak or dribble urine or leave entire puddles. The animal might suffer from nighttime urination which occurs during sleep. If your senior dog is incontinent then your veterinarian might prescribe medications which can help. You might also want to consider using canine diapers.
Other Health Problems
Other health problems that can cause urination in the home include Cushing’s disease, kidney disease, or diabetes. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Kidney failure often occurs in elderly dogs.
Dementia
Some elderly dogs become confused. They think they are urinating outdoors, but they are actually having an accident indoors. If this is the case with your senior pet, then you might want to consider using canine diapers.
Behavioral Issues
If your male dog is not neutered or your female dog spayed, then it is common for the animal to start urinating in the home as a way of marking their territory. Urine marking is driven by sex hormones. The best way to curtail the unwanted behavior is to neuter or spay the animal. However, if you let the problem persist then it will become a habit and fixing the dog might not stop the urination.
A dog urinating in the house is frustrating, but remember, there is always a reason why the animal is performing the act. You simply must play detective and determine the cause so you can fix it promptly.