When an adult dog that never urinates indoors during the week suddenly does so when the owner is away, it’s important to pause and consider why this might be happening, rather than resorting to scolding and punishment. Why would a well-trained adult dog start urinating inside the house?
It’s normal for puppies to urinate indoors for various reasons, which is part of raising a dog. But here, we’re focusing on adult dogs.
Why is this happening?
This discussion assumes that the dog was properly trained as a puppy and understands, as an adult, that urinating inside is not allowed. However, accidents can happen, and it’s crucial to address the underlying cause, especially if it’s frequent or persistent.
This issue not only leads to unpleasant odors but may indicate other problems, such as:
1. Urinary Disease
Urinary tract infections or other urinary issues are common in adult dogs and may lead to involuntary urination indoors. While it may sound concerning, most urinary conditions can be treated with medication.
2. Incontinence
If the dog urinates sporadically indoors or while sleeping, urinary incontinence could be the cause. This condition requires professional medical attention. In its early stages, urinary incontinence is often treatable with medication.
3. Senior Dogs
As dogs age, they may lose control of their bladder due to conditions like dementia. Dogs with dementia may forget whether they are indoors or outdoors, leading to frequent accidents. This is just one of many behavioral issues that can develop in senior dogs.
What if my dog is healthy and not old?
This brings us to the main point—behavioral issues. Male dogs, especially after sexual maturity, often engage in urine marking. While normal, if a dog that never urinates indoors suddenly begins doing so, it may be reacting to changes in its environment.
Has a new family member or pet arrived?
Has someone recently left the household?
Have there been new smells or strange noises in your home?
Dogs are highly sensitive to these changes. Some dogs with strong territorial instincts may try to mark these new situations with urine. Even dogs with weaker territorial tendencies may urinate a little to acknowledge the changes.
How can you stop this behavior?
- Avoid yelling
Many dog owners yell at their dog when they find that it has urinated indoors. This reaction is not only ineffective but may worsen the behavior. If you didn’t catch the dog in the act, punishing them later won’t help. - Remove sensitive triggers
Identify the source of the stress or trigger for your dog and try to eliminate or alter its access to it. For example, keep the dog away from new objects or change the location of these items to prevent marking. - Thorough cleaning
Clean up accidents thoroughly to prevent repeat urination in the same spot. I highly recommend using enzyme-based cleaners, such as American XX Cleaner, which effectively removes odors. This ensures the dog won’t be tempted to urinate there again.
Failing to clean thoroughly can lead to repeat accidents, even multiple times in the same area.
