F.A.Q Puppies & Dogs

My dog has recently started to urinate in the house. What can I do?

This condition can occur where there is an increased urge to urinate which the dog can't control, when there is a decrease in the ability to resist urine flow for hormonal, neurological or anatomical reasons, and occasionally due to a behavioural problem.

I would suggest that initially it is best to get your dog checked out by your vet to make sure that there is no urinary infection. Take along a fresh urine sample with you. Obtaining a urine sample can be difficult, but you only need to 'catch' a relatively small amount. Get a clean container that you have washed thoroughly and rinsed out with previously boiled water. Clean a tin foil take-away container in the same way. Wearing plastic gloves, quickly whip the tin foil container into the dog's urine flow, and then with a bit of manipulation of the take-away container, pour the urine into the clean container. The vet will be able to rule out quite a lot of conditions with the urine sample.

However, this condition could be caused either by a behavioural problem or the influence of the male hormone testosterone. If the vet has ruled out a medical cause for your dog’s problem, it is worth while trying to work out why he is urinating in this particular place. Does it contain something that is an 'enemy/territory invader' in the dog's eyes? Has this behaviour come on with a change in life style, such as a new family member? Does it happen at a particular time, which may be linked with a full bladder and no way of getting outside? You could create a 'urination diary' to try and see if there is a common pattern in his urinating behaviour. It is also worth while monitoring the amount of water the dog is drinking.

If the incontinence is stress-induced, it is worthwhile working out how to minimise/avoid the causes. Of course, it may be that you simply need adjust the dog's exercise and feeding regime, but it would be best to rule out all other conditions first.

Constant supervision and cleaning the soiled areas can also help. Mildly correct the dog with a firm 'no' if he is eliminating in an inappropriate place. Redirect him to appropriate places when he shows signs of wanting to urinate, such as sniffing and circling, and praise him lavishly when he does so.

It may be that the urinating is triggered by the male hormone, testosterone. The vet may have suggestions to make, such as neutering, if this is a hormonally influenced problem. Up to 50% of canine territorial marking may be alleviated by neutering.