How to Stop a Dog from Peeing in the House
If your dog is urinating indoors, it can be frustrating—but there are clear steps you can take to help your pet and restore order at home. Whether the cause is medical or behavioral, understanding why dogs pee inside is the first step toward a solution.
Medical Causes: Always Rule These Out First
Before tackling behavior, check for health problems. Dogs may urinate indoors due to urinary tract infections, cystitis, bladder stones, diabetes, kidney disease, or age-related incontinence. Senior dogs are especially prone to accidents because of cognitive decline or physical limitations. If your house-trained dog suddenly starts having accidents, make a vet appointment to rule out these issues. Sometimes, arthritis or injuries make it hard or painful to go outside. For older dogs with incontinence, medications, supplements, or even doggie diapers can help manage symptoms.
Behavioral Reasons for Indoor Urination
Once health problems are ruled out, consider behavioral causes:
- Marking territory: Unneutered males (and sometimes females) may mark with urine. Spaying or neutering early helps reduce this behavior.
- Stress and anxiety: Changes like a new pet, person, or home can trigger accidents.
- Submissive urination: Some dogs urinate when nervous or scared, often as a response to greetings.
- Excitement urination: Puppies or excitable dogs may pee when overly happy.
Dogs also return to previously soiled spots if they still smell urine. Cleaning thoroughly is crucial.
Effective Strategies to Prevent Indoor Urination
- Revisit House Training: Take your dog outside frequently—especially after eating, drinking, or waking up. Reward outdoor urination with treats and praise.
- Identify Triggers: Watch for sources of stress or marking. New animals, visitors, or changes in routine can be culprits.
- Manage the Environment: Confine your dog when unsupervised (a crate works well), keep soiled areas clean and inaccessible, or change their association by feeding or playing there.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Never punish or yell at your dog for accidents. This only increases anxiety and may make your dog hide when it needs to go.
- Address Anxiety: Keep routines consistent. Use positive training and gradually expose your dog to new situations. For severe anxiety, consult a professional trainer or veterinarian.
- Eliminate Odors: Use enzymatic cleaners to destroy urine scents and prevent re-marking. Avoid ammonia-based products—they smell like urine to dogs.
- Try Deterrent Sprays: Homemade sprays (equal parts white vinegar and water, or water with a few drops of citrus or pet-safe essential oils) can deter dogs from problem spots. Always test on a hidden area first.
- Observe Your Dog: Watch for signs your dog needs to urinate—sniffing, circling, or returning to marked spots—and take them out immediately.
- Seek Professional Help: If accidents persist despite your efforts, consult an animal behaviorist or trainer. For extreme fear-based urination, veterinarians may recommend medication during retraining.
Tips for Success
- Be patient—most cases improve with consistent routines and positive reinforcement.
- Combine house-cleaning with training and environmental management for best results.
- If your dog is fearful or anxious, talk to your vet about possible medications to support retraining.
- Remember: never punish accidents. Focus on building trust and rewarding desired behavior.
With patience and the right approach—medical attention if needed, thorough cleaning, consistent training routines, and positive reinforcement—you can help your dog learn where it's appropriate to urinate and enjoy a cleaner home together.
