- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
All dogs need to go outside several times a day to do their business. Most experts agree that an adult dog in good health should go outside to pee about three to five times each day. Puppies on the other hand may need to pee every hour.
Of course, some dogs need more bathroom breaks than others. A dog might occasionally drink more water—on hot days or after long walks, for instance—and produce more urine for a day or two without necessarily having a medical problem. Senior dogs may need to pee more frequently too.
Generally, you don’t need to be concerned unless your dog continues to pee a lot more than usual for more than a few days. But if you notice a sudden change in your dog’s peeing habits—maybe they’re waiting by the door every hour or having accidents in the house—it’s a good idea to check in with your vet. They can help find out why your dog is peeing so much.
Read on to learn more about excessive urination in dogs and how to get help when your dog starts peeing all the time!
What Causes Dogs To Pee So Much?
Many different medical conditions can cause your dog to produce more urine or pee in smaller amounts more frequently. Examples include:
- Urinary tract infections: Dogs can get UTIs, too. They’re often not serious, but they do require treatment from a vet.
- Kidney diseases: Anything that impairs kidney function can lead to increased urine production.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can cause excess thirst, which will make your dog drink more and then urinate more.
- Liver disease: If the kidneys can’t concentrate urine as they should, your dog may pee more.
- Bladder stones: Bladder stones can cause irritation and increase urination frequency, though not the amount of urine.
- Cushing’s disease: Like diabetes, Cushing’s disease can make dogs thirstier and lead to increased urination.
Certain medications, including diuretics, also have side effects that can make your dog produce more urine. If your dog is taking any medication, ask your vet whether increased urination is a side effect.
Peeing Too Often vs. Peeing Too Much
There’s a difference between increased frequency of urination and increased volume of urine.
If your dog pees more often than usual, this could point to a problem with their bladder or urethra. This is also known as pollakiuria and your dog may also have foul-smelling or cloudy, red urine.
You’ll also notice they pee in the house, even if they’re housebroken. Increased urination will also be different from your dog’s regular behavior, like marking surfaces while taking walks in public places.
More urine, on the other hand, might point to a problem with their kidneys, or simply mean your dog has been drinking more water, according to Dr. Shelly Vaden, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, executive board member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology.
Dr. Vaden says a dog might pee more often for two reasons:
- Polydipsia: Excess water consumption leads to more urine.
- Polyuria: The kidneys either can’t produce a concentrated urine or something interferes with the processes involved in concentrating the urine.
If you notice any additional symptoms, you’ll want to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
7 Signs Your Dog Pees Too Much
Accidents and excitement pee happen, but consistent and excessive urination could point to a health concern. The signs to watch out for, that accompany excessive urination in dogs, include:
- Increased frequency: Your dog pees more often than usual.
- Larger puddles: Your dog pees much more than usual at a time.
- Accidents indoors: Your house-trained dog has started peeing in the house.
- Drinking excessively: Your dog drinks much more water than usual.
- Weight loss: Your dog eats the same amount but has started to lose weight.
- Lethargy: Your dog has less energy than usual.
- Changes in urine color or odor: Your dog’s urine smells odd, strong, or has a different color than usual. If their urine is pink or red, contact your vet as soon as possible.
If you notice any of the above signs, contact your vet right away. They may recommend provide you with equipment to get a urine sample during and after your appointment as well.
Treatments For Excessive Urination
The treatment for excessive urination in dogs depends on the underlying cause.
Many different conditions can cause a dog to have abnormal urination, Dr. Vaden says. The vet first has to determine the cause and then they can suggest treatments.
For example:
- Your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat a UTI.
- For kidney disease, management may include medications and dietary changes.
- Diabetes requires dietary management and insulin therapy.
- A special diet may help manage bladder stones.
While you wait for the treatment to work, you may have to modify your dog’s schedule with the understanding that they’ll need to use the bathroom more.
Your vet can give you more guidance, depending on your dog’s underlying health condition.
How To Check Your Dog’s Pee Health
You can’t always prevent all health problems, but Dr. Vaden shares some steps you can take to lower your dog’s risk of developing medical concerns, including urinary health issues.
Regular veterinary check-ups
Annual health checks with your vet are very important. These check-ups help your vet monitor your dog’s overall health and identify potential issues early on. Plus, they can also provide personalized advice based on your dog’s health and behavior.
Pet insurance can help you pay for regular check-ups and preventative care. Some plans will also help you pay for potential treatments.
Balanced diet and exercise
Dr. Vaden recommends feeding your dog a balanced diet designed for dogs and formulated to lower the risk of supersaturation for the various crystals that can form in their urine.
Additionally, helping your dog maintain a healthy weight can also prevent some health issues that cause excessive urination, like diabetes.
Consistent potty breaks
Establishing a regular schedule for bathroom breaks can help prevent accidents and urinary tract issues, Dr. Vaden says.
“Allowing healthy dogs to go outside to urinate at least every 8-10 hours is also important,” she says, adding that dogs who have problems with their urinary tract should go outside every 5-6 hours.
Hydration plays a key role in urinary health, so it’s essential to make sure your dog always has fresh, clean water to drink.
But even if your dog drinks plenty of water, gets regular bathroom breaks and exercise, and eats a balanced diet, you may not always be able to prevent every health problem. If you notice anything unusual about your dog’s peeing habits or urine, contact your vet as soon as possible.
