Sometimes, our potty-trained dogs start peeing indoors, and you’re greeted by a smelly, unexpected puddle in the morning. Often, dogs pee in the house if they’re sick, anxious, afraid of the outside, forgetful, or living in a multi-pet household.
Dogs won’t ever pee in the house for attention or because they’re mad at you—so it’s vital to figure out what’s happening.
To stop your dog from peeing in the house, first, take them to the vet to make sure they’re healthy. Then, review their toilet training, keep a regular routine, and give lots of praise when they do the right thing.
Here’s everything you need to know, plus some expert-backed tips to stop those accidents.
Why Do Dogs Pee in the House?
From medical issues to stress or age, there are many reasons why your previously toilet-trained dog might start peeing in the house. Here are five of the most common.
1. They have a medical issue
If your dog keeps peeing inside the house, the first thing to check is if they might be sick. Some health problems that can cause dog toilet accidents include:
- diabetes
- urinary tract infections
- kidney infections
- nerve disorders
- post-surgical complications
- Cushing’s disease
- bladder issues
- hormone-related incontinence
Most of these health problems cause dogs to pee a lot at once. But there’s one condition called hormone-related incontinence that affects older female dogs who have been spayed. This can make them leak or dribble small amounts of pee
2. They’re stressed or anxious
If your dog’s stressed or anxious, they might start peeing inside. Sometimes, peeing can even help them relax, says Sally Gutteridge, a qualified dog behaviourist at Pet Sprint.
Many things can cause stress or anxiety. Dr Chinonyerem Ukweni, a veterinarian at MyGoToVet, says some of these include:
- moving to a new home
- adopting another dog or cat
- injuries
- trauma (eg car accident or dog fight)
3. They don’t like the weather
Dr Ukweni says bad weather, like snow, heavy rain, and thunderstorms, can make dogs not want to go outside. Some dogs might be too scared or nervous to go out during a storm, and others might not like getting wet.
If it’s really hot in the summer, some dogs might want to stay inside where it’s cool and air-conditioned.
4. They’re older
Gutterridge says dogs with dementia are likelier to pee inside. This disease affects 60% of dogs 11 or older; they might forget their potty training and frequently pee inside.
Issues like joint pain may also mean your dog can’t move around comfortably, so they may pee close to your bed or theirs rather than going outside.
5. They live with other pets
Dogs that live with other pets have to figure out how to get along and share space. Gutteridge says one way they mark their territory is by peeing around the house.
Some dogs might also pee when they’re excited, scared, or feeling submissive around other dogs or people.
How to Stop Your Dog From Peeing in the House in 5 Steps
Want to stop your dog from peeing in the house? There are a few simple steps you can take to fix the problem. From checking with your vet to making sure your dog has a consistent routine, these tips will help get your dog back on track.
1. Check with your vet
The first thing to do is make sure your dog doesn’t have any health problems. Dr Ukweni says to see your vet right away if:
- your dog can’t control their pee
- their pee smells bad or has blood in it
- your dog has trouble peeing
- they only pee a little at a time
2. Go over toilet training again
If your vet says your dog’s healthy, it’s time to review their potty training. Gutteridge suggests using these tips to potty train older dogs:
- reward your dog when they pee in the right place
- if you catch your dog peeing inside, gently show them where they should go
- keep an eye on your dog or block off areas with gates where they’ve had accidents
3. Keep a routine
Regular mealtimes and bathroom breaks can help you predict when your dog needs to pee. Notice if they usually pee at certain times, like after waking up or eating. Try to take your dog outside on a set schedule and stick to it.
Most adult dogs can hold their pee for four to six hours, so plan bathroom breaks every three to four hours.
4. Walk your dog often
Gutterridge recommends taking your dog for more frequent outside walks, especially after meals and naps.
This can help your dog know when they’re able to pee.
5. Give lots of praise
“Rewarding your dog for good behaviour is one of the best incentives for them to follow good toilet discipline,” Gutteridge says.
When your dog pees outside, give them plenty of verbal praise and a treat. This can help your dog make positive connections to peeing outside.
How to Clean Up Dog Pee Indoors
If your dog pees inside, make sure to clean up the spot. Using the right cleaners can get rid of the pee smell. This is important because, as Gutteridge says, “the smell of urine can trigger our dogs’ need to pee”.
Here’s how Gutteridge suggests cleaning up dog pee in the house:
- Use paper towels to blot the area and soak up as much pee as you can.
- Choose an enzymatic cleaner that gets rid of the pee smell. Follow the instructions and let the cleaner sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Don’t use cleaners with ammonia because they can make dogs want to pee in the same spot again.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Peeing in the House
One of the most important things you can do to prevent peeing indoors is watch for signs your dog needs to go to the toilet, including:
If you see these signs, take your dog outside immediately, even if it’s not a scheduled pee break.
Also, create a space in your home to keep your dog away from carpets or places they’ve been peeing. You can use a tiled room like the bathroom or kitchen or set up a small pen. This helps teach your dog that the rest of the house is not a place for peeing, and then you can train them in the smaller space, too.
Lastly, pee pads can help, but don’t use too many. Dr Ukweni says too many pads can confuse your dog about where it’s okay to pee. She recommends one pad placed in the same spot.
When to See a Vet About Your Dog Peeing Indoors
if your dog keeps peeing inside or it’s happening more often, Dr Ukweni says you should talk to your vet. If you see blood in their pee, they seem to be in pain, or you’re worried about their behaviour, take them to the vet right away.
While waiting for the appointment, Dr Ukweni suggests gathering information, like when the accidents started, what might have triggered them, if there are certain spots your dog likes to pee, and if they’re taking any medicine. It’s also helpful to collect a urine sample for testing.
Finally, Gutteridge says talking to a dog behaviour expert can help with training, reducing anxiety, and reinforcing good behaviour. But she also reminds you to always check with a vet first to make sure your dog is healthy.
Stop Dog House Peeing FAQs
Does punishment work to prevent accidents?
Dr Ukweni says pet parents should never punish their dog. Gutteridge agrees and says punishing your dog worsens their anxiety (and the peeing problem).
Should you ignore the problem and hope it stops?
Gutteridge says ignoring it won’t help. But instead of focusing on their accidents, give your dog lots of attention and praise when they pee outside.
Do I need to re-train my dog if they’re already potty trained?
Yes, if your dog keeps peeing inside, it means they need more toilet training. Going over the training again helps remind them where it’s okay to pee.
If you’re not sure how to do this, follow some tips or ask a dog trainer for help.
Should I use harsh cleaners for accidents?
No, harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia aren’t ideal. They can damage fabrics and don’t get rid of the pee smell, which can make your dog pee in the same spot again. Use enzyme-based cleaners that are made to clean up urine.
Should I leave my dog outside for a long time as punishment?
No, Gutteridge says leaving your dog outside as punishment can make things worse. It can increase their anxiety and doesn’t fix the real problem.
Take them outside, reward them for peeing, and then go back inside together.