A visit to the vet and I found similar incidents – there were dog parents struggling with the same problem. They all wanted to know how to stop female dog from peeing in the house or natural ways to stop dog from peeing in the house. There were other dog parents who were equally worried because they wanted to know how to stop grown dogs from peeing in the house.
So, first let’s understand why do dogs pee in the house suddenly?
Dogs can pee in the house because they might not be trained properly. It is also possible that they did not have access to outdoors properly, so they decided to pee inside.
But, dog parents are worried, if their grown up dogs starts peeing in the house. What could be the causes?
Causes of Grown Up Dogs Peeing in the House:
Let’s understand a few reasons why this is happening.
Might be Due to Medical Conditions:
Before y
ou start worrying, try to know if your dog is under some medication? It can be a side effect.
Certain medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney problems, or incontinence, can cause a dog to have accidents indoors.
Notice the behaviour of your dog and note any changes. If your dog’s behaviour changes suddenly, it’s important to rule out any underlying health problems by consulting a veterinarian.
Stress or anxiety Can be a Factor:
You might not even realize that your dog is stressed. And yes, it can cause them to pee indoors.
Dogs may exhibit changes in their elimination habits when they are stressed, anxious, or experiencing a major change in their environment.
There are certain situations that are stressful for dogs. You might be enjoying a new location, but your dog is missing its old place.
It could be the introduction of a new pet or family member, or even loud noises or disruptions in their routine.
Changes in routine or environment:
Did the set routine change?
Dogs are creatures of habit, and any significant change in their routine or living situation can lead to confusion or stress. There might be changes in their feeding schedule, walking routine, or even rearrangement of furniture in the house.
Marking behavior:
Adult dogs may sometimes mark their territory indoors if they feel the need to assert their dominance or establish their scent in response to new animals or unfamiliar smells in the house.
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Aging or Might Be Cognitive Decline:
It is hard to accept, but your dog is aging.
In some cases, older dogs may develop cognitive issues or senility, which can affect their ability to control their bladder or remember their house-training routine.
Then what – how to tackle?
Now, when you know that your dog isn’t suffering from any medical issue, you can try out a few natural strategies. These are without side effects and can help in tackling the problem.
Natural Ways to Stop Your Adult Dog from Peeing in the House:
Here are some things that you can start doing and you are definitely going to see results because it works.
Start a routine:
Setting a routine is always helpful.
Dogs thrive on consistency, so establish a regular schedule for feeding, walking, and bathroom breaks.
Stick to the routine as closely as possible to help your dog anticipate when it’s time to go outside. Thus, they will know when it is the right time to pee.
Frequent bathroom breaks:
I have seen this work in many instances when nothing seems to be working.
It will be a little more work for you but it can tackle the problem.
Take your dog outside for bathroom breaks frequently, especially after meals, naps, playtime, and waking up in the morning.
Thus, when you give your dog plenty of opportunities to relieve outdoors it will reduce the chance of peeing indoor.
Positive reinforcement:
You know your dog loves treats. Why not use it for the purpose?
Reward your dog with praise, treats, or a favourite toy immediately after they eliminate outdoors. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce the desired behaviour and encourages your dog to continue doing it.
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Supervision and confinement:
It might be tough for you but keep a close eye on your dog when they are indoors. This doesn’t mean you are going to scare your dog.
Consider using a crate or a designated area like a playpen to confine your dog when you can’t directly supervise them. Dogs generally avoid soiling their sleeping or resting areas.
Clean accidents thoroughly:
If you do not do so, your dog might be tempted to visit the area and do the same again.
Clean any indoor accidents thoroughly using an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for removing pet odors. This helps eliminate the scent, reducing the chances of your dog being attracted to that spot again.
Do not Let Your Dog Go to Specific Areas:
If your dog repeatedly eliminates in specific areas of the house, consider using baby gates or closing doors to restrict access to those areas until the behavior is resolved.
It is possible that these are the trigger areas of the house.
Manage anxiety and stress:
We do not even know what anxiety can lead to in humans and in dogs. This needs management.
Take time and put in efforts to identify potential triggers and try to minimize them. Providing your dog with mental and physical stimulation through regular exercise, interactive toys, and training can also help alleviate anxiety.
Think About Professional Training:
This can be the last resort, if nothing seems to work your way and you need a solution.
If the issue persists or worsens, consider seeking assistance from a professional dog trainer. These are the people who are trained to provide specialized guidance and training techniques tailored to the needs of the dogs.
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