My Dog Won't Stop Peeing in the House

Sometimes, a house-trained dog will urinate inside even though it knows better. This can be frustrating, especially since you already spent time training the dog when it was a puppy. When a dog won't stop peeing in the house, there's usually an underlying mental or physical problem. Here are a few of the most common reasons adult dogs pee in the house and what you can do to stop it.

  1. Separation Anxiety

    • If your dog's accidents are occurring when you're out of the house, it could be a result of separation anxiety. Some dogs that were previously fine when you left the house can grow more anxious about this as they get older. To combat separation anxiety, you can play music or television for the dog while you're out. You can also have a friend, family member or local teenager come over to walk and play with the dog while you're out. Never make a big deal about leaving or come back, or your dog will think it's a big deal too.

    Territorial Spraying

    • If your dog is consistently peeing small amounts on vertical surfaces, you could have a case of urine marking. This is usually a problem with male dogs, and it can come up if you have a new piece of furniture or have moved to a new house. To the dog, this scent marking isn't the same as going to the bathroom. If it starts suddenly, it's probably caused by insecurity. Reassure him that he's still loved, but don't coddle him. The only way to stop urine marking is to monitor the dog constantly and catch him in the act.

    Aging

    • According to the American Kennel Club, dogs' bladder muscles become weaker as they age. Increase trips outside. Your dog should go out at least every four hours if possible. The longer dogs hold their urine, the greater their risk of bladder infection -- and the more an older dog's bladder muscles work, the weaker they'll get. Spayed female dogs are especially prone to urinary incontinence.

    Health Problems

    • If your dog began urinating in the house suddenly, it could indicate an underlying health problem. Urination in the house can be a symptom of bladder infection, kidney stones, diabetes, Cushing's disease or a number of other problems. Don't try to stop the problem by limiting the dog's water intake -- dogs need constant access to water. If you have no idea why your dog won't stop peeing in the house, it may be time to take it to the vet.