Amelia Taylor – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
It’s perplexing and infuriating when your favorite dog suddenly begins urinating on your bed. You may wonder if it is in anger, anxiety, or habit. The reality is, dogs don’t do this to “get back at you” very often. It is more likely an indicator of an emotional or physical problem. Let us consider the most typical reasons why dogs pee on your bed and how to prevent it from reoccurring.
Possible Medical Condition
If your dog’s bed-wetting is a new phenomenon, the initial step is to eliminate the possibility of medical causes. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, diabetes, or kidney disease can all result in excessive urination or loss of bladder control.
What to do: Go to your vet for a urine analysis. Once an underlying medical problem is identified, the behavior will typically cease once your dog recovers.
Stress or Anxiety Can Cause the Behavior
Dogs are emotional beings who sense changes in emotions. Changes in houses, new family members, noise, or even your absence can make your dog anxious. Anxiety can cause them to have accidents in places they know or that provide them with comfort, such as your bed, which smells like you and keeps them safe.
What to do: Find out what causes stress. Soothe your dog with a gentle voice, keep a routine, and employ positive reinforcement. If the anxiety continues, try gentle behavior training or calming supplements.
Your Dog Might Be Marking Territory
Marking territory is normal, particularly in intact males or multi-pet household dogs. Spayed or neutered dogs may also mark if they are threatened by a new pet or visitor. Your bed has your scent on it, so marking the bed is your dog’s assertion, “This is mine too.
What to do: Clean the area very well with an enzymatic cleaner to get rid of all traces of scent. Do not punish your dog — it may boost stress and exacerbate marking.
Submissive Urination
Some dogs pee when they are intimidated or frightened. This tends to occur with young or fearful dogs who seek to convey submission. If you catch pee in bed after yelling at your dog, they may be responding to stress and not acting out
What to do: Don’t yell or stare your dog directly in the eye when correcting him. Instead, foster confidence with praise, handling, and routine.
Inadequate House Training
If your puppy or newly adopted dog has not yet learned that the bed is not the place to go potty.
What to do: Reinforce potty training by taking the dog out after meals, exercise, and waking up. Reward them immediately when they go pee in the right location. Consistency is the key.
Your Dog Feels Too Comfortable
Dogs often urinate in places that smell strongly of their owners. Your bed holds your scent, and that comfort can sometimes confuse them into thinking it’s an acceptable place.
What to do: Try limiting your dog’s access to your bedroom when unsupervised. Make sure they have their own clean, cozy bed to rest in.
Hormonal or Age-Related Changes
Senior dogs or females having recently come into heat can develop hormonal imbalances causing incontinence.
What to do: If your dog is a senior, discuss medications with your vet that can improve bladder control or control hormonal shifts.
