House soiling (urine) in dogs means peeing in places they shouldn’t or peeing more frequently than normal. There are many potential causes of house soiling, from simple bladder infections to behavioural issues or systemic disease, such as diabetes. It is a common problem that can affect dogs of any age, breed, or sex.

House soiling in dogs can also be known as inappropriate urinating, urinary accidents or marking, or improper elimination. Dogs showing symptoms of house soiling will usually require a thorough investigation to determine the cause, including urine and blood tests.

What to do if your dog is house soiling (urine)

There are many potential causes of house soiling (urine) in dogs, some mild and others more severe. It’s best to speak to a vet to discuss what the best next steps are.

While waiting for an appointment, try to monitor the following at home:

• Is your dog drinking more than normal? Drinking more than normal can indicate systemic disease. Measure how much they are drinking per day. The normal amount should be 25-50 ml per kg of body weight over 24 hours.

• Does your dog have any other symptoms, such as weight loss, vomiting or diarrhoea? This is important to monitor and let your vet know.

• Is there any pattern to the soiling, such as due to excitement or being left alone?

• Is your dog aware that they are passing urine, or is it when they are asleep?

• Has there been any recent change in your dog's routine or environment, such as someone moving in or out, loud noises such as fireworks, or being left alone for long periods?

Joii vets are available 24 hours a day for advice.

Common causes of house soiling (urine) in dogs

There are many potential causes of house soiling in dogs, including:

Prostate

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia

• Infection

• Cancer

Urinary disease

• Infections

• Stones

• Incontinence

• Cancer

Disease elsewhere in the body

• Kidney disease

• Diabetes

• Cushing's disease

• Pyometra

Acute and chronic pain

• Arthritis

Aging changes

• Dementia

Behavioural

• Separation anxiety

• Excitement

• Marking

• Insufficient training

• Fear or stress

• Boredom or frustration

When you should be worried about house soiling (urine) in dogs

Seek help from a vet in practice if:

• Your dog is peeing and drinking excessively.

• Your dog is losing weight or showing other signs of illness.

• Your dog is straining and not passing any pee - this is an emergency.

Speak to one of our Joii vets if:

• You would like advice about housetraining your puppy.

• You’re not sure if your dog is drinking or peeing abnormally.

Tips for preventing house soiling (urine) in dogs

While not every cause of house soiling in dogs is preventable, you can help reduce the chances of it.

• Make sure your puppy is well socialised during the critical period of growth.

• Seek help early if you are having problems with house training your dog.

• Make sure your dog gets adequate physical and mental stimulation for their age and breed.

• Help your dog stay at a healthy weight and in good physical condition.

• Take your dog for a full physical examination with your vet at least once a year to ensure any medical problems are caught early.

• Neutering your dog can help prevent prostate problems (in males) and pyometra (in females). However, it can make fearful problems worse, so always discuss this with a vet first.

• Seek help immediately if your dog shows signs of behavioural problems.

Things to look out for if your dog is house soiling (urine)

House soiling is usually obvious from the onset. You will often see them doing it, or find a wet patch or stain in the home.

For incontinence, you may notice a wet bed or blanket when your dog gets up from resting.

Other signs to watch for include weight loss, drinking more than normal, straining to wee, blood in the wee, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Diagnosis of house soiling (urine) in dogs

As there are many potential causes of house soiling, your vet will most likely need to do some tests before a diagnosis is found.

Investigation may include:

• Urine tests

• Blood tests

• Stool tests, if they have diarrhoea or are also defeacating inappropriately

• Imaging (x-rays, ultrasound)

What to do at home if your dog is house soiling (urine)

House soiling needs investigation with a vet, but you can also help at home by:

• Giving any prescribed medication as advised by your vet.

• Avoiding sudden changes in your dog's routine and environment. Take them out to the toilet regularly, especially around 30-60 minutes after they have eaten and when they have woken up.

• Using a pheromone diffuser and calming supplements. This can help reduce stress and manage different behavioural problems. Avoid leaving your dog for long periods if they have separation issues.

• Ensuring your dog always has access to fresh water.

• Avoiding any punishment. This can increase fear and anxiety and make the problem worse.

• Feeding a healthy and balanced diet. There are special diets for dogs that can be helpful, depending on the underlying cause, such as urinary and diabetic diets recommended by a vet.

Vet treatment of house soiling (urine) in dogs

The treatment of house soiling depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections

• Special urinary diets for crystals or stones

• Surgery: for urinary stones, pyometra, castration for certain prostate issues

• Specific lifelong medication for diabetes and Cushing's disease

• Referral to a behaviourist if medical causes are ruled out

Are some dogs more at risk of house soiling (urine)?

Some breeds are more prone to certain medical conditions or behavioural traits that can lead to house soiling.

• Submissive urination is more common in female puppies of small/tiny breeds.

• Incontinence is more common in females, older dogs, neutered dogs and certain breeds: Irish Setter, Dobermann, Bearded Collie, Rough Collie and Dalmatian.

• UTIs are more common in females, obese dogs, very young and older dogs and those with incontinence.

• Urinary stones are more common in dogs fed unbalanced diets, dogs with liver disease and in some breeds: Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Welsh Corgi, English Bulldog, Dalmatian, Beagle, Dachshund, Basset Hound, Miniature Poodle, and Scottish Terrier.

• Pyometra is a problem in unneutered female dogs.

• Prostate problems most commonly affect unneutered male dogs.

Other causes of house soiling (urine) in dogs

Psychogenic polydipsia: a rare behavioural problem where dogs drink excessively with no apparent cause. Diabetes insipidus: a rare condition where dogs are unable to make or react to the antidiuretic hormone, leading to increased thirst and urination.