Young pets may pee everywhere, all the time. That is, until they are properly house-trained. If your pet is no longer a spring chicken and they start peeing uncontrollably, it may be a sign of infection or an emotional problem. Peeing everywhere is not always a serious issue, but it’s worth exploring the causes so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up urine puddles.
If you see your pet starting to pee more frequently, stay observant to understand when and where they start peeing uncontrollably. This will help you better understand the reason behind their behavior and help pinpoint the cause with the help of a veterinarian.
Reason #1
Anxiety
Pets can get anxious, just like people. Whether it’s separation anxiety, social anxiety, or simply a reaction of fear due to environmental changes such as stormy weather. All of these conditions can cause a pet to pee in the house as a response to their anxiety. The more anxious a pet may be, the harder it will be for them to control their bladder.
How can I get my pet to stop peeing everywhere?
Pet anxiety cannot always be prevented. Start by observing what changes in their environment may be triggering their anxiety and reduce their exposure to the trigger, if possible.
Reason #2
Urinary Infection
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, can cause frequent accidents or accidental leaks in pets. Other common symptoms of urinary infection are cloudy-colored urine, pets crying or whimpering when they pee due to the pain, or licking around their genitals. If left untreated, a UTI could cause long-term damage to the kidneys or bladder stones.
How can I get my pet to stop peeing everywhere?
Take your pet to the vet immediately if you suspect a UTI. If a urinary infection is diagnosed, a vet will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to help clear the harmful bacteria.
Reason #3
Behavioral Marking
Behavioral marking usually consists of pets peeing in small amounts in various locations. This especially happens with dogs who want to “mark” their territory and prove some form of dominance. For example, if you recently introduced a new, younger puppy into your home, your older dog may feel territorial with a new pet coming into their space.
How can I get my pet to stop peeing everywhere?
Behavioral marking is less common in animals who have been spayed or neutered. Talk to your vet to see if spaying or neutering is a safe option for your pet.
Reason #4
Cognitive Disorder
As pets age, they may be more likely to develop a cognitive disorder such as dementia that affects their brain and nervous system connection. This connection is vital because the brain signals to a pet when it has to go pee. If pets are not getting this signal, they may start peeing at random times in unsuspecting places.
How can I get my pet to stop peeing everywhere?
Ask your vet about treatment options for various cognitive disorders such as dog dementia. After professional diagnosis, a vet may prescribe a medication to help restore a pet’s nervous system such as selegiline (Anipryl).
Reason #5
Incontinence
There are various causes of incontinence in pets. Most frequently, it occurs because of genetic changes happening in an animal's aging cells. Age, and declining nervous system sensitivity, can all cause a pet to start peeing everywhere. Signs of incontinence include wetness or dribbling of urine around a pet’s legs or small puddle markings on their bed.
How can I get my pet to stop peeing everywhere?
Some hormonal therapy or urethral sphincter drugs can aid in pet incontinence issues. Ask a vet if one of these classes of drugs will be a viable option for your pet.
When To See a Vet
Pets peeing everywhere can get messy. We know that as much as we love our pets, we don’t always want to have to worry about cleaning up their urinary puddles all the time. If your pet only rarely pees in inappropriate places, it may just be a small problem that goes away on its own. However, if your pet is consistently having urinary problems, consult with a vet so you can determine the root cause and find adequate treatment.
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