Has your fur baby started urinating on her bed, despite being house-trained? If so, you’re probably wondering why she’s doing it and how to stop a female dog from peeing on her bed.
Here are four possible reasons why your female dog may be urinating on her bed – and what you can do about each one.
Your Dog is Stressed
Just like humans, dogs can get stressed out too, and when they do, they may exhibit some unusual behaviors, like peeing on their bed. Here’s a look at some of the possible causes of stress in dogs and what you can do to help your furry friend feel better.
Possible Causes of Stress in Dogs
There are a number of reasons why your dog might be feeling stressed. Perhaps there’s been a change in the family dynamic, such as a new baby or pet. Or maybe she’s not getting enough exercise.
It could even be something as simple as a change in her routine, such as a different walking schedule. Whatever the cause, it’s important to identify the source of your dog’s stress so that you can take steps to alleviate it and stop your female dog from peeing on her bed.
Here are some common signs to look for:
- Excessive barking or howling
- Pacing or shaking
- Eating less or not at all
- Hiding or cowering
- Peeing or pooping inside (even if she’s house-trained)
If you notice any of these behaviors in your dog, it’s likely that she’s feeling stressed about something. Once you’ve identified the source of her stress, you can begin taking steps to help her feel better.
>> Recommended reading – the Best Dog Beds for Dogs with Anxiety
Solution
- One of the best ways to help your dog deal with stress is to provide her with plenty of exercise. For example, a good game of fetch or a long walk will help her burn off excess energy and relieve some of her stress.
- You should also make sure that she has a comfortable place to sleep and relax. For example, a fluffy bed in a quiet corner of the house will give her a sense of security and help her feel calmer.
- Finally, try to stick to a regular routine as much as possible. Dogs thrive on routine and predictability, so sticking to a set schedule will help reduce her stress levels.
By providing plenty of exercise, creating a comfortable space for her to relax, and sticking to a regular routine, you can help reduce your dog’s stress levels and get her back to sleeping in her own bed again without peeing on it.
Your Dog Has Incontinence
One of the most frustrating things that can happen to a dog owner is dealing with a dog who has incontinence. It’s an especially tricky problem to deal with in female dogs since there are a few additional factors that can come into play.
As dogs get older, they may start to experience incontinence due to weakened muscles and nerves in the bladder. If your dog has started urinating on her bed and is showing other signs of incontinence, such as leaking urine when she sleeps or squats, then age-related incontinence is likely the cause.
If your female dog is peeing on her bed, here are a few things to consider.
One of the first things to consider is whether your dog is suffering from incontinence or if there’s another issue at play. For example, if your dog is urinating in small amounts frequently or leaking urine when she sleeps or lies down, it’s likely that she has incontinence.
However, if she’s urinating large amounts all at once, it’s possible that she has a UTI (urinary tract infection) or other urinary issues. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian. One visit could be all you need to stop your female dog from peeing on her bed.
Solution
There are a few different treatments available for incontinence in dogs, and which one is best will depend on the severity of the problem and any underlying health issues. For example, some dogs may benefit from medication or supplements, while others may do better with changes to their diet or lifestyle. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
If you’re dealing with a female dog who has incontinence, it can be a frustrating problem to solve. However, by working with your veterinarian and trying different treatment options, you should be able to find something that works for your furry friend.
Does Your Dog Have a UTI?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are fairly common in dogs, especially in female dogs. So if your dog is urinating on her bed, it’s possible that she has a UTI.
Other common symptoms of a UTI include:
- Frequent urination
- Straining to urinate
- Crying out in pain when urinating
- Urinating small amounts at a time
- Licking her genital area excessively
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s essential to take her to the vet right away, as UTIs can be very painful and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Solution
The good news is that UTIs are relatively easy to treat with antibiotics. However, it’s crucial to catch them early so they don’t become more serious. To prevent UTIs try a supplement specifically for this purpose. If you think your dog may have a UTI, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
Your Dog is Displaying Submissive Urination
One of the most common reasons for female dogs to start peeing on their beds is due to a medical condition called “submissive urination.” Submissive urination occurs when a dog feels intimidated or threatened in social situations and will often happen when she is being scolded or reprimanded.
Dogs displaying submissive urination will often crouch down low to the ground, and urine will dribble out without her being able to control it. This is different from incontinence, which is the involuntary leakage of urine.
Solution
Submissive urination is a common problem in female dogs, but there are things you can do to stop it from happening.
- Don’t punish her. It’s important that you never punish your dog for submissive urination—this will only serve to make the problem worse. Punishing your dog will only increase her anxiety and make her more likely to urinate out of fear when she’s around you.
- Give her plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a good dog, so make sure your furry friend gets enough exercise every day. A healthy dose of physical activity will help burn off excess energy and calm your dog’s nerves, both of which will help reduce the incidence of submissive urination.
- Create a quiet environment. Dogs prone to submissive urination often have low thresholds for sensory overload. As a result, things like loud noises, sudden movements, and too much commotion can trigger an episode of submissive urinating. To help prevent this, create a calm and quiet environment for your dog by keeping mealtimes low-key, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding loud noises whenever possible.
- Talk to your vet. If you’ve tried all the above tips and nothing seems to be working, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Your vet can rule out any medical conditions that might be causing or contributing to your dog’s submissive urination and recommend additional treatment options if necessary.
>> Check out our picks for the best dog beds for urinary incontinence
Takeaway
If your female dog is peeing on her bed, it’s important first to rule out any medical causes. Once you’ve done that, you can work on behavioral training with positive reinforcement to help teach her not to do it anymore. Then, with some patience and consistency, you can help your female dog learn where she should and shouldn’t relieve herself.