If your previously housebroken dog has suddenly started peeing and pooping on the carpet, there are several possible reasons why this behavior change may be occurring.
Medical Causes
One of the most common reasons a dog who was previously housebroken may start peeing or pooping in the house is because of a medical issue. Some examples include:
Urinary Tract Infection
Dogs can get urinary tract infections (UTIs) just like humans can. The infection causes them to feel like they need to pee very frequently and often they end up peeing in inappropriate places because they feel such a strong urge that they can’t make it outside in time. Some signs your dog may have a UTI are frequent urination, only peeing a little bit each time, straining or crying when peeing, and peeing in unusual places like on furniture or carpeting.
If you suspect a UTI, get your dog checked out by your vet. They can run a urinalysis to confirm infection and prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. Prompt treatment should stop the inappropriate peeing.
Bladder Stones or Bladder Infection
Bladder infections and stones in the bladder can also make dogs feel like they need to urinate constantly or make it painful to urinate. Some signs are similar to a UTI such as frequent urination, straining, and unusual peeing spots. Again, your vet can check for an infection or take x-rays to look for bladder stones. Treatment such as antibiotics or even surgery can provide relief and stop the peeing problems.
Kidney or Liver Disease
If your dog’s kidneys or liver are not functioning properly, waste products can build up in the bloodstream and cause frequent urination. Kidney and liver disease often cause additional symptoms like increased thirst, weight loss, poor appetite, and lethargy. Blood tests and other diagnostics from your vet can check kidney and liver function.
Diabetes
Diabetic dogs often have increased thirst and urination due to excess sugar spilling into the urine. Urine testing and bloodwork can diagnose diabetes, and daily insulin injections and a specialized diet can help regulate blood sugar and minimize excessive urination.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, happens when dogs produce too much of the hormone cortisol. This can disrupt kidney function and cause increased thirst and urine output. Symptoms like hair loss and thin skin may also occur. Vet tests like bloodwork and urine culture can pinpoint Cushing’s disease. Treatment such as medication or surgery may be options to regulate cortisol and lessen urination problems.
Medications Causing Increased Urination
Some medications like steroids or diuretics can increase thirst and urination as a side effect. If your dog started inappropriate peeing and pooping right after starting a new medication, let your vet know. They may adjust the dose or switch to a different drug to reduce these effects.
Urinary Incontinence
Some dogs, especially spayed females, may develop urinary incontinence as they get older. This results in a decreased ability to control the bladder. Urine may leak out while they are resting or sleeping. Discuss options like medications or amino acid supplements with your vet to reduce incontinence and accidents.
Colitis
Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon and causes diarrhea and increased urgency to defecate. Dogs with colitis often have accidents in the house because they can’t make it outside in time. Treatment includes medications, diet change, and probiotics. Identifying and removing dietary triggers can help resolve colitis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) also causes urgent diarrhea and accidents. Diagnostic tests like bloodwork, imaging, or intestinal biopsies can pinpoint IBD. Long-term treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and special diets provides the best results.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites like worms or protozoa can cause diarrhea, sometimes leading to house soiling. Stool sample testing can check for parasites. Deworming medication clears most intestinal parasites.
Anal Gland Problems
If your dog’s anal glands are impacted or infected, it may cause discomfort and frequent scooting on the carpet. Full anal glands may even leak onto the carpet. Your vet can express clogged anal glands and treat infection if present. This provides relief and stops scooting and leaking. Some dogs need periodic draining of anal glands as maintenance.
Behavioral Reasons
For some dogs, inappropriate peeing and pooping is not caused by a medical problem but is a behavioral issue. Some examples include:
Lack of Housetraining
Dogs who are poorly housetrained or still in the process of housetraining may have frequent accidents. Make sure you stick to a consistent schedule of taking your dog outside to potty. Give praise and treats for going in the right spot. Use crate training or confinement when you can’t directly supervise. Consider a housetraining refresher class if needed.
Change in Routine
When something disrupts your dog’s regular potty routine, it can lead to accidents. Changes like a new work schedule, moving, family vacation, or even daylight savings time flipping can confuse your dog’s biological clock. Stick to your dog’s normal potty schedule as much as possible and they should adjust.
Submissive Urination
Some dogs pee when they feel threatened or anxious, known as submissive urination. It’s a way to appease a perceived threat. Work on boosting your dog’s confidence through reward-based training. Avoid punishments or overwhelming situations. Medication from your vet may help anxious dogs.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety may pee, poop, destroy furniture, or bark when left alone. They feel stressed with any departure. Try techniques like providing exercise beforehand, toys for distraction, music to calm them, and training them to accept short departures.
Fear or Phobias
Loud noises, strangers, or other phobias can cause accidents in frightened dogs. Countercondition your dog to accept their fears. In some cases, anti-anxiety medication may be helpful alongside behavior modification.
Marking Behavior
Some dogs urine mark to claim territory and make self-assuring scent spots. This is especially common in intact males. Spay/neuter can reduce marking urges. Use positive reinforcement to teach appropriate walking and peeing outside only.
Attention-Seeking
When dogs learn that peeing or pooping in the house provokes attention or playtime, they may do it on purpose to initiate interaction. Completely ignore accidents and instead give your dog lots of praise and play when they go potty outdoors where desired.
Cognitive Decline
Senior dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome may forget housetraining or get confused about where to go. Stick to a consistent schedule. Use cues like bells on the door or leading them to the potty spot to remind them.
Prevention
To prevent your dog from resuming peeing or pooping in the house, consider these tips:
- Keep up with annual vet visits to monitor your dog’s health and catch issues early
- Stick to a regular and frequent potty break schedule
- Use a crate or confine your dog when you can’t watch them
- Make the outdoors rewarding for pottying
- Clean all accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors
- Consider refresher housetraining classes
- Try calming aids for anxious dogs
- Keep your home environment consistent and predictable
Conclusion
If your previously housebroken dog starts peeing or pooping in inappropriate places, don’t just scold them – there’s likely an underlying cause. Whether it’s a medical issue like a UTI or behavioral triggers like stress, try to identify the reason for the change. With veterinary treatment, training adjustments, or other solutions tailored to the cause of the problem, you can get your furry friend back on track.
