When Potty-Trained Pets Start Peeing Inside
When pets start peeing inside, it may signal a deeper issue. Learn the causes of house soiling and how to manage it effectively.
House Soiling in Cats
Cats commonly urinate outside the litter box, making it a leading reason owners surrender them to shelters or choose euthanasia. There are so many different causes for the behavior, many of which are relatively simple to fix.
- Medical issues – Health issues like kidney disease, urinary or bladder infections, stones, arthritis, tumors, constipation, or feline idiopathic cystitis can cause house soiling.
- Territorial behavior – The presence of a new cat in the home can lead to house soiling in the resident cat. Introduce new cats slowly, and provide one litter box per cat plus one extra to reduce stress and accidents. More so, everyone can have their private space.
- Psychological stress – Cats rely on routine, and disruptions can cause stress and anxiety that lead to house soiling. Owner absence, new people or pets, moving, or remodeling can disrupt a cat’s environment and trigger stress-related house soiling.
- Boredom – We encourage indoor living for safety, but boredom from limited stimulation can lead to destructive behaviors like house soiling. Cats thrive with attention, enrichment like climbing spaces, and regular playtime to burn energy and prevent unwanted behaviors.
If pets start peeing inside, don’t wait. Contact Mobile Vet M.D. to schedule an appointment.
House Soiling in Dogs
When a house-trained dog has accidents, first rule out medical issues like urinary infections, bladder problems, kidney disease, arthritis, or age-related incontinence. In addition, pets with diarrhea or other intestinal illnesses may not be able to make it outside fast enough.
If no medical cause is found, look for behavior-related issues that could be causing the problem, such as:
- Loss of house training – Even completely house trained dogs can experience setbacks in this area for a variety of reasons, such as illness, a change in schedule, or the occurrence of bad weather. Taking the time to give your dog a reward-based “house training refresher course” may solve the problem.
- Territorial marking – Urine is an important means of marking territory and passing along information to other dogs. Unneutered males may be replicating this behavior inside the home. Neutering your dog may help improve the situation.
- Anxiety – Being left alone for long periods of time, a dramatic change in family structure or schedule, or a thunderstorm or fireworks display can produce significant anxiety in dogs. They may respond by house soiling (among other unpleasant behaviors). It’s important to address your dog’s anxiety and take the necessary steps to make them more comfortable.
If your pet is experiencing inappropriate elimination, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Mobile Vet M.D. Together, we can develop a plan to get your pet back on track!