Help! My Dog Keeps Peeing on My Bed

No matter how much you love your canine companion, you won’t want him/her to use your bed as a bathroom. Although it’s an extremely unpleasant experience, proper handling of the situation is necessary. Several reasons can make your dog pee on your bed, and you must determine the exact cause to eliminate inappropriate urination. Read on to learn about the causes and possible solutions to this frustrating situation.  

Why is My Dog Peeing on My Bed?

Lack of potty training is not the only issue that results in a urine-soaked bed. According to iHeartDogs, multiple medical and behavioral causes can lead to this problem. The most common reasons for a dog peeing on a bed are discussed below.

Medical Conditions

Some medical problems that urge your pooch to keep peeing on your bed are as follows:   

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – Dogs frequently get affected by these infections and will often forget the house training while suffering from them. This is because UTI leads to decreased bladder control.
• Diabetes – Increased urination is one of the primary symptoms of diabetes. Therefore, the chances of accidental messes on the bed also increase.
• Bladder Stones – The presence of stones in the urinary bladder decreases its capacity to store urine, resulting in inappropriate urination.
• Urinary Incontinence – The urethral sphincter of a canine weakens with age and he/she is not able to hold the urine for long. This condition can also occur due to a decrease in estrogen production (Hormone Responsive Urinary Incontinence).   

Anxiety and Fear

Emotional distress is one of the biggest causes of inappropriate urination. Whether your dog is afraid of a thunderstorm or is suffering from separation anxiety, he/she will lose control of his/her bladder. This means that your pup may pee on your bed if he/she is reluctant to go to the bathroom. Therefore, you must eliminate all such triggers to keep your dog comfortable (and bed dry).

Marking

Urine marking is an instinct of dogs and they do this to claim their territory. Although most dogs mark the area around the house, some canines may start marking inside the house (out of fear). If that’s the case, your pooch could mark several, strategic places and your bed can be one of them.

Submissive Behavior

Although submissive nature is a massive plus for domestic dogs, over submissiveness can be a bad thing. This is because these pups are prone to inappropriate urination and will urinate whenever they are happy. Fortunately, most puppies grow out of this habit as they grow old. However, some dogs continue this pattern and will keep peeing on your bed even after reaching adulthood.

Cover the Scent

Dogs love their owners’ scent and will not need a second invitation to roll around in your bed. However, they have the instinct to cover their smell (for self-protection). For this purpose, they may urinate on your bed as this is what they will do in the wild.  

How Can I Stop My Dog From Peeing On My Bed?

Once you have identified the underlying problem, you can try the following solutions.

Control Your Anger

It can be quite frustrating to find a wet spot on your bed after a hectic day at work. Although it is quite understandable to get angry, you shouldn’t express these feelings to your pup. Fear Free Happy Homes suggests that controlling your anger and cleaning your bed is a much better alternative. This is because yelling/shouting won’t teach your pooch anything and can also worsen the situation.

Consult Your Vet

You should consult your vet as soon as possible if your canine companion is peeing on your bed frequently. He/she will perform a thorough medical examination to rule out all the possible diseases. If the vet doesn’t find any physical issue, he/she may refer your dog to a professional dog behaviorist. They can help your dog with psychological problems, like anxiety and stress.

Never Allow Your Pup on the Bed

This is probably the easiest way to prevent your dog from peeing on your bed. It is particularly helpful when your dog is alone at home and there’s no one to stop him/her. Even if you allow your canine friend to accompany you, he/she should get up as soon as you leave the bed.

Use a Dog Crate

Putting your dog in a crate is another useful way to stop your dog from peeing on your bed. Some people consider it a cruel practice, but that’s not true. In fact, some pups prefer to stay in their crate because they feel safe and comfortable in it. Although crate training may take some time, it’s worth the effort.

Clean the Mess Thoroughly

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and can trace the tiniest drop of their urine. Therefore, it’s crucial to wash your bedsheets with pet odor eliminators to stop them from wetting your bed again. Likewise, you should replace the bed covers regularly to reduce the chances of ‘accidents’.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What should I do if my dog peed on my bed right in front of me?

A. The submissive behavior and an underlying medical condition are the most likely reasons for this action.

Q. Why my dog is peeing in my bed at night?

A. Urinary incontinence is the most common reason that causes dogs to pee at night.

Q. My old dog is peeing in my bed. How can I curb this behavior?

A. Keeping your pup away from the bed is the most convenient solution. Alternatively, you may also need to consult your vet to rule out any medical condition.

Q. My dog randomly peed on my bed. Is he/she alright?

A. If your house-trained dog has suddenly started peeing on your bed, it’s highly recommended to visit a vet right away. Many medical problems, like diabetes and infections, can be responsible for this behavior.