For new puppies, accidents in the house are a pretty common occurrence. After all, your dog’s instincts don’t tell them not to go to the bathroom inside a house. Dogs are naturally disinclined to make a mess in an area where they’ll be spending a lot of time. But until your puppy is house trained, they won’t see any problems with making a mess in one part of the house, and going off to play in another area.

However, if your adult dog has been house trained for a long time – and suddenly starts to have accidents indoors – it could indicate a bigger issue that’s troubling them. At Dan’s Pet Care, our pet care pros understand that each pet is unique. Symptoms like accidents in the house can have complex causes, and they should be discussed with your veterinarian right away. In this article, we’ll look at a few common causes that might be to blame when your dog starts having accidents inside.

Emotional Stress in Dogs

Just like people, dogs can suffer from a variety of emotional problems that disrupt their normal routines. Of course, getting angry with your dog for accidents can only compound the emotional strain. If your household has recently undergone significant changes, your dog may be feeling anxious, and this could result in loss of bladder and bowel control. Adding or losing a pet or family member, dealing with loud construction noises from outdoors, or having loud arguments inside the house can all make your pet feel insecure and frightened.

If your pet is under emotional stress, they don’t have to keep suffering. Your vet can prescribe a number of helpful medications to help your dog manage anxiety and stress. You can also purchase a variety of non-prescription products and supplements to relieve your dog’s anxiety.

Joint and Mobility Issues in Older Dogs

If  your dog is suffering from arthritis or other problems that impact mobility, they may not be able to make it to the bathroom in time. If you notice your dog having accidents while they’re sitting or lying down, it may be too painful for them to stand up and walk every time they need to go. Joint supplements and pain medications can help control the issues behind your dog’s accidents. It’s also important to provide your dog with easy, fast access to the outdoors when they need it.

Hormonal and Organ-Related Problems in Adult Dogs

If your dog is suffering from thyroid disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or other internal problems, they could find it harder to hold in their urine. Diabetes, in particular, is known for causing uncontrollable thirst and frequent urination. Your pet may need to take insulin shots, or they may benefit from thyroid supplements or a special diet to support their kidneys. Regular bloodwork may help your veterinarian identify any metabolic diseases before they get out of control.

Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs

When humans get urinary tract infections, they sometimes feel the urge to urinate every few minutes. The same can be true of dogs, too. If your dog has been having accidents, watch them carefully when they urinate. If they seem to be straining or uncomfortable, or if you notice any blood in their urine, be sure to let your veterinarian know. 

Dementia in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs face a risk of cognitive decline as they get older. If your dog is a senior, they may simply be forgetting to go outdoors. As your dog gets older, consider providing them with sanitary ways to go to the bathroom indoors if needed. Providing a crate to rest in, lining the floor with vinyl tablecloths or other barriers, and using puppy pads or doggy diapers can all keep your dog from making messes in the house if they’re suffering from dementia.

Dogs that are Being Happy or Overstimulated

Dogs tend to pee when they’re happy or excited. When that excitement takes place indoors, you may end up with a mess on your hands. If your dog’s accidents happen when visitors enter your home, consider putting your dog in a crate or a separate room until they feel calmer around your guests.

Want More Walks? Give Dan’s Pet Care A Call?

One of the best ways to prevent household accidents is to give your dog frequent outdoor walks. If you lead a busy life, this can be hard to do – that’s where Dan’s Pet Care comes in. Our fully trained and licensed pros can provide relief walks or extended walks for exercise. We also offer a full range of other pet care services to meet all your needs. To get started, fill out our consultation form today.