For a puppy, the first weeks of life can be overwhelming. After all, they are tiny things in this big scary world, and they are seeing it all for the first time. You can’t expect your fur baby to know everything in the beginning. A few mistakes will be made.
A puddle on the floor here and there is nothing new to a puppy parent. It may seem impossible that something so little can urinate that much, but it’s important to understand why this is happening in order to prevent it in the future.
Puppy Peeing Non-Stop? Get a Schedule.
Dogs love having a routine, and it’s important to start early with your pup to enforce one. Create a potty schedule that will become instinctual with them.
Usually, your fur baby will need to go outside 30 minutes after drinking water. That's one of the best carpet-saving tips I've learned from my favorite dog trainer.
You may be taking your puppy out too much if they are peeing a lot. It may seem logical at first to take them out right after they wake up, drink water, have lots of playtime, or come out of a crate, but that isn’t the case.
Taking your pup out at the same time everyday, the same way, creates a routine. This way, they will be less likely to pee on the floor or feel as if they have to empty their bladders whenever it feels full. They’ll learn how to hold that pup-pee in.
Make Sure a Medical Issue Isn't Causing Your Puppy to Pee Too Frequently
Before getting frustrated with your dog for going more often than they should, contact your vet to make sure that all is well. A urinary tract infection could be the cause of your pup’s frequent urination. This is a broad-spectrum condition that carries a rather wide range of severity, so it’s in your best interest to act on it right away if you’re the least bit suspicious of the condition.
For example, a UTI could be symptomatic of diabetes. The most common form of diabetes is similar to the human version of the condition, in that there’s a deficiency in the way your pup produces insulin. However, there is also a rarer version of the condition called diabetes insipidus, which is caused by a hormonal issue.
To determine if that is the case, your vet will take a urine sample and do some blood work. Antibiotics or other medications and supplements may be needed for treatment. In some cases, your pup will receive treatment of the underlying condition causing a UTI in addition to receiving treatment for the UTI itself.
You may want to be on the lookout for signs beyond peeing frequently to help you determine if there’s a potential urinary tract problem afoot. For instance, you may want to examine the pee for various signs of funkiness, such as cloudiness or an unusually strong odor. It’s a dirty job, sure, but nobody ever said that dog ownership was a bastion of cleanliness.
Your pup may also exhibit physical symptoms that could be interpreted as a red UTI flag. Some of these signs seem directly correlated to the issue, such as yelping in pain when trying to go pee or frequently licking the opening where pee emits. Other signs are a little more abstract in nature, such as vomiting or fever.
If you’re worried that your pup’s peeing problem isn’t just behavioral, play it safe. A vet is your best bet for getting to the bottom of your doggy woes. Even if there is nothing wrong, you will at least be granted peace of mind, which is something that could be greatly needed.
Behavioral Problems
Some puppies over 3 months will pee to mark items. This can be caused by a social trigger (like trying to impress a female dog) or a new place, or it can happen because the dog hasn’t been spayed or neutered.
Pups can pee when they are feeling anxious. If your puppy if feeling upset every time you leave, they may be experiencing separation anxiety. Leaving them in a comfortable spot, like a crate, can help reduce stress and anxiety when you leave the house.
Your pup could also be peeing often because they are feeling excited or submissive. Submissive peeing is normal for dogs to show that they aren’t a threat to you. They will often lie on their backs and show you their tummies.