Last Updated: 10/11/2025
Why is my Dog Peeing Inside? A Vet Explains
Wondering why your dog is peeing inside? Our Pet Circle vet explains the common reasons, from urinary tract infections and incontinence to behavioural issues like anxiety, marking, or simple toilet training gaps.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
Discovering a wet patch where it shouldn't be - especially on your favourite rug - is one of a pet parent's least favourite surprises. It's frustrating, messy, and can be worrying, especially if it's a new behaviour.
But before you assume your dog is being naughty, it's important to know that dogs don't toilet inside out of spite. Inappropriate urination is a sign that something else is going on. It could be a signal that they're feeling unwell, anxious, or perhaps just a bit confused about the house rules.
Understanding the root cause is the first and most important step toward solving the problem. Let's investigate the common medical and behavioural reasons why your dog might be peeing inside.
Is it a medical problem?
The first and most important thing to note is that toileting inappropriately can be a sign of urinary tract disease, particularly urinary tract infections or bladder stones, as well as other illnesses. Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) is particularly common in female dogs. Always get your dog checked over by a vet first if they are toileting inappropriately.
Medical causes of inappropriate urination may include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Uroliths (bladder stones)
- Diabetes
- Hormonal syndromes (such as Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, or issues with the thyroid)
- Kidney or liver disease
- Tumours of the urinary tract
- Prostate disease in male dogs
Could it be incontinence?
Incontinence in dogs is a common problem, particularly in desexed females. It may be caused by a number of disorders, including a neurological issue, congenital problems, or hormone-responsive conditions.
Hormone-responsive conditions are very common in neutered (desexed) dogs, due to decreased hormone levels affecting the bladder sphincter (the ring of muscle controlling urine flow). Incontinence due to hormonal causes is easily treated with hormone-replacement medication.
Cognitive Dysfunction, or 'Dog Dementia' is another common cause of loss of good toileting habits, particularly in older dogs.
Are they still learning?
If your young dog is struggling to grasp the idea of toilet training, it's a common hurdle. This is rarely a sign of low intelligence; more often, the training approach just needs fine-tuning.
Toilet training can be a slow process that requires a great deal of patience. Success depends on consistency and positive reinforcement.
Keys to successful toilet training
- Be consistent: Stick to a reliable routine. Initially, this means taking your puppy out very frequently (sometimes as often as every hour), as well as after they wake up, after playing, and after eating.
- Reward good behaviour: When your puppy toilets in the correct spot, reward them immediately with praise, pats, or a small treat. This builds a positive association.
- Avoid punishment: Punishing a dog for an accident will only teach them to fear you or to hide when they need to go. It does not teach them where the right spot is.
If you feel your training is consistent but you're still not seeing progress, try contacting a specialist dog trainer for further advice.
A special note on adult and rescue dogs
If you have recently adopted an adult dog - such as from a shelter - who is having accidents inside, try not to assume it's a behavioural issue or lack of training.
Being rehomed, particularly after a shelter stay, can be very stressful for a dog. Urinary issues are often a physical response to this stress.
Important: Always get a newly adopted dog checked by your vet if they are toileting inside. This is to rule out medical problems, like a urinary tract infection or stress-induced inflammation, before addressing any training needs.
Could it be a behavioural issue?
Once your veterinarian has given your pet a clean bill of health, you can explore behavioural reasons for toileting inside.
Stress and anxiety
Anxiety or fear can make toilet training very difficult for a dog. This is especially true if they have had a negative experience in the past, such as:
- Being punished for an accident during training.
- Having a scary experience in the yard or outdoor area where they are supposed to toilet.
If your previously well-toilet-trained dog suddenly starts toileting indoors, follow these steps:
- See your vet first. A sudden change in habits always warrants a check-up to rule out medical issues, like a urinary tract infection.
- Look for stressors. Once medical causes are ruled out, think about any recent changes in your household. New stressors are a common cause of accidents.
Examples of stressors include:
- New house guests or family members
- A change in your daily routine
- Other animals hanging around outside your property
Territorial marking
This is a common behaviour, especially in entire (non-desexed) male dogs, though any dog can do it. It can quickly become a learned habit.
- What it is: Marking is different from just emptying the bladder. It usually involves small amounts of urine sprayed on vertical surfaces (like walls or furniture).
- Why it happens: It is often related to a dog signalling their sexual status, but when it occurs indoors, it can also be due to a dog feeling insecure and anxious about their place in the household (see more about this in the Stress and Anxiety section above).
Submissive or excitement urination
Submissive urination is an instinctive communication tool seen in many dogs, particularly young ones. It is not a house-training failure.
Instead, it is a dog's way of communicating and showing submission to their 'boss'. It's a sign that the dog feels insecure, overexcited, or not in control of the situation.
You may see it happen:
- When visitors arrive
- In the presence of a dog being more dominant in a particular situation
- During periods of high excitement (like greetings)
How to manage submissive urination
Punishment will make this problem worse.
If a dog urinates to show submission, an angry or overbearing reaction from the owner will only make the dog feel more insecure. This can cause them to urinate more in an attempt to calm the perceived threat (the angry owner).
Instead, follow these steps:
- Ignore the urination: Clean it up quietly with a stain and odour remover without scolding or making a fuss.
- Keep greetings calm: Reduce excitement when you or guests arrive. Ask visitors to be calm and perhaps ignore the dog for the first few minutes.
- Reward calm behaviour: Focus on building your dog's confidence by rewarding them whenever they are acting calm and settled.
Learn more in our article about How to Stop Submissive Urination.
FAQs
Discovering a puddle on your favourite rug is never fun, but it's often your dog's way of communicating that something isn't right.
Because inappropriate urination can signal an underlying medical issue—like a painful infection or a hormonal imbalance—your first and most important step is always a check-up with your local vet.
Once health problems have been ruled out, you can confidently work with your vet or a trainer to explore the behavioural or training solutions needed to get your pup back to toileting in the right spot.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 11 Nov 2025
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
