how can i stop my dog from waking up 3-4 times a night to go to the bathroom?

Answer 1

That is not normal, and may be because of a UTI or diabetes..I think it is the warning system to tell you your dog needs to see the vet..

Answer 2

If your dog is young, that is normal if you are not crating it at night. I have a lab puppy and I had to get up with mine several times during the night until she was about 5 months old b/c she was sleeping in the bed with me.

I started taking away the water about 7-8pm depending upon what time I was going to bed. Also, I learned to exercise her a lot right before bed time. She kept waking up and wanting to play and then I knew if she was awake, she would need to go to the bathroom rather than going in the house. When you tire them out, they sleep through the night much better.

Also, taking it to potty should be the last thing you do every night before going to bed.

If your dog is older, I would take it to the vet to check for infections.

Answer 3

First, the age of the dog greatly effects how much he/she can hold it. If the dog is a puppy or an elderly dog, a weak bladder can be to blame. Older dogs and puppies simply cannot hold it for more than 2-4 hours. Additionally, older female dogs can become incontinent if they were spayed early (before 5 months old). If your dog is the picture of health (not overweight, shiny coat, bright eyes, beautiful teeth) then you may need to bring him/her into the vet for a urinalysis. You want to rule out any health problems, including a UTI, before you begin correcting the behavior.
If the dog checks out OK at the vet (and is not a puppy/older dog), here is a simple way you can try to prevent late night potty breaks:
Feed and water your dog no less than 2-3 hours before your normal bedtime. Take your dog out on a LONG walk, and make sure he/she urinates/defecates at least 1 time each. Most dogs on a nice long walk at night will go more. If your dog persists to keep you getting up, make sure it's not just to get attention or a cookie after he/she "goes". You may need to call in a professional behaviorist on this one.

Answer 4

If this is new behavior, go to a vet. Any sudden changes in bathrooming habits can mean the pet is sick. Animals hide illness from even the most trusted humans, so go even if the dog doesn't seem sick.
If this is ongoing, try getting the dog on a strict schedule. Meals and bathrooming at specific times. Pick up the food and water bowls around 6 pm.
This is what works for me.

Answer 5

Is your dog crate trained? because if so leave the dog be. He is telling you who is the master. You need to reinforce that you are. Take the dog out right before bed and let him relieve him self then put him away for the night. His body will train its self to hold out for longer periods. Then the dog should stop trying to go out so much at night. Hope this helped.

Answer 6

Crate training is the BEST way. Dogs will not go potty where they sleep. You can get a crate with a divider (so you can adjust as they grow) so you only give them enough space so they can sleep. The dog may whimper a little during the night but they will learn to hold it. We put our puppy in her crate at 10pm and she holds it until 6-7am the next morning. She probably could hold it longer but we have to get up to go to work so we let her out.

Answer 7

That may be a problem.. HOWEVER.. you did not say if the dog was an OLD dog or a young one.. I have an OLD dog and she urinates a lot.. I make Sure that she goes out around 9l in the night or even 10 if I am up.. that helps a lot..IF NOT.. she will urinate in the house.. She is an old dog and has a urinary problem... You SHOULD NOT blame the dog even though it makes one angry

Answer 8

I think it is an attention thing, if it is young or new to your home. confine the dog to one area if you do not have a crate for it. You do not have to put food or water in with the dog over night if the climate does not warrant it.

Do not ignore the whining if it gets too bad, because he might have a real problem. Good luck.

Answer 9

If your dog is a pup, you can't do anything about it but wait until he grows up. Pups need to eliminate a lot.

Has your dog been sleeping through the night and suddenly getting up? He may have a urinary tract infection or other medical problem. Take him to the vet.

If he is waking you and doesn't need to eliminate and just wants to go out, ignore him. Taking him out reinforces the behavior.

Answer 10

It sounds like your dog has a bladder infection or something else going on for it to have to go that often during the night. Bring the dog to the vet to get it checked out. It should only have to go maybe once during the night if that.

Answer 11

You take your dog to the vet and have it checked for
1) a bladder infection
2) diabetes
3) kidney functions
There are medical problems that can cause frequent night urination- if everything checks out, then crate training can help. But get the medical check up first.