What does it mean when an older dog starts peeing in the house?

Question

I heard it could be a sign of diabetes?

does anyone know if it is true that it's a sign of diabetes?

This is by no means an accident, he lifts his leg, and pees in a puddle, not just a few squirts. He will do this even if he's just been outside. This also is not marking his territory, it just started two days ago, and he is 11 years old.

Answer 1

It probably means he doesn't like the current scent of your air freshener and wants you to go buy some more air fresheners in hopes that you will bring home a different kind.

Did you switch air freshener scents right before this began to occur?

Answer 2

I don't think it's diabetes. Here are some possible reasons:

If your dog is lifting his leg and urinating in your house; table legs, walls, door facings, etc.. this may not be an inappropriate elimination problem. This is common territorial marking behavior. Most dogs will not mark in the house because they see the home as their den. However if they feel threatened or there are more than one pet in the house, territorial marking may begin.

Marking behavior will consist of a small squirt of urine rather than a steady flow. Most dogs will stop marking behavior if spayed or neutered. However, the longer you wait the more likely the behavior has become a habit and will continue even after surgery. Even if the dog ceases to mark in your home, he may well continue to do so outdoors or where the scent of another dog triggers the marking behavior.

The best preventative measure is to spay or neuter your dog at around six to nine months of age. In most cases behavior training will correct the problem and is recommended with adult dogs or when surgery is not an option.

There are many risk factors involved with a dog marking in your home, not to mention damage to your carpet, furniture, and other household items. Many times dogs will mark areas you are not aware of and this can create unsanitary conditions in your home plus air quality being poor with the odor.

In any case, a basic obedience - house training program will show you how to stop this annoying and unhealthy behavior in your home.

Also consult your vet for possible medical reasons.

Answer 3

It could mean a lot of things. But, given that your dog is a senior citizen, it could just be the loss of control that comes with that age. If that's the case, there are things that I've heard of that resemble diapers for dogs with such a problem. I wouldn't know where to find one though.

Answer 4

When my dog lost control of his bowl movements, we took him to the vet and he had a tumor on his bladder making him pee uncontrollably in the house.

Answer 5

He is losing his bladder control which is what happens when they get older. I had one that did and he felt so bad. Maybe try to take or leave him out more often and maybe it won't be so bad or as much in the house.

Answer 6

My dog did this and had to be put on propaline, it helps with a dogs incontinence and restores their quality of life. don't just put him down like Ed said, that was a mean answer. Propaline is available at your vet!

Answer 7

The dog may be losing bladder control. How old is your pet?

Answer 8

It could be a kidney infection. Have it checked. If it's really old, it may be incontinency. But DO have it vet checked pronto. A kidney infection could be very painful.

Answer 9

It means the poor thing is losing bladder control, ck with your vet.

Answer 10

Depends on how old the dog is... if its pretty old it must have badder problems.. if its not to old its just marking its territory.