When a puppy has an accident in the house, you know they’re still learning the rules. What if your adult dog suddenly starts having indoor accidents years after mastering potty training? This shift in behavior doesn’t come from nowhere and we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons for indoor accidents.
Changes in Routine
Your dog can’t exactly read the clock, but she depends on the routine you’ve built for her and can sense when something changes. Maybe you’re pushing back her morning walk or giving her less time in the backyard. These deviations in routine may seem inconsequential to you, but they may be creating uncertainty for your dog.
Potty-trained dogs generally don’t want to relieve themselves in the house, but they may if they’re not sure when they’ll have the chance to go outside.
A New Environment
We often talk to owners that experience unusual behavioral troubles with their dog after moving to a new home. Some dogs may even urinate inside when you visit someone else’s house or renovate parts of your current property.
Urination in a new environment can be caused by stress or confusion. It can also reflect your dog’s desire to “mark” territory that doesn’t already smell like her.
Misdirected Emotions
Dogs don’t have the same communication tools that we have. As a dog owner, you’ve learned to recognize your dog’s unique expressions of joy, irritation, contentment, and fear. This new behavior—going potty inside—could be another expression of big emotions, especially excitement or stress.
This is a behavior some vets and trainers refer to as “submissive urination.” You’re more likely to see it in puppies, but adult dogs may retroactively develop this response when confronted with a big change, like a new pet or a new baby in the house.
Health Complications
Unfortunately, sudden indoor accidents can indicate problems with your dog’s health. We see this often in older dogs who are more prone to incontinence-causing disorders like kidney disease or cognitive disfunctions. Even seemingly unrelated issues like arthritis can lead to indoor accidents if they seriously impede your dog’s mobility.
That said, a change in your dog’s urination or bowel movements could indicate many different health problems at any age. The best thing you can do is to note any other unusual symptoms, such as urine discoloration or changes in energy levels, and talk to your vet about diagnostic testing.
What to Do About Indoor Accidents
If your adult dog is suddenly relieving herself inside, pay close attention. Ask questions like:
- When did these accidents start?
- Did anything change around that time?
- How does my dog behave before and after soiling the house?
- What’s going on around my dog when she soils the house?
- Are these accidents happening in one place or several?
After ruling out possible health problems, it’s time to focus on replacing the undesirable habit. At ADU, we help dogs and their owners master the communication skills needed to foster great behavior.
