When you have dogs, piddle happens. Sometimes, it occurs in appropriate locations, like your backyard. Sometimes, it surfaces on cherished items in your home, like your bedroom pillow.<\/p>\n
There is always a reason \u2014 medical or behavioral \u2014 behind your dog\u2019s potty actions. With the help of two seasoned veterinarians, we identify and offer solutions\/explanations for these six perplexing potty problems.<\/p>\n
![\"Dog](\"http:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2012_Marking-Pee_getty497276286.png\")
<\/p>\nPhoto: PaoloCremonesi | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Your dogs pee on top of each other\u2019s urine in the backyard.<\/h3>\n
Reason\/Solution:<\/strong>\u2004Dogs depend on \u201cpee mail\u201d like we depend on phone texts to communicate. Our dogs can smell 40 times better than we can and sniffing urine downloads a lot of data: the dog\u2019s gender, health condition and social ranking. So, when you see Dog A pee and then Dog B races over to pee on top of that spot, followed by Dog C, it is a way your dogs are establishing their social rank among one another, explains Dr. Lisa Lippman, a former emergency medicine veterinarian and now house call veterinarian for Off Leash Veterinary Care<\/a> in New York City.<\/p>\n \u201cThe scent of urine from previous dogs is like a big green sign telling your dog, \u2018Pee here,\u2019\u201d says Dr. Lippman.<\/p>\n Unless the dogs get into fights, let it be. They are reminding each other who outranks who in the pack.<\/p>\n Reason\/Solution:<\/strong>\u2004Pay attention to this one. It could signal that your dog has a serious kidney or bladder infection. Common causes can include an endocrine disease (such as diabetes or Cushing\u2019s disease), injury and bacterial infections, Dr. Lippman says. So,book an appointment with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n Once there, your veterinarian is likely to take a urine sample from your dog at the clinic to help with the appropriate treatment plan. The veterinarian may insert a needle into your dog\u2019s bladder (a procedure called cystocentesis) or palpate your dog\u2019s bladder and collect his urine in a pan (this is the free-catch sample method). One ounce of your dog\u2019s urine is plenty for your veterinarian to run a number of tests and narrow down the possible causes of the foul odor, says Dr. Lippman.<\/p>\n Photo: Holly Hildreth Photoboyko | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Reason\/Solution:<\/strong>\u2004Some dogs simply don\u2019t like getting wet and would rather wait to return to the comfort of their homes rather than go to the bathroom during a rainstorm.<\/p>\n \u201cTry using an umbrella to shelter them from the rain,\u201d suggests Dr. Lippman. \u201cYou can also use treats and condition them to wear doggy rain gear and boots. Even though you may be frustrated, resist scolding because your dog may associate the rain with being reprimanded, making it even more challenging for him to pee in the rain.\u201d<\/p>\n Adds Dr. Kathryn Primm, owner of the Apple-brook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah<\/a>, Tennessee and the country\u2019s first Fear-Free Pets certified veterinarian: \u201cTry using high-value treats like tiny pieces of shredded cheese or boiled chicken, torn into shreds. Use high-value treats to encourage your dog to go when the circumstances are not her first choice, like rain.\u201d<\/p>\n The bottom line for your dog\u2019s bottom actions: gather clues, gather evidence and work with your veterinarian on finding a workable solution.<\/p>\n Photo: Holly Hildreth Photography<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Reason\/Solution:<\/strong>\u2004\u201cStudies have shown that coprophagia (poop eating) can be normal behavior for canines, even though it grosses us out,\u201d says Dr. Primm. \u201cIt\u2019s like your dog is saying to your cat, \u2018Hey, wait, cat. You can\u2019t throw that out. It\u2019s still good!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Among the medical and behavioral reasons for poop consumption are the lack of needed digestive enzymes in their diet, sheer boredom, seeking attention from you and because some dogs simply like the taste of these poopy treasures.<\/p>\n Dr. Primm suggests that you prevent access to the cat litter box from your dog and consider training your poop-eater during walks to wear a basket muzzle using Fear Free techniques so it becomes a normal part of the walking attire.<\/p>\n Also consult your veterinarian to review what you are currently feeding your dog in case you need to make dietary changes.<\/p>\n Poop consumed from \u201cfinds\u201d on your dog walk may also harbor harmful bacteria and parasites. Keep your dog on a 4- to 6-foot leash so you can steer him away from gobbling up these stinky treats on your walks.<\/p>\n Reason\/Solution:\u2004<\/strong>The causes could include urinary blockage, urinary stones and tumors. Whatever the cause, regard this as a major medical emergency that warrants immediate veterinary attention.<\/p>\n Dr. Primm says. \u201cIf you think about urine and where it comes from and where it goes, then being unable to urinate implies that either urine isn\u2019t being produced or it cannot get out from where it is stored in the bladder,\u201d she says. \u201cEither one is a big deal. This is a medical emergency that should not be ignored for quality of life issues.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: Amax Photo | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Reason\/Solution:\u2004<\/strong>Replacing pillows can be expensive and time consuming, but unleash your pet detective skills \u2014 and not your temper \u2014 to identify possible clues for your dog\u2019s sudden break from his perfect housetraining streak.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst, make absolutely sure there is no medical reason,\u201d says Dr. Primm. \u201cIt isn\u2019t fair to label a dog with a medical issue as just being \u2018bad\u2019 or even having a behavioral issue.\u201d<\/p>\n Your dog may have diabetes, a leaky bladder or a urinary tract infection. Or, he may piddle when he becomes overly excited during play and accidentally piddles on your pillow. Submissive or fearful dogs may pee on your pillow because it contains a strong scent of you and helps them feel less exposed and vulnerable.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is clear is that dogs do not pee out of spite,\u201d says Dr. Lippman. \u201cDo your best to keep the bedroom closed off from your dog and consider crate training your dog when you aren\u2019t around to supervise him.\u201d<\/p>\n Featured Image: K_Thalhofer | Getty Images<\/em><\/p>\n Read Next: <\/strong>House Training a Dog? Try These 5 Tricks<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The post Spot Got Potty Problems? We’ve Got Answers to Common Dog Potty Issues<\/a> by Arden Moore<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n The post Spot Got Potty Problems? We’ve Got Answers to Common Dog Potty Issues<\/a> by Arden Moore<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n When you have dogs, piddle happens. Sometimes, it occurs in appropriate locations, like your backyard. Sometimes, it surfaces on cherished items in your home, like your bedroom pillow.<\/p>\n There is always a reason \u2014 medical or behavioral \u2014 behind your dog\u2019s potty actions. With the help of two seasoned veterinarians, we identify and offer solutions\/explanations for these six perplexing potty problems.<\/p>\n Photo: PaoloCremonesi | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Reason\/Solution:<\/strong>\u2004Dogs depend on \u201cpee mail\u201d like we depend on phone texts to communicate. Our dogs can smell 40 times better than we can and sniffing urine downloads a lot of data: the dog\u2019s gender, health condition and social ranking. So, when you see Dog A pee and then Dog B races over to pee on top of that spot, followed by Dog C, it is a way your dogs are establishing their social rank among one another, explains Dr. Lisa Lippman, a former emergency medicine veterinarian and now house call veterinarian for Off Leash Veterinary Care<\/a> in New York City.<\/p>\n \u201cThe scent of urine from previous dogs is like a big green sign telling your dog, \u2018Pee here,\u2019\u201d says Dr. Lippman.<\/p>\n Unless the dogs get into fights, let it be. They are reminding each other who outranks who in the pack.<\/p>\n Reason\/Solution:<\/strong>\u2004Pay attention to this one. It could signal that your dog has a serious kidney or bladder infection. Common causes can include an endocrine disease (such as diabetes or Cushing\u2019s disease), injury and bacterial infections, Dr. Lippman says. So,book an appointment with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n Once there, your veterinarian is likely to take a urine sample from your dog at the clinic to help with the appropriate treatment plan. The veterinarian may insert a needle into your dog\u2019s bladder (a procedure called cystocentesis) or palpate your dog\u2019s bladder and collect his urine in a pan (this is the free-catch sample method). One ounce of your dog\u2019s urine is plenty for your veterinarian to run a number of tests and narrow down the possible causes of the foul odor, says Dr. Lippman.<\/p>\n Photo: Holly Hildreth Photoboyko | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Reason\/Solution:<\/strong>\u2004Some dogs simply don\u2019t like getting wet and would rather wait to return to the comfort of their homes rather than go to the bathroom during a rainstorm.<\/p>\n \u201cTry using an umbrella to shelter them from the rain,\u201d suggests Dr. Lippman. \u201cYou can also use treats and condition them to wear doggy rain gear and boots. Even though you may be frustrated, resist scolding because your dog may associate the rain with being reprimanded, making it even more challenging for him to pee in the rain.\u201d<\/p>\n Adds Dr. Kathryn Primm, owner of the Apple-brook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah<\/a>, Tennessee and the country\u2019s first Fear-Free Pets certified veterinarian: \u201cTry using high-value treats like tiny pieces of shredded cheese or boiled chicken, torn into shreds. Use high-value treats to encourage your dog to go when the circumstances are not her first choice, like rain.\u201d<\/p>\n The bottom line for your dog\u2019s bottom actions: gather clues, gather evidence and work with your veterinarian on finding a workable solution.<\/p>\n Photo: Holly Hildreth Photography<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Reason\/Solution:<\/strong>\u2004\u201cStudies have shown that coprophagia (poop eating) can be normal behavior for canines, even though it grosses us out,\u201d says Dr. Primm. \u201cIt\u2019s like your dog is saying to your cat, \u2018Hey, wait, cat. You can\u2019t throw that out. It\u2019s still good!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Among the medical and behavioral reasons for poop consumption are the lack of needed digestive enzymes in their diet, sheer boredom, seeking attention from you and because some dogs simply like the taste of these poopy treasures.<\/p>\n Dr. Primm suggests that you prevent access to the cat litter box from your dog and consider training your poop-eater during walks to wear a basket muzzle using Fear Free techniques so it becomes a normal part of the walking attire.<\/p>\n Also consult your veterinarian to review what you are currently feeding your dog in case you need to make dietary changes.<\/p>\n Poop consumed from \u201cfinds\u201d on your dog walk may also harbor harmful bacteria and parasites. Keep your dog on a 4- to 6-foot leash so you can steer him away from gobbling up these stinky treats on your walks.<\/p>\n Reason\/Solution:\u2004<\/strong>The causes could include urinary blockage, urinary stones and tumors. Whatever the cause, regard this as a major medical emergency that warrants immediate veterinary attention.<\/p>\n Dr. Primm says. \u201cIf you think about urine and where it comes from and where it goes, then being unable to urinate implies that either urine isn\u2019t being produced or it cannot get out from where it is stored in the bladder,\u201d she says. \u201cEither one is a big deal. This is a medical emergency that should not be ignored for quality of life issues.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: Amax Photo | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Reason\/Solution:\u2004<\/strong>Replacing pillows can be expensive and time consuming, but unleash your pet detective skills \u2014 and not your temper \u2014 to identify possible clues for your dog\u2019s sudden break from his perfect housetraining streak.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst, make absolutely sure there is no medical reason,\u201d says Dr. Primm. \u201cIt isn\u2019t fair to label a dog with a medical issue as just being \u2018bad\u2019 or even having a behavioral issue.\u201d<\/p>\n Your dog may have diabetes, a leaky bladder or a urinary tract infection. Or, he may piddle when he becomes overly excited during play and accidentally piddles on your pillow. Submissive or fearful dogs may pee on your pillow because it contains a strong scent of you and helps them feel less exposed and vulnerable.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is clear is that dogs do not pee out of spite,\u201d says Dr. Lippman. \u201cDo your best to keep the bedroom closed off from your dog and consider crate training your dog when you aren\u2019t around to supervise him.\u201d<\/p>\n Featured Image: K_Thalhofer | Getty Images<\/em><\/p>\n Read Next: <\/strong>House Training a Dog? Try These 5 Tricks<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The post Spot Got Potty Problems? We’ve Got Answers to Common Dog Potty Issues<\/a> by Arden Moore<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8001","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nYour dog\u2019s urine emits a strong, pungent odor. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"dog](\"http:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2012_Rain-Walk_getty989377740.png\")
<\/p>\nMy dog refuses to potty in the rain. How long can he hold it?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"dog](\"http:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2012_Holly-Hildreth.png\")
<\/p>\nMy dog eats poop from our cat\u2019s litter box or poop from other dogs, rabbits and ducks on walks. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
My dog is unable to pee.\u00a0 She squats and nothing comes out.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2012_Shiba-Bed_getty1145684645.png\")
<\/p>\nMy dog is urinating on my bed pillow. I am not happy.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nYour dogs pee on top of each other\u2019s urine in the backyard.<\/h3>\n
Your dog\u2019s urine emits a strong, pungent odor. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nMy dog refuses to potty in the rain. How long can he hold it?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nMy dog eats poop from our cat\u2019s litter box or poop from other dogs, rabbits and ducks on walks. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
My dog is unable to pee.\u00a0 She squats and nothing comes out.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nMy dog is urinating on my bed pillow. I am not happy.<\/strong><\/h3>\n