Dog Peeing in the House? (These 5 Tips Will Help)

Key Takeaways

• Health Issues: Conditions like bladder infections, kidney disease, or diabetes can cause house-training setbacks. If you suspect a medical problem, get to the vet right away.
• Training Gaps: A lack of house-training or too little outdoor time are common culprits. Patience and consistency are everything.
• Stress and Anxiety: Changes at home or stressful situations can trigger indoor accidents. Cut down on stress triggers and create a stable, predictable environment.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog every time they go outside — and skip the punishment entirely.
• Regular Walks: Set a consistent walking schedule and make sure your dog gets plenty of outdoor time.

Possible Causes

When your dog pees inside even though you just took them out, it can feel baffling. But there's always a reason behind it. The key is to watch your dog closely and figure out what's going on so you can respond the right way. Some issues have quick fixes, while others take a bit more patience. The good news? Most of the time, this is totally solvable. Here are some common causes and what you can do about them:

Health

Medical issues can cause your dog to lose bladder control. If the accidents started recently, it could be a bladder infection, kidney disease, or diabetes. Watch for signs like a sudden urge to pee, painful urination, blood in the urine, strong-smelling urine, restlessness, fatigue, or fever. If anything seems off, get to the vet — don't wait.

1. Rule Out Medical Causes:

• Bladder Infection: A urinary tract infection can make your dog need to go way more often than usual. If you suspect one, see your vet right away.
• Age-Related Incontinence: Senior dogs sometimes struggle with bladder control — it's a normal part of aging.
• Other Health Issues: Diabetes, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances can all lead to more frequent urination.

Training

Maybe your dog simply never learned proper house manners. That's okay — with some patience, you can still teach an older dog. The basic approach is the same as it is for puppies, though it might take a little longer.

2. Training Gaps:

• No House-Training Foundation: If your dog was never taught to go outside, indoor accidents are practically guaranteed.
• Not Enough Outdoor Time: A dog who doesn't get outside often enough simply can't hold it forever.

Temperament

Some dogs mark their territory indoors, too. It's a natural instinct, but changes at home can ramp it up. Set clear boundaries when your dog starts marking inside. Anxiety can also be a trigger for indoor accidents.

To pinpoint the cause, ask yourself: When did the accidents start, and can I connect them to something specific? Has there been extra stress lately? Did something scary happen? Is my dog afraid of certain people — or am I the one who's been stressed out? Honest answers to these questions can point you toward the real issue.

3. Dig Into the Root Cause:

• Stress and Anxiety: New surroundings, loud noises, a change in your household, or a disrupted routine can all stress your dog out.
• Marking Behavior: Some dogs mark to claim their space, especially when they feel insecure. Unneutered males are particularly prone to this.
• Attention-Seeking: Believe it or not, some dogs pee inside because they've learned it gets a reaction.

Solutions:

• Identify the Cause: If your dog pees inside even though they've been outside, think about what might be going on. Stress, anxiety, or a health issue like a bladder infection could be behind it.
• Vet Visit: If you suspect something medical, don't wait — see a vet.
• Training and Routine: Regular walks plus rewards for doing their business outside can make a huge difference. Set a consistent schedule and give your dog plenty of chances to go outdoors.
• Reward the Good Stuff: Every time your dog pees outside, make a big deal of it. Treats, praise — whatever gets their tail wagging.
• No Punishment: Never punish your dog for peeing inside. It doesn't fix the problem — it makes it worse.
• Reduce Stress: Figure out what's stressing your dog and work on removing or minimizing those triggers.
• Clean Thoroughly: Clean accident spots immediately and completely to wipe out the scent. If the smell lingers, your dog will keep going back to the same spot.
• Training Aids: Puppy pads and enzymatic cleaners can be helpful tools during the training process.
• Set Feeding Times: Feed your dog on a consistent schedule to keep their digestion predictable. Don't leave food out all day for free-grazing.

If your dog pees on the bed, block access to the bedroom until the issue is resolved. Clean every affected spot right away with an enzyme cleaner to eliminate the odor completely. You don't want your dog sniffing out the old spot and marking it again. Make sure your dog has their own cozy sleeping area. Look into whether stress or anxiety might be driving the behavior and work on removing those triggers. Calming tools like pheromone diffusers, soft music, or simply spending more quality time with your dog can all help.

We get it — it's frustrating when your dog has yet another accident in the house. But here's the thing: yelling or any kind of physical punishment is absolutely off the table.

Just like with people, emotional or physical abuse is never okay — period.

Whether you're working with a puppy or an older dog who never got properly house-trained, the approach is the same. With older dogs, you might just need a little extra patience. Keep in mind that puppies typically don't gain full bladder and bowel control until around 16 weeks of age — so realistic expectations are a must. Here's how to get started:

Once you've confirmed the accidents are a training issue (not medical), jump right into it. Puppies can start early — ideally, training kicks off the day your puppy comes home.

Your dog probably pees at predictable times or in predictable situations. Pay attention to when the accidents happen inside. It's often right after waking up or after a meal. Sniffing the floor or circling in place are classic "I need to go" signals.

• Learn the Signals: Watch for sniffing, circling, or restlessness — they're your cue to head outside fast.
• Supervise Closely: Don't leave your dog unsupervised indoors until they're reliably house-trained.

Once you've identified your dog's high-risk times, use them as your walking schedule. This way, your dog starts associating "outside" with "bathroom." It takes some patience at first, but it pays off big time. And remember — scolding is counterproductive. Stay calm and stay consistent.

• Frequency: With puppies, aim for a walk every 2–3 hours. Always take them out one last time right before bed.
• Routine: Stick to the same walking times every day so your dog learns the rhythm.
• After Meals: Head outside right after your dog eats.

Once you're hitting those key times, it's time for the fun part: rewards! When your dog does their business outside, celebrate it. Treats, enthusiastic praise — whatever makes your dog light up. Do this after every successful outing for several weeks. Keep rewarding until the indoor accidents stop completely.

• Praise and Treats: Reward your dog immediately when they go outside — timing matters.
• Show Your Excitement: Make it obvious you're happy. Your dog needs to connect "peeing outside" with "good things happen."

Setbacks will happen — your dog will probably have an accident or two along the way. That's normal. Don't let it discourage you, and definitely don't scold. Once the accidents have stopped for a while, you can start gradually dialing back the rewards. Give this process several weeks and still toss in an occasional treat to keep the positive association strong.

• Be Patient: Especially with puppies, full house-training takes time. Don't rush it.
• Be Consistent: Stick with the same rules and routines every single day.

Bonus Tips: Clean accidents immediately with an enzymatic cleaner to destroy lingering odors. Feed your dog at set times to keep things regular, and don't leave food out all day. Take one last walk right before bedtime. You can also limit water access in the evening to cut down on nighttime accidents.

Dog Urinating Frequently

If your dog seems to be peeing a lot more than usual, there could be several reasons — from behavioral issues to underlying health problems. Start with a vet visit to rule out medical causes like diabetes, kidney disease, or urinary tract infections. Urine and blood tests can help your vet get to the bottom of it.

Keep track of how much your dog is eating and drinking. Note any changes in their habits. Give your dog more chances to get outside and move around. Pay attention to whether they actually pee each time they go out. Watch for other shifts in behavior or signs of stress, anxiety, or discomfort. Take a look at your dog's environment and daily routine — has anything changed recently that could be causing stress?

Create a calm, stable home environment and minimize stress triggers. Give your dog a sense of security and predictability to ease any anxiety. Keep an eye on their weight for unexplained changes. Look out for signs of weakness, lethargy, or anything else that seems off. If your dog is peeing more often than usual, careful observation and a vet checkup are your best first steps. A professional exam is essential to rule out or treat health problems. With the right approach and care, most cases can be resolved.

When Your Dog Drinks and Urinates a Lot

If your dog is drinking a ton of water and peeing constantly, it could point to a health issue. Watch your dog's behavior closely and don't hesitate to get them checked out by a vet. Here's what to do:

#1. Track Water Intake:

• Write It Down: Note how much water your dog drinks each day. A good rule of thumb: dogs need about 50–60 ml per kg of body weight daily (roughly 1 oz per pound).
• Watch for Shifts: Keep an eye out for sudden or gradual changes in how much your dog drinks.

#2. Veterinary Exam

• Don't Wait: If water intake and urine output have jumped noticeably, see your vet as soon as possible.
• Testing: Your vet will likely run blood and urine tests to figure out what's going on.

#3. Possible Diagnoses

• Diabetes Mellitus: A condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it properly.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney problems can drive excessive thirst and frequent urination.
• Liver Disease: Liver issues can also cause your dog to drink and pee more than normal.
• Cushing's Syndrome: A hormonal disorder that ramps up thirst, appetite, and urination.
• Medications: Certain drugs can cause increased thirst and urination as a side effect.

#4. Other Things to Watch For

• Behavioral Changes: Note any other shifts in behavior or new physical symptoms.
• Weight and Appetite: Monitor your dog's weight and eating habits for anything unusual.

#5. Treatment and Management

• Medication: Depending on the diagnosis, your vet may prescribe medication.
• Diet Changes: Some conditions call for adjustments to your dog's food.
• More Frequent Walks: Give your dog extra opportunities to go outside.

If your dog is drinking and peeing excessively, a vet visit is a must. Once your vet identifies the underlying cause, they can recommend the right treatment plan. With early diagnosis and proper care, most conditions are very manageable — and your dog can get back to living their happiest, healthiest life.

When Your Dog Marks Indoors

If your dog marks inside the house, it can be a real headache. Dogs mark to claim territory and communicate with other dogs. Before you try to change the behavior, make sure there isn't a medical issue behind it. A vet visit can clear that up. If your dog isn't spayed or neutered, getting them fixed can significantly reduce marking — especially for males, though it can help with females too. Clean all marked areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner so no trace of the scent remains. Leftover scent marks practically invite a repeat performance.

Teach your dog to pee on command and praise them for marking outside. If you catch them about to mark indoors, redirect their attention and get them outside immediately. Limit their access to previously marked areas and don't leave them unsupervised inside. Keep things predictable: changes to your dog's daily routine can cause stress, which can ramp up marking. Try to maintain consistent habits. Give your dog plenty of attention, playtime, and mental stimulation to ward off boredom and frustration.

Why Does My Dog Pee in Someone Else's House?

When your dog pees in someone else's home, there are usually a few things at play. Dogs react differently to unfamiliar environments, and several factors can trigger this behavior: Some dogs mark in new places to stake their claim. The scent of other animals can set off marking instincts — especially in unneutered males. Unfamiliar surroundings can also make a dog feel stressed or insecure, which may lead to accidents.

Excitement can trigger urination in some dogs. Others pee when they're being submissive. Health issues like urinary tract infections can affect bladder control. Some dogs deal with incontinence, particularly as they age. And a dog who was never fully house-trained may have accidents anywhere — especially if they're not getting enough bathroom breaks.

How Often Does a Dog Need to Go Outside to Pee?

How often your dog needs to go depends on their age, health, water intake, and diet. Here are some general guidelines:

Puppies

Every 1–2 Hours: Puppies have tiny bladders and need to go frequently — especially after playing, eating, drinking, and waking up from a nap. At Night: Young puppies may also need a trip outside during the night, at least until they're a few months old.

Adult Dogs

Every 5–8 Hours: Most adult dogs need a bathroom break every 5–8 hours. That works out to about 3–5 outings a day — morning, midday, late afternoon, and before bed. At Night: Healthy adult dogs can typically make it through the night without needing to go.

Senior Dogs

More Often: Older dogs may need to go more frequently due to age-related issues like kidney problems or incontinence. At Night: Senior dogs are also more likely to need a nighttime bathroom break.

Drinking Habits and Diet

Water Intake: Dogs that drink a lot need to pee more often. Thirst can be affected by food type, temperature, or health conditions. Food Type: Dogs on wet food take in more water and may need more frequent bathroom breaks than dogs eating dry food.

Health Issues

Sudden Increase: If your dog suddenly needs to pee much more often, it could signal a health problem like a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or diabetes. Get them checked out by a vet. Pay attention to your dog's individual needs and patterns. If you notice changes in how often they go or any signs of discomfort, schedule a vet visit to rule out any underlying problems.

Dog Peeing Inside at Night

If your dog is peeing indoors at night, there are several possible reasons. Here are the most common causes — and what to do about them:

1. Health Problems

Bladder Infection: A urinary tract infection can make it impossible for your dog to hold it through the night. Age: Older dogs may develop incontinence and struggle to hold their bladder overnight. Other Illnesses: Diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions can lead to frequent urination.

Solution: If you see any signs of a health issue, get your dog to the vet right away.

2. Feeding and Drinking Habits:

Late-Night Drinking: If your dog gulps down a bunch of water right before bed, they'll probably need to go during the night. Food Type: Wet food means higher water intake compared to dry food.

Solution: Keep an eye on evening water intake and consider limiting it a couple hours before bed.

3. Not Enough Evening Walks:

Skipping the Last Walk: If you don't take your dog out in the evening, they may not be able to make it until morning.

Solution: Always do one last walk right before bedtime so your dog can empty their bladder.

4. Behavioral Issues:

Anxiety and Stress: Some dogs pee inside at night because they're scared or stressed. Changes at Home: Shifts in your household or environment can trigger anxiety-related accidents.

Solution: Identify the stress triggers and work on building a safer, calmer environment for your dog.

5. House-Training:

Still Learning: Some dogs — especially puppies — simply aren't fully house-trained yet.

Solution: Keep up with consistent training and positive reinforcement. It takes time, but it works.

What Home Remedies Help with a Dog's Bladder Infection?

Before trying any home remedies for a bladder infection, take your dog to the vet first. This is non-negotiable.

Bladder infections can have different causes, and some need specific medical treatment. That said, here are some supportive remedies and general tips — just remember, they don't replace professional veterinary care:

• Plenty of Water: Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. Staying well-hydrated helps flush bacteria out of the bladder.
• Frequent Bathroom Breaks: Take your dog outside more often so they can empty their bladder regularly. This helps reduce bacterial buildup.
• Healthy Diet: A balanced diet supports your dog's immune system and helps fight infections.
• Vitamin C: This antioxidant can give the immune system a boost, but check with your vet on the right dosage before giving it to your dog.
• Cranberry Juice: Some research suggests cranberry juice may help prevent urinary tract infections by keeping bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. But talk to your vet first about whether it's safe and how much to give.
• Warmth: A warm blanket or heating pad can help soothe pain and discomfort.
• Natural Remedies: Some pet owners use homeopathic or herbal treatments. Just make sure to consult a professional first to confirm they're safe and effective for your dog.

Home remedies can support recovery, but they're no substitute for a vet visit. Your vet can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the right treatment. If you suspect a bladder infection, always get professional help.

What Should I Do When My Dog Pees in the House?

First things first: figure out why it's happening. If it's a medical issue like a bladder infection, your vet can treat it. If it's a training gap, keep reading — this article covers everything you need to get your dog back on track.

Why Does a Dog Pee in the House?

Either your dog was never properly house-trained, or they can't hold it because of a health issue. Some dogs also mark indoors because of their temperament or a need to assert dominance.

When Is a Dog House-Trained?

Most dogs can start learning bladder control around four months old. Some figure it out on their own, but most need to be taught. Expect the training process to take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Why Is My Dog Having Accidents Again Even Though They Were House-Trained?

When a house-trained dog starts peeing inside again, there's usually a reason. A medical issue like a bladder infection is a common culprit. Stress, a change in living situation, or even visits from other dogs can also trigger a relapse in marking behavior.

How Often Should I Walk My Puppy?

Puppies can't hold it nearly as long as adult dogs, so plan on walks every two to three hours. Try to time them around when your puppy would normally have accidents at home — that's the fastest way to build good habits.

Conclusion

House-training can be one of the trickiest parts of raising a dog, but it's also one of the most important. The causes of indoor accidents range from health issues to personality quirks to gaps in training. The good news is that most of these factors are things you can actively work on. With patience, consistency, and a positive approach — no yelling, no punishment — you can absolutely get your dog house-trained.

If you think a health issue might be involved, don't wait — see your vet as soon as possible. At the end of the day, a loving, respectful relationship with your dog is the foundation for everything. Real training only works when there's trust. Note: This article is for general informational purposes and doesn't replace professional veterinary advice. If your dog has health issues, always consult a vet.

Remember: Patience, time, and love are the keys to successfully house-training your dog.