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Male Dog Peeing Indoors

Sudden indoor urination by an otherwise house trained male dog is not normal and it is important that the cause is found quickly so you can provide the best help for your dog. In this article, you can read about common reasons, what you can do yourself, and when to contact a veterinarian.

Male Dog Urinating Indoors

Differences Between Male and Female Dogs

In male dogs, territorial markings and prostate problems are common reasons why they urinate more often or indoors. Unlike females, it is uncommon for male dogs to get urinary tract infections, which is why it is rarely a reason why they urinate indoors.

Reasons Why Male Dogs Start Urinating Indoors

The fact that the male dog urinates inside can be due to diseases such as urinary stones, Diabetes, kidney disease, hormonal disorders, incontinence or urinary tract infection. In healthy dogs, it can instead be about behavior such as: stress, anxiety, understimulation, that the dog marks its territory or that the dog is not walked often enough.

Signs that it's due to illness

The dog urinates small amounts frequently and with a weak or intermittent stream
Blood in the urine
Have difficulty urinating or show discomfort
Drinking more and urinating more than usual
Reduced general condition (e.g. tired, lethargic)

Signs that it's due to behaviour

Territorial behaviour – small splashes to mark
Accidents can occur during loneliness, stress or changes in the environment
Despite walks, the dog does not empty its bladder properly
Places where urine already smells attract new markings

Young Male Dog Peeing Indoors

Young and unneutered male dogs can start marking territory by peeing small splashes in different places, sometimes even indoors. In young male dogs, the problem may decrease with age or after Neutering. If the behavioor persists, a dog psychologist can help with adapted training to bring about behavioural changes.

Older Dog Peeing Indoors

If an older dog suddenly starts urinating inside, it could be a sign of illness. Older dogs may also find it more difficult to hold tight due to age changes in the bladder or hormonal changes.

When Should I Contact a Veterinarian?

You should consult a vet if your dog starts:

Urinating frequently or seems to have difficulty holding back
Peeing with a weak stream or bumps
Drinking and urinating more than usual
Leaking urine, for example, when he sleeps or having difficulty controlling when he urinates
Starts peeing indoors even though he has previously been house-trained
Peeing blood
Change in behaviour or reduced general condition

It is a medical emergency if your dog is unable to pass urine at all and you should visit a vet without delay.

What can I do myself?

If a dog starts urinating inside, it is important to rule out illness through veterinary visits in the first place. If the dog is healthy, it is often a matter of behaviour, such as stress, territory marking or under-stimulation, possibly that there is too much time between walks, so that the dog is unable to hold on.

Go for more and more regular walks.
Give your dog more activation in everyday life.
Clean thoroughly in places where the dog has urinated, so that no smell attracts new accidents.
Contact a Behaviour Counselor if the problem persists.

Neutering can help

Neutering can reduce or eliminate peeing inside, if it is due to sexual drive and territory marking. The effect varies between individuals – some dogs stop completely, while others continue due to a learned behaviour.

Chemical castration

An alternative may be to first try chemical castration, to see if the behaviour changes before deciding on a surgical castration. The veterinarian then puts a chip under the skin that secretes a substance that suppresses the sex drive. The effect usually comes within 4-5 weeks and the effect lasts for about 6-12 months, depending on the chip used. The effect can also last longer, individual variations are available. Discuss with your veterinarian what is suitable for your particular dog.