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How to Stop a Dog From Peeing in the House at Night
When a dog pees in the house at night, it can be a challenge to figure out why and how to stop it. This article will discuss the reasons why a dog might be peeing in the house at night and provide tips for preventing it from happening in the future.
Why Do Dogs Pee in the House at Night?
There are a few common reasons why a dog might be peeing in the house at night. One of the most common is that the dog is not getting enough exercise during the day and is not able to fully empty its bladder before bedtime. Another common reason is that the dog has a medical condition that is making it difficult for it to hold its urine. Finally, some dogs may be exhibiting a behaviour known as submissive urination, which is a response to feeling intimidated or scared.
It is important to identify the underlying cause of the behaviour in order to successfully address it.
How to Stop a Dog From Peeing in the House at Night
Once the cause of the dog peeing in the house at night is identified, steps can be taken to address the behaviour. Here are some tips for stopping a dog from peeing in the house at night:
- Ensure that the dog is getting enough exercise during the day. A tired dog is less likely to have the energy to pee in the house at night.
- Take the dog out for one last potty break before bedtime. This will give it one last chance to empty its bladder before night.
- If the dog has a medical condition, work with a veterinarian to address the issue. This may involve medications or dietary changes.
- If the dog is exhibiting submissive urination, work with a trainer to address the behaviour. This may involve desensitization exercises or teaching the dog more confidence-building behaviours.
- Ensure that the dog has plenty of access to water during the night. This will help to ensure that its bladder does not become overly full.
- If the dog is crate trained, consider using the crate at night. This will limit the dog's access to the house and may help to prevent accidents.
What to Do if the Dog Has an Accident
If the dog has an accident in the house at night, it is important to clean it up as soon as possible. This will help to remove any lingering odours that may attract the dog to the same spot in the future. Use a pet-safe cleaner and a black light to help identify any spots that may have been missed.
It is also important to not punish the dog for having an accident. This will only make the dog more anxious and may make the behaviour worse in the future. Instead, focus on providing positive reinforcement for good behaviours and using the tips outlined above to help prevent the accidents from happening in the first place.
Conclusion
Dogs peeing in the house at night can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but it is possible to address the behaviour. Start by identifying the underlying cause of the behaviour and then work on addressing it. This may involve providing more exercise, working with a veterinarian or trainer, or simply ensuring that the dog has plenty of access to water at night. With some patience and consistency, it is possible to stop a dog from peeing in the house at night.
