I'm really hoping for some advice here because I'm at my wit's end. I've got this amazing 5-year-old lab mix who’s been the best boy ever since he was little. We've never had any issues with house training—until now. For the past week, he's been urinating on our living room couch, and it came out of nowhere. At first, I thought it was just a fluke, but it keeps happening, and I can't figure out why. There's been no change in his routine, diet, or environment, and he doesn't seem to be in any pain. It's breaking my heart because he's clearly uncomfortable doing it, and I just want to help him. Could this be a medical issue, or is there something I'm missing here? Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Hello there! I'm sorry to hear that your pup is having some trouble with unexpected urination on the couch. Let's dive into what might be causing this behavior and how you can help at home.
There can be several reasons for a well-trained dog to start urinating indoors. It might be a sign of a urinary tract infection, which can be uncomfortable and cause accidents. Other possibilities include incontinence, particularly if your dog is neutered, stress or anxiety from changes in their environment, or even marking behavior. It’s also important to consider medical conditions like diabetes or kidney issues, especially if you notice increased thirst and urination.
At home, try to minimize any new stressors that might've popped up recently, like changes in routine or new people and pets. Make sure your dog has ample opportunities to go outside and use positive reinforcement when they urinate outdoors.
Keep an eye out for signs such as blood in the urine, discomfort while urinating, excessive thirst, or any changes in appetite or behavior. These can indicate a more serious health problem that needs medical attention.
I recommend scheduling a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can offer more tailored advice and help decide if an in-person check-up is needed. Your pup deserves the best care, and we're here to help!
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