Why Does My Dog Pee On My Bed?

A dog can be a loyal best friend to the end, but some days you’ll still find your chewed up shoe in the middle of the living room floor. While it’s safe to say we love our pups, that doesn’t mean we always have to love the things they do. Anyone who has flopped into bed only to find a puddle of pee awaiting them has likely experienced the same “WTF?” moment. What did you do to deserve this sordid sullying of your sweet sleep sheets?

Don’t worry, this isn’t some kind of passive aggressive work on the part of your pup. The answer likely has less to do with you, and much more to do with them.

Territorial Marking

Sure, it’s hard to make a puddle of pee sound flattering, but soggy sheets may stem from your scent being so wonderfully important to your pup. In a similar vein, dogs urinate to mark their territory and show other dogs what belongs to them. While this is mainly seen in dogs who have not been fixed, it can also occur when any big changes happen or new dogs are introduced into the home. Long story short, if your pup is particularly fond of your bed and sees it as a part of their turf, it can become a prime spot for signaling other dogs to stay away.

Something that can help with territorial marking, especially in male dogs, is getting your pup fixed. Keeping your pup under close watch is also important, and if at all possible, avoid leaving them alone in the room with the bed to mark. Belly bands are a short-term solution if you cannot get your pup neutered right away. These are strips of fabric that go over your pup’s midsection to capture any spraying they might attempt on your bed or anywhere else in the house.

Excitement or Anxiety

Have you ever gotten so excited you don’t feel like you can hold it all in? How about so anxious you think you’re going to fall apart? When dogs experience these feelings, it can be very difficult for them to properly express themselves. Extreme excitement and anxiety can cause a dog to urinate without thinking or control. In addition, anxiety and fear can both trigger submissive traits in pups that cause them to pee. They’re simply trying their best to show you that they’re willing to do anything you say and they completely and totally respect you. Urinating is just one of the ways they show their total submission, and it can just so happen to occur on your bed.

Another type of anxiety that can lead to your pup peeing on your bed is separation anxiety. When you leave the house for the day, your pup can become very stressed and anxious, leading them to do things they normally would not, including urinating and defecating in the house – and in some cases, on your bed.

Incontinence

Even if they can get into trouble from time to time, we always want to assume the best of our pups. Sometimes making a mess in the bed isn’t something they have control over. Incontinence can occur in pups for a few different reasons. When dogs begin to reach an older age, muscle control can be an issue, making it difficult for the dog to control its bladder. Other problems that might cause incontinence include bladder infections and urinary tract infections. When a dog has one of these infections, they often feel a very constant need to urinate that can result in peeing even when they are not outside.

Some issues, such as diabetes, can cause a pup to drink much more water than usual, which can lead to accidents. If you are noticing consistent accidents, especially paired with blood in the urine or any indication of pain from your pup while urinating, it is a good idea to contact a veterinarian. Your pup may require treatment for an infection or other illness. A vet can get your pup the proper medication and care to help them feel better and relieve the desire to urinate.

Housetraining

In certain cases, peeing on your bed can simply be a matter of your pup needing a bit more potty training. When dogs are not confident and well versed in their bathroom manners, it can be hard for them to understand where the correct place to go is. If a pup has to go and sees a flat, open space like your bed, it’s not difficult to climb on up and let loose. Sometimes continuing to work with a stubborn pup with housetraining can be frustrating work, but it will be rewarding in the end when both you and your pup are more confident in when and where they’re going to go.

When it comes to housetraining, crate training is a wonderful way to get the job done. Crate training gives your dog a clear safe space they know not to mess in and lets them know to wait until you let them out to use the bathroom. This makes it much easier to set up a routine to encourage your dog to go potty outside. Additionally, it’s important to put your pup on a consistent potty schedule, and keep a close watch to catch them in the act of any accidents. If you do catch an accident, quickly take your pup outside and praise them for finishing in the correct place.

All of these reasons can overlap and mix together, so it’s important for you to assess your pup and consider the reasons they might be expressing themselves in this way. After all, you know your pup best. Uncontrollable urination can be a sign of underlying issues, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a vet if you are concerned about your dog’s health.

Supplements And More

If your dog is peeing as a result of anxiety – and really, you should always visit a vet to determine the reason – there are some supplements (and other options) that can help them out.

Bark Calming Supplement: It’s veterinarian-formulated, made with all natural ingredients (tryptophan, lemon balm, and green tea), and it comes in the form of 120 soft chews. Basically, it looks and tastes just like delicious treats, and it could really help soothe your dog in their time of need. ($24.99.)

Bark CBD Extract: This holistic remedy is made from MCT, organic coconuts, and co2 extracted high CBD hemp oil, and it’s been known to help with all forms of anxiety – but also arthritis, nausea, inflammation, and other physical or emotional pain. It contains no THC (<0.1%) and will not make your pup feel “buzzy” or “high.” ($69.30.)

Bark CBD Chicken Biscuits: These handcrafted treats are made with premium, human-grade ingredients including  full-spectrum CBD hemp oil and are available for both small and large dogs. They’re a holistic, natural product for anxiety, arthritis, nausea, inflammation, and other physical or emotional pain. They contain no THC (<0.1%) and will not make your pup feel “buzzy” or “high.” (Starting at $24.30 for 4 oz. jar of 25 treats.)

(NOTE: It typically takes more than a single dose of CBD – and sometimes up to two weeks’ worth – to see results.)