A small dog peeing outside in the snow.

Why does my Dog have to Pee so often? (Explained)

Many smaller dogs, particularly male dogs, have a very strong need to urinate frequently. They do it to remove all the unwanted things, but also, they do it to mark territory or as an escape from a place of confinement. Why Does My Dog Have To Pee So Often?

Are you one of the many small dog owners wondering if your dog peeing often has a health problem? Do you think he or she is just trying to “self-medicate” to get rid of the unpleasant odors in the house, or maybe they are just being naughty? It’s no secret that dogs can suffer from urinary tract infection and bladder stones in addition to their peeing habits.

Designated area for Potty Breaks

First, do not let your dog run around the house all day long. Make sure that they have someplace where they can go for potty breaks. Once your dog can use the bathroom at a regular schedule, you can start to teach them to go to a designated area for potty breaks and this will help your dog to get used to it.

Dogs Aging

Many people assume that aging causes dog peeing, and they are right to some extent. 

Aging causes a gradual change in the urinary tract. The urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, thins out. In some cases, a dog may have a blockage on its urethra while they are young, and this can be solved with surgery.

So what exactly is causing the change? Aging is due to several things, including decreased production of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin controls the reproductive system, and it decreases as we age. This can affect both male and female dogs, although females tend to be affected more often. Age also affects the muscles of the urethra. Older dogs tend to experience more pain and discomfort while urinating, so this can result in them trying to urinate often.

There is a chance that some of this can be prevented. If your dog is already in good health and has not had any problems with his or her bladder before, this will help prevent age-related problems from affecting your pet. A good diet will keep your dog hydrated and keep the muscles of the urethra healthy. Regular exercise is important for both dogs and owners, and regular checkups and vaccinations are very important for both.

If your dog seems to be urinating more than normal, you may want to take him to the veterinarian for a possible medical problem. You can help alleviate any pain he may be feeling by putting a heating pad near his litter box and by making sure he has plenty of water. These simple changes can go a long way in helping the problem and keeping your dog active and happy.

Diabetes

A dog peeing a lot might signal diabetes. A dog with high urine output, whether its urine is urinating excessively or it just urinated a lot in one sitting can be a sign of diabetes.

Urinating a lot is often common for dogs suffering from diabetes. Diabetes will result in your dog to urinate a lot, especially if you don’t keep your dog properly hydrated.

Urinating a lot even when your dog isn’t ill is normal and doesn’t indicate that your dog is sick. If your dog urinates often and seems to be dehydrated, then you should take him to the veterinarian to have his blood checked.

The most common causes of excessive urination are lack of water and urination in hot weather. However, some other causes can result in extreme urination. Examples of these are the liver and kidney disease and an underdeveloped urinary tract.

Urine leakage is another cause of excessive urinating. This is especially common among older dogs but can also occur in younger dogs. Your dog might also urinate inside its cage.

Another sign that your dog might be suffering from diabetes is the way he behaves. If your dog starts to show any signs of distress, then it is likely that it’s suffering from diabetes.

Allergies

Another cause of your dog peeing often is allergies. There are certain types of foods and other items that your dog can have issues with when they are trying to regulate their elimination. To help reduce this your dog can be taken off these particular foods for a while until they can control their body and stop the peeing.

In most cases it is not the type of food you have your dog eating that is the cause of urinary tract infections, the cause is the bacteria that live in their bodies. If you can eliminate these bacteria then you can also reduce the chances of developing infections in their urinary tract.

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection is one of the most common dogs peeing problems. These infections usually happen when bacteria infect the urethra and bladder. When you try to stop your dog from peeing in this way, you risk causing more problems for him.

A urinary tract infection can cause inflammation, irritation, swelling, and pain. It also will make it difficult for your pet to urinate. It can cause blood in his urine and even affect the bladder.

Bladder Stones

If your dog’s urine contains urine crystals then he probably has a bladder stone. The crystals are made of calcium oxalate and are very difficult to remove. They are hard to dissolve. They will either need to be passed through the urethra manually or removed with the help of a medical device.

The bacteria that are responsible for these infections are usually present in your dog’s urine. The bacteria can survive in the urine when there is not a suitable environment to live in, such as a blocked urethra.

Stress

Other reasons for excessive urination can be stress. Dogs may get stressed because of their environment and their owner’s behavior. The same can be said for children. They may be having trouble in school or even at home. Allowing these things to affect the way they act can lead to excessive urination.

Marking its Territory

Dogs are pack animals and when they have a mate, they tend to mark their territory as a sign of their dominance. They usually do this by peeing in specific areas where there is food, water, or shelter.

They also urinate at different times of day as a way to show their willingness to please their owners. When your dog is marking its territory, it may seem like there is more to the issue than meets the eye, but it’s quite simple.

First, you should understand why your dog is marking its territory. Some breeds mark their territory as a way of asserting dominance. For instance, if your dog has been neutered and is not dominant, he will probably want to mark his territory because he feels more secure with his new status.

If you are petting him while he’s marking, he’ll probably want to mark his territory because he wants to feel safe. Some dogs also do this because they are looking for a source of food, especially when they are young and still getting used to the change in their environment. Other dogs may simply be marking their territory as they adjust to their new lives as house pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Even though it is important to prevent bad behavior from your dog, you still need to make sure that you are caring for your pet in return. This means that you should try to keep them clean and eating right, bathing them properly, and giving them plenty of attention every day.

If your dog has a problem with peeing LOTS, you must talk to your vet about the issue. They can help to determine the causes of the problem, help with the behavior issues that they have, and prescribe a treatment plan that will keep your dog happy and healthy in the future.

So remember, to stop your small dog from peeing lots, stop them from being a nuisance to others, and keep your house clean and happy. Try using some of these tips to help you and your little pet.

Author

  • Karin S

    Welcome to All About My Small Dog, where my love for small dogs and years of hands-on experience meet your need for trusted information. As a dedicated small dog enthusiast and pet parent, I'm deeply committed to sharing expert insights, reliable advice, and a community of support. Every blog you read here is crafted with the utmost care, guided by my passion and expertise. You can trust that you're in the right place for valuable insights and a warm community that understands the unique joys and challenges of small dog ownership. Together, we'll make sure your small dog's world is filled with love, care, and knowledge.

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