Why Does My Dog Pee on My Bed?

Why does my dog pee on my bed?

Dogs need to be house trained. If your dog hasn’t been fully trained, it may not understand that your bed is off-limits for urination. Another possibility could be territorial marking, especially if it’s a male dog. Male dogs will instinctively urinate to establish ownership if there’s a new pet at home.

However, a lack of house training is not always the problem. Sometimes, your dog might pee on your bed if it’s stressed or anxious. For instance, if your dog feels insecure when you’re not around, they might seek comfort in your bed. In their anxious state, they may lose control of their bladder and urinate there. 

In this article, we will look at the possible reasons your dog pees on your bed (or its bed), and share solutions that can help. 

My dog is peeing on their bed?

Your dog might be peeing on its bed if it has underlying health issues like UTIs, bladder stones, or kidney problems. Other times, it’s simply a way of marking territory, especially around other dogs in the house. Another reason could be that your dog is not properly house  trained.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to inflammation and infection. The infection irritates the bladder lining, causing increased urgency and discomfort. This causes dogs to need to urinate more frequently; if they don’t make it outside promptly, they end up peeing on their bed.

Kidney problems

When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, dogs need to drink more water (polydipsia) and urinate more frequently (polyuria). This increased urine output can overwhelm their ability to hold it, especially at night or when they are resting, and lead to peeing on their bed.

Bladder stones

Bladder stones form due to diets with excessive minerals like calcium, urinary pH, and dehydration. These stones irritate the bladder lining, and cause pain and frequent urges to urinate. Like kidney problems and UTIs, bladder stones make it hard for a dog to hold in urine leading to peeing indoors, including on its bed.

Territorial marking

Dogs are instinctively territorial. If a dog feels their territory is threatened or feels insecure, it may urinate on its bed to reinforce its scent and establish dominance. Marking their space with urine, especially their bed, communicates their presence and claims ownership. 

Anxiety and stress

Different factors induce anxiety in dogs, including loud noises, changes in the home, separation from the owner, and interactions with unfamiliar animals or people.

This can lead to a "fight or flight" response, which manifests as peeing indoors for some dogs. Since the bed is a safe space, your dog might choose to pee on the bed when overwhelmed.

Lack of training

Puppies and newly adopted dogs may not yet understand where it’s appropriate to urinate. If you haven’t taught your dog or reinforced properly about where to pee, they might default to their bed, especially if it’s an area they frequent.

Old age

As dogs age, they may experience cognitive decline, arthritis, and other physical limitations, making it difficult to get up to pee outside in time.

Medications

Some medications, like corticosteroids, can increase thirst and affect bladder control, leading to more frequent urination or accidents. If a dog is on medication that alters its urination patterns, it may end up doing it in bed. 

Why does my dog pee on his bed on purpose?

A common reason a male dog pees on his bed on purpose is territorial marking, where he instinctively urinates to establish ownership of his space, especially if you recently brought home new pets. Another common reason is if he’s experiencing pain from bladder stones or a UTI, or if he feels anxious or stressed.

My dog urinates in their sleep?

If your dog urinates in its sleep, the most common reason is incontinence. Incontinence can result from cognitive decline in old age, hormonal changes, or medical conditions like UTIs, bladder stones, and kidney problems that affect the bladder's ability to hold urine. Consult your vet to ascertain the issue.

Why did my dog pee on my bed?

When a dog pees on your bed, it’s more about adding their scent to a communal space rather than marking territory in the traditional sense. Dogs use urine to communicate and feel more secure in shared areas. Peeing on your bed could also be because of anxiety or stress, where they seek comfort in a familiar spot.

Why does my dog pee on my bed when I leave?

If you leave your bed for too long and go out, your dog may pee on your bed as a response to separation anxiety. Many dogs feel stressed or insecure when their owners are away, and urinating on your bed provides them with a sense of comfort, since it carries your scent. 

How to stop my dog from peeing on my bed

Stopping your dog from peeing on your bed starts with addressing the underlying issue. If it’s a potty training issue, reinforce the correct behavior and reward your dog when it's done right. If it’s an anxiety issue, create a safe space. If the behavior persists, consult a vet to check for a UTI or bladder stones.

Other ways to stop your dog from peeing on your bed include:

Taking them outside more often

Take your dog outside regularly, especially after meals, playtime, and naps. Aim for one to two hours. When outside, use a command like “go potty,” and praise/reward them when they do so.

Using gates or doors to block off beds

Use gates or closed doors to keep your dog away from your bed. This prevents accidents while you train them. Instead, provide a cozy spot, like a dog bed or crate, where they can feel secure. After a while of positive changes, gradually allow supervised access back to your bed.

Behavioral training

Focus on potty training and positive reinforcement. Take your dog to a designated potty spot outside and watch for signs they need to go, like sniffing or whining.

Address underlying anxiety

Create a calming environment for your dog. Offer a safe space with cozy bedding and familiar toys. Get squeaky toys to stimulate your dog mentally. You can also use calming products like pheromone diffusers.

Castration or spaying

Consider spaying or neutering your dog if it constantly pees to mark its territory. This reduces hormonal influences.

Use enzymatic cleaners

Thoroughly clean areas where your dog has urinated using enzymatic cleaners. Read our guide to washing a dog bed. These break down urine proteins and eliminate odors that can attract your dog back. However, avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as they can mimic the smell of urine.

Consult a vet

If your dog continues to pee on your bed, consult your vet to rule out medical issues.

Why do dogs pee on beds?

Dogs pee on beds for different reasons. A common one is territorial marking, where they instinctively urinate to establish ownership. Anxiety or stress can also lead to this behavior. If your dog feels insecure, they might seek comfort in your bed and urinate there as a coping mechanism.

Other times, peeing on the bed is due to medical issues, like urinary tract infections or bladder stones. 

Understanding the specific reason is key to addressing the behavior effectively. If you have tried the different methods we have shared in this article and the behavior does not resolve, go see a vet to rule out medical issues.