Your dog is a member of your family. Ultimately, you want to provide them with a beautiful home where they’re safe, healthy, and at ease. Unfortunately, your dog isn’t always the best at nailing down a habit — namely potty training.
Your pup may have started pooping on the carpet – or, more likely, on the floor, your clothes, or wherever. They’ve been having potty accidents and this often comes from a variety of reasons.
Don’t blame or punish your dog as it may be due to some reasons you don’t know. Read on below and understand why your dog gets to have potty accidents.
1. Lack of Proper Training
Dogs need to be taught from an early age where they should do their business. If your dog is not fully trained, they may be confused as to where they should and should not eliminate. To help prevent potty accidents, it’s important to be consistent with the rules.
If your dog is only allowed to potty on the grass outside, always take them outside and never let them pee inside the house. Additionally, provide frequent and consistent reward-based training to reinforce good behaviors.
Use positive reinforcement and never punish a dog for having an accident – this might only worsen the problem. Above all, remember that patience is key when it comes to potty training – just stay calm and consistent, and your pup will learn the appropriate potty behaviors in no time. Be patient and meanwhile refer to this article to find some helpful potty accident solutions, such as that of a pee or a potty grass pad.
2. Medical Issues
Urinary tract infections can cause dogs to suddenly eliminate frequently, including in the house. Small bladder size or kidney problems can also lead to frequent and uncontrolled elimination. If your dog has an underlying health issue like diabetes, he may have episodes of hypoglycemia, causing an increase in urinary and fecal episodes.
Neurological issues can lead to loss of sphincter control, preventing your pup from holding his bladder or bowels. Certain medications, like steroids, can also lead to increased visits to the potty spot. If your pup is having accidents, it’s best to take him to the vet for an evaluation.
3. Stress or Anxiety
While dogs can have accidents for various reasons, if pets have recently experienced changes in their environment or routine, this can create unfamiliar surroundings that can be stressful or even frightening. Common sources of stress or anxiety can include:
- a new home
- a new pet in the house
- changes in routine
- separation from the owner
- loud noises
- fireworks
- thunderstorms
Animals also may experience fear or anxiety related to trips to the vet or groomer. To address these issues, owners should make sure their pup feels safe and secure in their home and should gradually introduce any changes. If more severe reactions are observed, owners should consult a qualified animal behavior specialist.
Understand Why Your Dog is Having Potty Accidents
Overall, it is important to recognize the underlying causes of your dog’s potty accidents to ensure their health and happiness. If your dog is having potty accidents and you can’t seem to fix it, consider consulting a trainer or veterinarian for guidance. Additionally, it is important to remain patient and disciplined with potty training to ensure success!
For more articles aside from pet care, visit our blog.
