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Increased urination in dogs: We asked a veterinarian why

Harry November 22, 2024

Increased urination in dogs can be a worrying sign and often indicates an underlying health problem. While occasional changes in bathroom habits or accidents around the house may have a completely normal explanation, frequent and excessive urination can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. excessive thirst in dogs.

In this article, veterinarian Emma Chandley explores common causes of increased urination in dogs, from medical conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and diabetes to lifestyle factors such as diet or stress. Emma has been in general practice as a small animal surgeon for over 13 years and is a lifelong dog owner.

Why does a dog suddenly start peeing a lot?

There are various reasons why your dog may suddenly start peeing more frequently. While some may be harmless, others may indicate a serious health problem. If you notice an increase in your dog’s urination frequency, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. Common causes of increased urination in dogs include:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A UTI irritates the bladder and causes increased frequency and urgency of urination. Dogs may have difficulty or discomfort urinating, and the urine may appear cloudy or have a strong odor. Here are six signs of something UTI in female dogs.

diabetes
This causes blood sugar levels to rise, leading to increased thirst (polydipsia) and frequent urination (polyuria). The body tries to excrete excess sugar through urine, which causes you to go to the toilet frequently. If left untreated, diabetes in dogs can cause uncontrolled urination, which can lead to accidents around the home. We have more information about diabetes in dogs.

kidney disease
When the kidneys do not work properly, they lose the ability to concentrate urine effectively. This causes frequent urination as the body tries to eliminate toxins and maintain fluid balance.

Cushing’s disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Cushing’s disease It is a hormonal disorder that causes excessive cortisol production. This can lead to increased urination and increased thirst. Dogs with Cushing’s may also develop other clinical signs, such as the appearance of a swollen abdomen, hair loss, and appetite changes.

Male poodle urinates on furniture inside the house to mark his territory

(Image credit: Getty Images/ThamKC)

medicines
Some medications, such as diuretics or steroids, can increase urination in our furry friends. If your dog has recently started a new medication, be aware of possible side effects. Typically these effects resolve when the medication is stopped.

behavioral changes
stress or anxiety in dogs It may cause increased urination. Some dogs mark territory or exhibit submissive urination due to stress. Even if there is no physical problem, these behaviors still need to be addressed.

diet changes
A sudden change in diet can cause increased water intake and more frequent urination in dogs. If you are changing your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian first. Changing dog food It needs to be done gradually over several weeks.

increased water intake
If your dog is drinking more water due to hot weather, increased exercise, or health problems, he will naturally urinate more frequently. It may be helpful to monitor your dog’s water consumption for any significant changes. If you can measure the amount they drink, it’s easier to keep track of any sudden increases.

How much should dogs pee?

The frequency of urination in dogs depends on their size, age and general health. Here are some guidelines to follow:

puppies
Because puppies have small bladder sizes, they usually need to pee every 1-2 hours. During potty training, you can expect them to urinate more frequently as they gradually learn to control their urges to pee.

adult dogs
Most adult dogs need to pee about three to five times a day. Factors such as size, breed and activity level affect urination frequency. Many dogs like to urinate on things like lamp posts and trees when they are outside and on walks. They do this to mark their territory. You may find that your dog tries to urinate a lot during a walk, but he doesn’t need to pee in all cases.

Senior Dogs
Older dogs may need to urinate four to six times a day due to aging or health conditions that affect bladder control. You may want to read our guide. How to stop your dog from peeing around the house.

There is a little corgi puppy on the sofa with a guilty look, a puddle appears on the light upholstery. — Puppy on the couch having an accident (Image credit: Getty Images)

When should I be concerned about my dog peeing?

You should be concerned about your dog’s urination habits if you notice the following:

Increasing frequency: If your dog is urinating more than usual (see guidelines above), this could be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing’s disease, or an infection.

Decreased urine output: If your dog is having trouble urinating but producing little or no urine, he may be experiencing urinary obstruction, which is a medical emergency.

Pain or discomfort when urinating: If your dog seems to be in pain when peeing, this could be a sign of a urinary tract infection or other urinary problem. If you notice this behavior, consult your veterinarian.

Difficulty urinating: Difficulty urinating may indicate a urinary obstruction, such as urinary stones or an infection.

Dog urinating in the kennel — A dog urinated in the kennel (Image credit: Getty Images/Ирина Мещерякова)

Blood in urine: Blood or unusual urine color and odor could be signs of a possible infection or serious health problem such as bladder stones or cancer.

Accidents: If your dog unexpectedly starts leaking urine while sleeping, resting, or walking around, or has accidents around the house, you need your vet to investigate why this is happening. These could just be changes due to aging, but they could also be a sign of a medical condition. We also have a useful feature urinary incontinence in dogs.

Excessive licking of genitals: If your dog is licking his genital area excessively, this could be a sign of a urinary tract infection or other urinary tract problem that requires veterinary attention.

You may also want to read: Why is my dog peeing on my bed??