Dogs are typically creatures of habit. Typically, changes in daily behavior indicate underlying physical or mental health issues. And if your dog is peeing again and again, surely there is a problem. And you are probably wondering, why is my dog peeing so much?
Your dog may have an underlying health condition if it suddenly begins voiding its bladder every hour on the hour. Identifying the cause of your dog’s excessive urination is essential. Constant urination in dogs can be due to anything from a minor behavioral issue to a serious medical problem. Let’s learn the reasons for your dog’s frequent urination.
Why is my dog peeing so much?
The causes of frequent urination can be easily identified. These could include an increase in temperature or activity, which causes your dog to drink more water. Excessive urination, on the other hand, can be a sign of a number of serious medical conditions. Here are all the possible reasons for frequent urination:
1) Marking Their Territory
Numerous dogs, particularly intact males, have the instinct to mark their territory. Pheromone marking of territory for the purpose of attracting mates and inter-canine communication are both possible in dogs. An increase in marking behavior can also be triggered by a shift in an environment or an increase in stimulation.
2) Too Much Water
Dogs need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight on average, but this can vary. If you observe that your dog is drinking more than usual, there could be a number of causes. It could be as simple as a rise in temperature or an increase in thirst after strenuous activity.
3) Bladder infections
Bacterial cystitis is an inflammation and infection of the bladder caused by bacteria. Symptoms in affected dogs may resemble those of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or may not be present. A urine sample is required for the diagnosis of bacterial cystitis, and antibiotics are required for treatment, so a trip to the vet is in order if you suspect this is the case.
4) Bladder Stones
Bladder stones cause symptoms similar to bacterial cystitis but are distinguished by the development of rock-like mineral formations in the bladder. Excessive urination may be a sign, but bloody urine and difficulty urinating are more common as a result of the stones’ irritation.
5) Urinary tract infections
UTIs are bacterial infections of the urinary tract. Up to 14% of dogs will develop a urinary tract infection during their lifetimes. The constant need to urinate, urinary incontinence, and urinary frequency are all symptoms.
Bladder and kidney infections are just two of the many possible outcomes of a urinary tract infection (UTI). See a veterinarian immediately if you think your pet may have a UTI. These infections can progress to more severe conditions like cancer or other diseases if not treated.
6) Kidney disease
Polyuria is not always indicative of bladder problems. Sometimes, urinary tract bacteria migrate to the kidneys. Pyelonephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys, is more prevalent in puppies and older dogs, but it can occur at any age and, if left untreated, can result in kidney failure. Excessive thirst and urination are warning signs.
7) Diabetes
A dog’s excessive urination can be a sign of diabetes, specifically diabetes mellitus. This type of diabetes in dogs develops when the digestive system cannot properly transform food into usable energy. Like UTI, there are a number of other symptoms that manifest themselves, in addition to the need to urinate frequently.
8) Aging
Age-related incontinence is a more natural type of incontinence that occurs as a result of normal aging. This can be due to muscle weakness or an overall susceptibility to the disease that younger pets do not have. Senior pets may also become senile and be unaware that they are urinating.
9) Anxiety
Separation anxiety in dogs can manifest in a variety of ways, including excessive urination and defecation. Overworked, anxious dogs will often defecate in the house, even if they have been successfully housetrained. This is extremely frustrating for pet owners!
10) Hormone-responsive incontinence
This is more common in female dogs but can also happen to neutered male dogs. This occurs sometime after the pet has been neutered, which could be months or even years later. There is a higher incidence rate in canines of a larger size.
Bottom Line
We hope now you know the possible reasons of why is my dog peeing so much. Focus on how often your dog urinates, what color it is, how much he or she urinates, how it smells, and whether or not he or she seems uncomfortable while doing so.
And any changes in a dog’s urination frequency, urgency, ability, or discomfort should prompt a trip to the veterinarian.
Take good care of your dog!