Dog Beddings Getting Wet? Here's What Could Be Causing It, as Explained by Jackie Brown (August 22, 2023), Reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM.

Dog Beddings Getting Wet? Here's What Could Be Causing It, as Explained by Jackie Brown (August 22, 2023), Reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM.

Fed up with your pup soiling your prized sanctuary? Bedrolling in dog urine might seem like the worst nightmares, but fret not! Veterinary behaviorist Valarie Tynes, DVM, Dipl. ACVB, Dipl. ACAW., shed some light on this pesky canine behavior.

"Nine times out of ten, a dog peeing in your bed ain't no revenge plot or declarations of war," she notes. So, stop fretting, and let's dive into what's causing your pooch to soil your sleeping quarters – it's (probably) no personal issue against you.

The Lowdown on the Mess

"Dog pee parties in the house can stem from a wide array of motives, from separation anxiety to a dreaded fear of venturing outside," Dr. Tynes explains.

Before labeling your dog a repeat bed-soiler, it's crucial to get a veterinary check-up to rule out any medical conditions lurking beneath.

Medical mayhem in dogs that might result in bed-soiling ranges from:

• Bladder stones
• Cushing's disease
• Diabetes
• Incontinence
• Kidney disease
• Spinal issues/nerve damage
• Urinary tract infections

Older dogs might start peeing in the bed due to issues beyond their control. Involuntary urine leakage can be a common concern for elderly pups who doze off with you.

If your dog starts bed-soiling post 5-7 years, it's likely due to underlying medical issues, such as urinary tract problems. In younger dogs, the root cause is more likely to be behavioral.

Clashing with Canine Conflicts

Beyond medical woes, canine capers may be causing bed disasters. Behavioral conditions that might trigger bed-soiling include:

• Fear of outdoor adventures
• Poor housetraining
• Separation anxiety
• Urine marking

Older dogs might also experience cognitive dysfunction (dementia), affecting their urinary habits.

So why the bed? "Fearful dogs on the brink of peeing their pants in front of their humans might opt for cozier, hidden spots to avoid the embarrassment," Dr. Tynes explains.

The Truce on the Pooch Pee Conflict

Begin by scheduling a vet appointment to dive deep into your dog's health. Once you've got the green light, contact a certified veterinary behaviorist to crack the case of your dog's bed-soiling mystery.

These experts will examine your dog's behavior and suggest tailored training methods to calm nerves, reinforce good habits, and discourage bad ones.

"Remember, dogs don't aim to wrong us on purpose," Dr. Tyne reminds us. "Instead, these bed pees likely stem from issues your dog is dealing with."

By working closely with a behaviorist and loading up on patience, you can tackle the root of the issue and kiss goodbye to your pup's pesky bed-soiling ways.

Squashing the Mess Remnants

While you're on the path to solving the issue, it's vital to clean up meticulously when accidents occur. Scrubbing every lingering scent helps keep your dog from returning to the scene of their mess.

If the bedding is soiled, wash it according to the tag instructions. If pee has seeped into the mattress, give it a thorough clean using soap and water safely suitable for the surface. Some people swear by enzymatic cleaners for pet messes.

The Takeaway

Don't lose hope when you're dealing with a messy pooch! With veterinary guidance, behavioral training, and stubborn patience, you can stamp out your dog's bed-soiling days for good – and catch some uninterrupted z's once again.

[1] Schmahl, D. (2021). Potty Accidents. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/potty-accidents

[2] Schmahl, D. (2021). House Soiling. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/house-soiling

[3] ASPCA. (n.d.). House Training Basics. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/learn/article/house-training-basics

[4] Gwin, K. (2020). House Training Mistakes and How to Fix Them. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/house-training-mistakes-3631347

[5] Edelson, L. (2019). Why Is My Dog Urinating On My Bed? Pawlstic. https://www.pawlastic.com/blogs/how-to-help-your-dog-stop-urinating-on-your-bed

Dog bed-soiling can be linked to several reasons, including behavioral issues such as fear of outdoor adventures, poor housetraining, separation anxiety, urine marking, and cognitive dysfunction in older dogs. Medical conditions like bladder stones, Cushing's disease, diabetes, incontinence, kidney disease, spinal issues/nerve damage, and urinary tract infections can also cause this issue in dogs, especially older ones. It's essential to seek help from a veterinarian and a certified veterinary behaviorist to identify the root cause and implement suitable training methods to address the issue.

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