My 5-year-old mixed breed has always done her business outside, but for the past week she's been peeing on the couch and in the bedroom. I took her to the vet and she doesn't have any infections. She's driving me crazy, what can I do?
If the vet ruled out infections and medical issues, it's very likely one of those annoying behavioral things. first thing: clean the couch and the room really well with an enzymatic cleaner, the kind made specifically for dog urine, otherwise the dog keeps smelling it and goes back there to pee. don't use bleach because it reacts badly with urine and creates a smell that attracts them even more, learned that the hard way.
after that think about what changed a week ago. did something upset her? did you change your work schedule? any weird noises stressing her out? even small stress, like a thunderstorm or a new neighbor, can cause this stuff. in the meantime increase outings, take her outside every 2-3 hours and reward big when she pees outside (play, food, whatever she likes). sounds tedious but it works.
if it's not anxiety, could be territorial marking. according to the vet has she been in heat lately? could just be that she's picking up the scent of other dogs. in my free time when i go out kayaking i see tons of similar stories with other dogs and often that's exactly what it is. if it keeps happening for another two-three weeks despite everything, go back to the vet and ask if a behavioral consultation could help. in the meantime don't punish her, dogs don't understand the connection between the old mess and the punishment.
If the vet ruled out infections then it's probably a behavioral or stress issue. Dogs don't just change their habits overnight for no reason, so think about what happened that week - moving house, new pet in the home, change in routine, maybe you were away more than usual? Even the July heat can affect their behavior, older dogs (yeah, 5 years is when they start feeling their age) can have control problems when it's too hot. In the meantime, clean the areas where she peed thoroughly - and I'm talking real enzymatic cleaner, not ammonia that smells like urine and invites her to do it in the same spot again. Uric acid doesn't go away that easily.
Then, back to basics: increase daily walks by at least a couple, especially after meals and before bedtime. Confine her to a smaller space when you can't watch her - like just one room - because dogs tend not to pee where they sleep and eat. If she can curl up comfortably on the couch and pee without consequences, why would she stop? Reward her generously when she pees outside, with cuddles and treats. Don't yell at her if you catch her - dogs don't understand punishment after the fact and she'll just get scared, making the anxiety worse.
If it keeps happening after a couple weeks of this, go back to the vet and ask for a second opinion or if they can recommend a behaviorist. Sometimes these problems have simple solutions, but if it's not stress or habit, it could still be something medical that the first checkup missed.
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