Whiz Kid: Dogs and Urine Marking

Your dog’s natural calling card is their scent. They communicate their territory and other things to their canine peers through this form of marking. To us, the thought of sending an email to a friend this way is pretty gross, but to them, it’s the norm. If your pup pal decides to “communicate” in your house, then it is a problem.

Your Pet Experts at Naperville Animal Hospital are here to help you prevent your dog from urine marking and what you can do to reduce the odor.

Urine Marking in Dogs

Ah yes, the call of the wild. Most dogs enjoy marking the urine on bushes, rocks, fences, and all other places on their daily walk. While it seems more obvious in male dogs, females also do this behavior. It signals territory, sex, and reproductive status, as well as many other things a dog wishes to convey. 

The other triggers for this behavior include:

• Those who have not been spayed or neutered
• Dogs who have not been housetrained
• Being exposed to new territory 
• Strange dogs and other animals
• Anxiety and stress
• Excitement/overstimulation
• Medical issues, such as a urinary tract infection or incontinence

If your pet has not been sexually altered, in some pets, the spraying diminishes. However, this does not mean your pet shouldn’t be housetrained. Training is key to curbing indoor accidents. If your pet is spraying often or more than normal in your home, contact us for an examination so we can rule out illness.

Dealing with Accidents

If your canine has marked their turf indoors, it can cause a lingering odor when not remedied. To prevent repeat urine marking, follow some of these tips.

• Thoroughly clean the spot with an enzyme based cleaner that eliminates urine odor.
• Keep the area off limits, or make it less attractive by removing the soiled item.
• Make sure your pet has plenty of potty breaks and time outside.
• Pull the blinds in areas that face sidewalks where other dogs and animals appear in view.
• If your pet starts to lift a leg, circle, or sniff around, yell “outside” and take them to the yard.
• Deal with any underlying anxiety or behavioral issues by speaking with your veterinarian.

We hope these suggestions can result in fewer accidents around the home (and a better smelling residence). If you have any questions about urine marking, or would like to schedule an appointment for your pet, please contact us.

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