5 reasons why a dog pees in their sleep
Frustrated at a dog peeing in their sleep? Very often is the cause not directly related to naughtiness, but rather to various medical and / or psychological reasons. Lets take a look at the top 5 reasons dogs or puppies pee in their sleep, and how to deal with it:
#5 - A Dog Pees in Their Sleep When Dreaming
Yes, you heard that correctly. Dogs have dreams too, with some dreams involving a so called, ‘release of the urinal tract’. Some dogs though, do not always have full control over their bladder while sleeping or dreaming, with involuntary urine dribbling, the result.
What Action Can You Take
Have a blood and urine test done.
If the results are negative will you need to start taking notes of the times your dog pees in their sleep. This will help you determine if the release of urine is involuntary or actually due to other factors such as stress, neurological or just cheekiness.
Solution
Rather than having your dog sleep in your bed, let them sleep in their own, and ensure they have access to go outside to pee.
If you do not have the option of a small garden, or outside yard, then have a pet urinary available in your home or apartment. A PetZoom Playpark Urinal or the Teddy Bichon Dog Urinal works well. Every time your dog pees in bed, take them to the urinal and teach them to use it instead.
References:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201010/do-dogsdream
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/2_4/features/Blood-Tests-for-Dogs_5191-1.html
#4 – Medical Reasons Such as Diabetes & Kidney Disease
Diabetes or Kidney Disease often increases the amount of urine produced, therefore might you notice your dog urinating more often, and/or having involuntary urinal episodes, especially while sleeping.
Notice that Diabetes or Kidney Disease can be the reasons for dog peeing in their sleep
What Action Can You Take
If you suspect your dog is peeing in their sleep due to medical reasons, will a blood and urine test be done by your vet. At this time is it important not the reprimand your dog for wetting their bed (or yours.)
Solution
Dogs that are obese are more prone to diabetes, it is therefore important to
ensure they get enough exercise during the early stages of life, since most diabetes
cases in dogs seem to occur in the middle-years (6-8 years).
Kidney disease is common in about 1 in every 1000 dogs, and is treated in severe cases by fluid therapy.
Adjusting your dogs diet has also been proven successful.
References:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dog-diabetes-symptoms-treatment
http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/urinary/c_multi_renal_failure_chronic
#3 – A Tipped Bladder or Prostate Infection (Male Dogs)
Prostate infection in male dogs is said to be one reason they may be peeing more often in their sleep, especially if this is a new occurrence. We recommend having it checked out if the issue persists.
Another strange yet likely condition is a congenital condition where the dog’s bladder is tipped the opposite way. When the dog thus urinates, not all the urine is released. This can cause urinary infection with involuntary urine release.
What Action Can You Take
Prostate and urinary infection is not something you want to take lightly. Ensure to take your dog to a vet immediately and have the infection treated. Leaving it as is, might cause long-term issues.
Solution
The appropriate medication prescribed from a vet, taken with a good diet.
Protecting Floors from Pee
Using floor pads or dog pee wipes, can help protect your
floors.
References:
http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/reproductive/c_dg_prostatitis http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/urinary/c_multi_urethral_prolapse
#2 – Puppies Just Can’t Help But Pee in Their Sleep
Puppies in general haven’t learnt the ability yet to control their urinary and bladder function. Involuntarily urination during sleep is thus a common occurrence. Don’t worry about it too much.
Puppies naturally haven’t learnt to control their urinary and bladder function, but they can be trained
What Action Can You Take
Puppies can be housetrained from a very early age.
When they reach the age of about 3 – 4 months, start potty train them by taking them outside when you notice they want to pee. It is also important to have puppies pee before turning in for the night.
Solution
Get a waterproof dog bed, which eliminates the need from changing your
puppies bedding if he/she pees while sleeping.
References:
http://www.stopthatdog.com/stop-dog-wetting-bed/
#1 - Urinary Incontinence Syndrome – Most often the Cause
The most common occurrence in older, female dogs (and sometimes males) and the reason they pee in their sleep, is due to a syndrome called: Urinary Incontinence.
It is basically where a dog is not able to control the bladder, and urine escapes or dribbles.
What Action Can You Take
It is important here to have your dog tested by a vet, since trying to correct a ‘dog for bad behavior,’ will only have the dog become more self-conscious and even withdrawn if scolded.
The fact is, the dog do not really have any control over urinal dribbling if diagnosed positive.
Testing Solution
If your dog is diagnosed with urinary incontinence is prescribed most often, phenylpropanolamine (PPA). It is important here not to self-medicate, but to always have the dog tested.
Now you know
Now you have already known the reasons why a dog pees in their sleep and gained a lot of useful tips to deal with dog peeing in their sleep, which is a common problem of almost pet parents.
It has been a privilege sharing my experiences and top tips with you on NolongerWild.com. I would although also love to hear about your experiences with your dog and how you treated the issue of them peeing in their sleep?
