Searchbreed
Symptom guide · Depends on severity

Dog Urinary Accidents

Peeing indoors, leaking urine, or asking out more often — can be behavioral, but medical causes are common.

Causes

7

Red flags

5

Prone breeds

7

Related

2

Triage

Depends on severity

New urinary accidents in a previously house-trained dog deserve a vet check, especially with thirst changes, straining, blood, or pain. Behavioral causes should be considered after medical causes are ruled out.

When to call the vet now

Any of these signs means telehealth isn't enough — get in-person vet care today.

  • ×straining to urinate or producing little/no urine
  • ×blood in urine
  • ×increased thirst or larger urine volume
  • ×crying while urinating
  • ×senior dog with sudden accidents or confusion
Causes

Common causes

  • urinary tract infection
  • increased thirst from diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing's disease
  • urinary stones
  • incontinence in spayed females
  • cognitive decline in senior dogs
  • stress or incomplete house training
  • marking behavior
Breeds

Breeds most prone to urinary accidents

Not exhaustive — any dog can have this. These breeds are just more commonly affected.

Recommended

What can help

Products and services matched to this symptom.

telehealth

Dutch

24/7 vet care and prescriptions delivered

  • Unlimited vet chats
  • Rx delivered to door
  • $11/month
  • Covers anxiety, allergies, derm
See Dutch
telehealth

Vetster

Book online vet appointments with licensed professionals

  • Licensed vets online
  • 24/7 appointment access
  • Video, chat, and voice
  • Prescription support where permitted
See Vetster
fresh food

The Farmer's Dog

Fresh, human-grade food portioned for your dog

  • Human-grade fresh food
  • Portioned per dog
  • Vet-developed recipes
  • 50% off first box
See The Farmer's Dog
fresh food

Ollie

Fresh food with both cooked and baked recipes

  • Fresh and baked recipes
  • Turkey, beef, lamb, chicken proteins
  • Custom portions
  • 60% off first box
See Ollie
Related

Related symptoms

Searchbreed is not a veterinary service and does not diagnose or prescribe. This is educational content to help you understand your dog's symptoms. For diagnosis and treatment, talk to a licensed vet.