From peeing on other dogs to peeing inside the water bowl, there are many behavioral problems in dogs manifesting with inappropriate peeing. However, sometimes the peeing is an accident, not on purpose.
Blind dog peeing in the house – why? Well, there are various reasons why blind, and otherwise, house-trained dogs may suddenly start peeing inside the house – from confusion due to the new situation and canine dementia through urinary tract infections to increased water intake due to diabetes and SARDS.
In this article, we will talk about the reasons why blind dogs might pee inside the house. We will cover the different reasons in detail and then talk about potential solutions or how to prevent blind dogs from peeing inside the house.
WHY IS MY BLIND DOG PEEING IN THE HOUSE?
As mentioned, there are various reasons for blind dogs to pee inside the house. Some of them are related to the blindness itself, while others are non-related and simply coinciding. Let’s start reviewing the most common reasons.
Reason number 1: Increased Urine Marking Behavior
Going blind is confusing even for people. Imagine how a dog must feel when it suddenly goes blind and simply fails to understand what is going on. While with time, blind dogs learn to cope with the blindness and even navigate through the house successfully at the beginning, the situation can be challenging.
In fact, most dogs are likely to feel insecure after going blind. Therefore, in order to deal with the blindness and some dogs may start to leave urine marks around the house. This behavior may be in order to assert their presence over other dogs in the house or simply as a form of easier navigation.
Reason number 2: Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or Dementia
It is a well-known fact that same as old people, old dogs develop dementia. In dogs, the condition is scientifically termed canine cognitive dysfunction, and it manifests with a decline in most functions and senses.
As dog’s age, they also develop eye problems and eyesight decline, which in some dogs may culminate with blindness. Therefore, blindness and dementia are likely to occur at the same time.
A blind dog with dementia may urinate inside the house because of two reasons. First, the dog is confused and simply unaware it is urinating or urinating at inappropriate places. Second, its bladder sphincter is too weak and simply cannot hold the urine for long enough (a condition called urinary incontinence).
Reason number 3: Diabetes
Dogs are prone to diabetes, and diabetes is a known risk factor for eye issues that can eventually end up with vision loss or blindness. So, with the connection between diabetes and blindness explained, it is time we say how this relates to peeing inside the house.
Diabetes triggers an array of symptoms, including increased thirst and water intake. Obviously, if the dog drinks more, it will need to pee more. When the dog drinks more water and the number of potty breaks remains the same, accidents are bound to happen.
Reason number 4: Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)
Another issue linked with increased water intake and urination is the so-called SARDS – sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome. The condition manifests with sudden changes in the retina, which lead to blindness.
The causes of sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome are not determined, but we know that the problem is more common among certain dog breeds such as Maltese dogs, Dachshunds, Pugs, Bichons, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Miniature Schnauzers.
In addition to the retinal changes, SARDS triggers signs and symptoms similar to Cushing’s disease. Namely, it makes the dog thirstier than normal. Since the dog drinks more water, it also pees more frequently.
Reason number 5: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Coincidentally a dog may acquire a urinary tract infection at the same time as it goes blinds. The two occurrences are not related but can be confusing for the owner if developing at the same time.
Urinary tract infections are a common problem in dogs and can occur in every canine regardless of age, breed, and sex. They can also be triggered by various underlying issues, including urine retention, urinary stones, and genetic malformations of the urinary tract.
A dog with a urinary tract infection feels sudden peeing urges. Once again, the dog is not to blame as the infection is making it incapable of holding urine. When a dog suffers from a UTI and pees inside the house, the owner is likely to find several small pee puddles scattered around the house.
HOW DO I STOP MY BLIND DOG FROM PEEING IN THE HOUSE?
Preventing pee accidents entirely is impossible. However, there are things you can do to decrease their frequency. However, in order to be efficient, first, you need to establish the urination’s underlying cause. To do this, you need to schedule a vet visit and have your dog thoroughly examined.
Once you have the medical component of the problem covered, and hopefully with the vet’s professional help managed, it is time to get proactive and protect the house as well as ensure your dog does not feel the urge to relieve itself inside. Here are several tips on how to manage your blind dog prone to peeing inside the house.
Tip number 1: Add Potty Breaks to the Schedule
If your blind dog is peeing because it is drinking more, you need to change the existing peeing Schedule and add a few more potty breaks. In case you are at work and cannot figure out how to make the new schedule work, it is best advised to hire a dog sitter/walker.
Tip number 2: Start Using Doggy Diapers or Belly Bands
You cannot make your dog wear diapers or belly bands all the time. However, this is a good solution if you need to leave the house for a couple of hours, the sitter is not available, and you do not want to find pee puddles once you return. Luckily, dog diapers and bands are readily available and not as expensive as they used to be.
Tip number 3: Pee-Proof the Entire House
Another way of preventing pee puddles around the house is to place pee pads over the floor and protective sheets over the furniture. You can also limit your dog’s access only to the pee-proofed areas of the house. Plus, using machine washable carpets and rugs will help you deal with accidents.
Tip number 4: Get an Enzymatic Stain and Odor Remover
No matter how much you try and what you do, your dog will still make accidents around the house. In such cases, it is best to be prepared and have something to clean the mess with. Enzymatic cleaners do wonder when it comes to removing pee stains and odor. Plus, if you buy them in bulk, you can find really affordable deals.
SUMMING UP: BLIND DOGS PEEING IN HOUSE
When a blind dog pees inside the house, it is not because it is trying to protest and definitely does not deserve to be punished or scolded. You need to be understanding and empathize with its condition.
The first thing you need to do is determine why your blind dog is suddenly peeing inside the house. Then once you know the culprit, whether solve the problem or manage the situation by decreasing the number of accidents in the house.
