Put Pauline Machado
When a pet starts urinating outside the designated area, it's common for doubts, frustrations, and even unnecessary arguments to arise, as many family members believe it might just be a phase, that the pet can't learn, that it's stubborn, or something similar. However, the truth is that this behavior can be an important sign that something is wrong—whether physically, mentally, or in the environment where the animal lives. Therefore, observing when this happens and understanding the causes behind this change in habit is fundamental to helping the pet with affection, patience, and without punishment.
Therefore, veterinarian and our journalist, Pauline Machado, will explain how family members can begin to identify whether this habit might be a health problem, a behavioral issue, or both, and show how everyone at home can contribute to the pet's daily well-being.
We will also talk about diseases that cause changes in urination and about the use of accessories that can help prevent discomfort, making daily routines easier and restoring quality of life to dogs.
Enjoy your reading! And at the end, share it with your friends and family!
Pet Med – When a pet urinates outside the designated area, does it always mean it's being naughty or throwing a tantrum?
Pauline Machado – This is a very common mistake among dog and cat owners. Neither species urinates outside the designated area to provoke, be spiteful, or get revenge on humans. Most of the time, this type of behavior is a cry for help; it's their way of communicating, of telling us that something is wrong. It could be pain, fear, anxiety, infection, or a combination of all these factors. Therefore, it's always good to investigate as soon as possible, and not scold or punish them.
Pet Med What are the most common health problems that cause pets to urinate outside the designated area?
Among the most typical health problems we can mention cystitis, which is inflammation of the bladder and causes pain and a constant urge to urinate. It is very common in cats.
Urinary tract infections, caused by bacteria, also cause pain, burning, and may include blood in the urine, as well as the presence of crystals or stones in the bladder, which also makes it difficult to pass urine and causes great discomfort that can lead them to urinate in other places.
Diabetic patients and those suffering from kidney problems drink a lot of water, which can cause increased urine production, making it difficult for them to hold their urine and causing them to urinate in places undesirable to family members. Additionally, elderly pets, who often show signs of incontinence or neurological issues, may have difficulty controlling their urination.
Pet Med So how do you know when the problem might be emotional?
If, after being evaluated by a veterinarian and ruling out the main clinical diseases as mentioned above, it is very likely that he is experiencing some behavioral discomfort, which could be fear of fireworks, wind, rain, thunder, visits from strangers, or it could be anxiety from being alone for too long or in unsuitable places. He may be feeling insecure due to some kind of change, whether it be a change of home, routine, the arrival of another pet, or the arrival of a baby. It could also be a natural territorial marking behavior, very common in unneutered male dogs and cats.
It is worth noting that cats are especially sensitive and often express stress through urination, therefore, extra care and attention should be given.
Pet Med How can you tell the difference between territorial marking and a health problem?
When urination outside the designated area is a sign of territorial marking, the urine is usually produced in small amounts and on vertical surfaces, such as door corners, sofas, or on the owner's belongings, such as a shirt, slipper, towel, or in new locations in their routines, such as rugs.
When urination is outside the designated area, it can be a sign of a urinary health problem. It's usually due to increased urine volume or dripping, and the pet may vocalize while urinating, showing pain. There may also be blood, a strong odor, or a change in urine color. To check for color changes, place a small piece of toilet paper on top of the urine to see the color, especially in cats that use a litter box, which makes it difficult to see the urine color.
Pet Med – In what situations might a pet need to use diapers or urinary absorbent pads, and how can these accessories help in the daily lives of both the pet and its family?
Veterinary medicine has advanced significantly, and with it, we now have important accessories that facilitate the care of dogs and cats, whether at home or in hospital treatment, such as those developed by Pet Med.
You Absorbent Protectors for Males and Female diapers , for example, are hygienic, anatomical, and prevent the pet from getting wet or hurting the area, while diaper protectors prevent leaks and increase the pet's comfort, as well as giving more peace of mind to family members.
Regarding their use, both accessories manufactured by Pet Med are recommended in cases of urinary incontinence or neurological diseases, which are very common in older animals that urinate without realizing it, including while sleeping, as well as animals with spinal problems, dysplasia, severe osteoarthritis, or spinal cord injuries, who may also be unable to get up to urinate.
Some puppies in training, or dogs of other ages but with learning difficulties, may also use diapers or absorbent pads for specific periods.
Another situation where the use of absorbent pads or diapers is recommended is when, even after neutering, the pet continues to urinate around the house as a form of marking. In these cases, their use can be a measure of control and hygiene.
It is important to note that, regardless of the situation, it should only be used as recommended by a veterinarian and the manufacturer.
Pet Med – In everyday life, how can you help your pet stay calmer and stop urinating outside the designated area?
First, it's important to take your pet for a veterinary check-up. Meanwhile, at home, family members should keep them in a calm and quiet environment so they feel safe and comfortable. It's important not to leave your pet alone at home for long periods, invest in environmental enrichment such as toys, hide treats, keep the litter box clean (in the case of cats), and, in some cases, use accessories that can help calm them, such as the Calm Pet vest, also developed by Pet Med with the emotional well-being of dogs in mind.
Finally, one last recommendation: Take a deep breath, observe carefully, and don't take any action without talking to your veterinarian. Urinating outside the designated area is a sign that something is wrong, but with care, investigation, and the right accessories, it's possible to greatly improve your pet's quality of life and that of your family.
Pet Med Can neutering a pet help reduce this behavior?
Yes! Especially if he's marking his territory. Neutering reduces the hormones linked to marking, and often the behavior improves significantly. But remember: if there's stress or pain involved, neutering alone won't solve the problem.
Your pet deserves all the comfort and well-being, especially when inappropriate urination becomes a concern. Remember: patience, observation, and seeking professional guidance are your greatest allies. To further assist you on this journey, Pet Med offers a complete line of products designed for the health and comfort of your companion, from accessories for bladder control to solutions for calming stress.
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