Understanding Submissive Peeing in Female Dogs

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Posted Oct 31, 2024

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Submissive peeing in female dogs is a common issue that can be caused by a range of factors, including anxiety, fear, and stress.

This behavior is often linked to a dog's emotional state, rather than a medical issue.

In fact, studies have shown that up to 50% of female dogs exhibit submissive peeing at some point in their lives.

Submissive peeing can manifest in different ways, from occasional accidents in the house to persistent urination outside of the litter box.

It's essential to identify the underlying causes of submissive peeing, as addressing the root issue can help resolve the behavior.

Causes and Issues

Submissive peeing in female dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. Medical causes, such as urinary incontinence or urinary tract infections, may lead to involuntary urination. If your dog's urination is not related to submission, it's essential to rule out these medical causes before attempting to correct the behavior.

Broaden your view: Stop Submissive Urination

Credit: youtube.com, How to stop puppies submissive peeing.

Age is a significant factor in submissive peeing, especially in puppies under 12 weeks. They may not have the ability to control their urine yet, but with proper housetraining, they'll learn to recognize the signs of needing to pee. Incomplete housetraining, fear from past experiences, and separation anxiety can also contribute to submissive peeing in dogs.

Some common causes of submissive peeing in dogs include loud voices, anger, changes in their daily routine, excessive punishments, and dominance. Your dog may also pee submissively due to a history of trauma, shelter experience, or genetic medical disorders. Quick movements, glaring, or throwing things can also trigger submissive urination.

Here are some common causes of submissive peeing in dogs:

  • Loud voices or anger
  • Changes in daily routine
  • Excessive punishments
  • Dominance
  • History of trauma or shelter experience
  • Genetic medical disorders
  • Quick movements or glaring
  • Throwing things

Medical Causes of Incontinence

A change in diet can cause your dog's bathroom habits to change, including more or less urination.

Urinary incontinence is a potential cause of inappropriate urination, where your dog may not be able to "hold it" when they need to pass urine.

Credit: youtube.com, Urinary Incontinence: types, causes & treatments - Ask A Nurse | @LevelUpRN

This can be due to a weak bladder.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also cause your dog to pass urine without realizing it.

If you suspect your dog's urination is not related to submission, it's essential to rule out other causes before attempting to correct the behavior.

Here are some potential medical causes of incontinence:

  • Change in diet
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Dog Urination Issues

Submissive urination is a common issue in dogs, where they pee inappropriately due to feelings of submission, fear, or anxiety. This behavior is often seen in puppies and young dogs, but it can also occur in adult dogs due to various reasons.

Age is a significant factor, as puppies under 12 weeks may not have the ability to control their urine yet. Housetraining is essential in this stage to help them learn when and where it's acceptable to pee.

Some dogs may exhibit submissive urination due to incomplete housetraining, fear from past bad experiences, or separation anxiety. If your dog is adopted, they may not understand the rules in their new home, leading to submissive urination out of insecurity.

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Credit: youtube.com, How to Tell if a Dog Has a Bladder Infection

Dogs may also pee submissively due to loud voices, anger, changes in their daily routine, excessive punishments, or dominance. Other factors that can provoke submissive peeing include shyness, excitement, or being threatened by someone or something.

Here are some signs of submissive urination:

  • Crouching or sitting quietly
  • Turning over and exposing their bellies
  • Flattening their ears
  • Keeping their head or neck down

If your dog is exhibiting these signs, it's essential to identify the underlying cause and address it accordingly. Incomplete training, fear, and anxiety are common reasons for submissive urination.

To stop submissive urination, you can try the following:

  • Be aware of what triggers this behavior in your dog
  • Keep a consistent daily routine
  • Avoid loud voices and anger
  • Greet your dog calmly and avoid direct, loud, or overly excited approaches
  • Introduce new changes gradually
  • Reward positive behavior with treats
  • Avoid scolding or punishing your dog for submissive urination

Medical conditions can also cause inappropriate urination in dogs. These may include urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, or changes in diet. If you suspect a medical issue, consult with your vet to rule out underlying causes.

Here are some common medical conditions that can lead to submissive urination:

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Change in diet

It's essential to rule out medical causes before attempting to correct the behavior. Consult with your vet to determine the underlying cause and develop a plan to address it.

Training and Solutions

Credit: youtube.com, Break the habit of excited submissive peeing

Your female dog will outgrow the urge to submissively urinate as she grows older, but training her when she's young can help her learn more quickly.

If you catch your dog acting submissively, redirect her attention immediately. Take her outside to help her make a connection with this being the place to pee. If you're returning home, give her a treat to distract her and give her something productive to do with her excited energy.

To avoid triggering submissive urination, be aware of what's causing the behavior in your dog. If she gets nervous or excited when a stranger greets her, ask the person to stop doing so and instead maintain a distance and wave or smile at your dog.

To build your dog's confidence, teach her simple commands like "sit" and "shake", and reward her for it. You can also try introducing new changes in her routine gradually and understanding what makes her feel safer or comfortable.

Credit: youtube.com, Submissive Urination when Greeting

Some things to avoid when interacting with your dog include loud voices, anger, direct eye contact, and approaching her from the front. Instead, approach her from the side, crouch down to her level, and pat her under the chin rather than the top of the head.

Here are some tips to help you greet your dog calmly and avoid triggering submissive urination:

  • Take your dog outside to pee before greeting her.
  • Keep your greetings modest and calm.
  • Teach your dog to "sit" or "shake" when she greets new people, and reward her for it.
  • Approach your dog from the side, rather than directly.
  • Pat your dog under the chin rather than the top of the head.

Remember, building your dog's confidence and teaching her simple commands can go a long way in helping her overcome submissive urination.

Understanding Urination

Submissive urination is often a result of a dog's age and housetraining status. Puppies younger than 12 weeks may urinate in submission due to their instinct to show they're not the leader, and they may not have the ability to control their urine yet.

Dogs that are not properly trained may also exhibit submissive urination, especially if they've had a history of being punished inappropriately. This can lead to insecurity and a desire to avoid punishment by urinating in submission.

Credit: youtube.com, Submissive Urination in Dogs: What Is It and Can You Stop It?

Some common signs of submissive urination include sudden or untimely urination, fear of people or things, and easily being startled by non-threatening behaviors. It's essential to identify these signs and address the underlying issues to help your dog overcome submissive urination.

Here are some common factors that can provoke submissive urination:

  • Loud voices and anger
  • Changes in daily routine
  • Excessive punishments
  • Dominance
  • Shyness, excitement, or threats

What Is Urination?

Urination is the process by which the body removes waste and excess fluids through the kidneys and urinary system.

The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, producing urine as a result. This process is essential for maintaining proper bodily functions.

Urine is made up of water, salts, and waste products, including urea, which is a byproduct of protein metabolism. Urea is produced in the liver and transported to the kidneys for excretion.

The average person produces around 1-2 liters of urine per day, depending on factors such as fluid intake and physical activity. Drinking enough water is crucial to maintaining proper urine production.

The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood through tiny units called nephrons. There are approximately 1 million nephrons in each kidney, working together to produce urine.

Peeing

Credit: youtube.com, How is urine produced in the body?KIDNEY, NEPHRON, BLADDER FUNCTION|Anatomy of the Urinary System

Peeing is a natural behavior for dogs, but sometimes it can be a sign of underlying issues. A common reason for peeing in submission is that your dog hasn't learned to control their bladder yet, especially if they're under 12 weeks old.

Puppies often grow out of this as they mature and learn to hold their urine. Incomplete housetraining can also lead to submissive peeing, especially if your dog hasn't learned the rules of their new home.

Some dogs may pee in submission due to fear from past bad experiences, such as being punished inappropriately. Separation anxiety can also cause your dog to pee when you leave, and they may even pee out of excitement when you return.

Dogs exhibit submissive behavior through body language, such as crouching, sitting quietly, or turning over and exposing their bellies. They may also flatten their ears or keep their head or neck down.

Credit: youtube.com, What If You Hold Your Urine For Too Long? | How Urinary System Works? | The Dr Binocs Show For Kids

Here are some common signs of submissive urination in dogs:

  • Scared of people or things
  • Easily afraid of non-threatening behaviors like staring or quick motion
  • Urinary bladder infection
  • Separation anxiety
  • Incomplete training or marking behavior
  • Shy, nervous, or threatened behavior
  • Cheerful greeting or playful behavior
  • Avoiding getting scolded or threatened

By recognizing these signs and addressing the underlying issues, you can help your dog overcome submissive urination and develop better bladder control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do female dogs grow out of excited peeing?

Most puppies, including females, outgrow excited peeing by the time they're about one year old. However, consistency, patience, and proper training can help speed up this process.

What age do dogs stop submissive peeing?

Most dogs stop submissive urination by the time they reach one year of age, but some may continue to exhibit this behavior. If your dog is experiencing submissive urination, learn more about how to address this issue and help your dog feel more confident.

Shawna Welch

Writer

Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.