Dog Peeing In Sleep : 5 Causes And Best Cures

We understand that it can be very frustrating to clean up your pet’s mess. This is more of a problem if you have a dog that pees in sleep.

Why is my dog peeing in sleep? Your dog may have urinary incontinence that prevents them from controlling their urination without any realization, when they sleep or take rest.

“The dog peed on my bed with me in it.” It is not something she is doing intentionally. Be patient and kind, and follow the remedies mentioned here. Identifying the reasons behind dog peeing in sleep helps to address the issue. 

Let’s discuss the reasons behind dog peeing in sleep. We will also tell you how to stop dog peeing in sleep.

How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Bladder?  

Follow the general rule of thumb on this. Correspond their age in months to the number of hours, until eight months. This means a two months old pup can hold the urge to pee upto two to three hours. A five months old pup can hold it up to six hours on average.

If you have a 4 month old puppy peeing in sleep, this timing factor may be the reason.

Older dogs have additional needs. Dog peeing in sleep might be a commoner problem for older dogs than for young pups. Old dog peeing in sleep is a usual issue due to the natural loss of bladder control. They should get ample opportunities to relieve themselves before going to sleep.

No dog should be forced to hold her bladder for more than eight hours. However, guard dogs and working breeds can retain their urge up to ten-twelve hours. 

You should be paying attention to your pet’s body language. Is your dog circling and coming to get your attention? Pawing at the door is another common sign that it’s time. 

Owners must take their dogs for pee walks after exercises and before sleeping. They also have the urge following a meal or drinking water. Following these steps effectively stops the problem of dog peeing in sleep in most cases.

Why Is My Dog Peeing In His Sleep?

The issues with a male dog peeing in sleep are different from that of females. That’s because in spayed females, the lack of estrogen can lead to urethral incontinence. That said, some problems may be common.

These include urinary tract infections or diabetes. The formation of kidney stones is another reason for a dog peeing in sleep. You should carefully note down the symptoms of the dog peeing in sleep at night. Check out how often it happens.  Also, note whether it occurs despite taking your dog for a walk.

Dog peeing in sleep and has diarrhea can be serious. Your vet will conduct a series of tests to see if your dog has kidney disease.

When Can Dogs Hold Their Pee All Night?

It depends on the dog’s age. Pups have smaller bladders and they would need a night break for peeing. Are you giving your dog a large bowl of water just before he goes to sleep? It can be a major reason for a dog peeing in sleep.

Generally speaking, a healthy adult can hold it overnight. Even then, you should take your pet for a pee walk a few hours after the last meal. That should do well to deal with the problem of the dog peeing in sleep at night.

Dog Peeing In Sleep After Surgery – What To Do? 

Spaying surgery in female dogs often leads to a dog peeing in sleep. Surgically removing the ovaries can cause hormonal imbalance.

Other surgical activities can also have a similar effect leading to a dog peeing in sleep. The anesthetic given during such procedures can cause decreased bladder control. Have patience because the effect would wear off within a day or so.

If your dog has had knee surgery, it might be painful for him to squat. It may cause the dog urinating while lying down. You should check out reddit dog peeing in sleep for more insight on this matter.

Pain meds can cause them to sleep deeply. They may not even realize that they are peeing in sleep. Is your pet on Prednisone? Many owners report the side effect of Prednisone dog peeing in sleep.

Why Is My Dog Peeing In Sleep At Night? 

Dogs are usually very particular about keeping their den clean. This also includes their sleeping place. Dog peeing in sleep is abnormal behavior. It must have a physical or emotional background.

We have discussed some of the physical reasons above. Another probable reason for a dog peeing in sleep at night is the pet having diabetes. Increased thirst and urination are common symptoms of a diabetic pet.

Male dog leaking urine while resting, even in the daytime, may occur.

Although diabetes is an incurable syndrome, yet it is manageable. The vet will prescribe certain medications and suggest a diet plan. 

Here is a chart explaining the two main types of diabetes.  

Look for other associated symptoms such as increased appetite, and weight loss. Other indicators include seizures, kidney failure, or depression.

If you have an epileptic dog peeing in sleep, contact the vet. She needs to rule out the possibility of diabetes. It may require blood work besides a urine test.

Why Has My Dog Suddenly Become Incontinent? 

Dog peeing in sleep at night may be due to different health issues. It can also be a behavioral problem. Is your dog urinating inside after you have brought home another pet? The dog might be following the marking instinct to demarcate his territory.

Naturally, these ‘accidents’ happen when the dog is awake. For a dog peeing in sleep, the problem may be a medical issue. We discussed hormonal imbalance and diabetes. Kidney ailments can also cause this to happen. It can also happen due to a Urinary Tract Infection or UTI.

Your pet might have a congenital defect that got revealed with age. A surgical procedure may be necessary to treat the dog leaking urine all of a sudden.

Formation of kidney stones is another possible reason for a dog peeing in sleep. The vet will conduct a radiography test to identify if this is the problem.

Can Dog Incontinence Be Cured?

Effective cures are available. The doctor would diagnose if the dog peeing in sleep due to hormonal imbalance. In that case, she may give medication to increase estrogen or progesterone levels.

If your dog has a urinary tract infection, antibiotics can help with the issue. In case, the problem is due to the formation of kidney stones, a surgical procedure may be necessary. 

The doctor may administer a collagen injection to treat a loose bladder. If your dog has diabetes, the vet will devise a stable treatment plan. It should eventually treat the problem of the dog peeing in sleep.

Apart from insulin shots, the pet needs to be on a special diet. It typically includes a lot of protein and complex carbohydrates. A low-fat diet might be best for your pet. 

Above everything, remember that the problem depends on having a full bladder. So, the most effective solution is to make sure that your pet gets to do his business in a timely manner. Do you have a young dog peeing in sleep? You might need to take him to a pee break in the middle of the night.

Proper crate training may help teach bladder control. The idea is to never use crate training as a method of punishment. Make the crate comfortable. Remember to put his favorite chew toys inside. Reward him with treats when he can accept the crate without a problem. 

While crating, it is your responsibility to see that your pet gets timely pee breaks. Do not keep them in crates for long stretches. Divide the time so that your dog gets sufficient time to be outside. Also, you may not want to give an oversized crate. Your dog may assign a pee corner and do his business there. 

A new dog peeing in sleep may do that because of separation anxiety. You need to take proper measures to deal with that.

What Can I Give My Dog For Urinary Incontinence?

Before giving any medication to pets, always act on a doctor’s advice. If you have a female dog peeing in sleep, the doctor may prescribe Incurin. It increases estrogen levels and helps with bladder control.

Phenylpropanolamine is also given to treat hormonal imbalance and UTI. It improves muscle tone and helps the dog to control her urge.  

Why Is My Dog Losing Control Of Her Bladder?  

It is a common issue in senior females of medium or large breeds. It is especially seen in spayed females. It typically happens due to a hormonal imbalance.  

The urethra and vagina open up in a common area called the vestibule. This vestibule leads to the external vulva. With age, the urethral sphincter muscles lose their grip. Some urine may leak into the vestibule. This can leak outside as the dog gets up or lies down. 

Can Dogs Pee Themselves In Their Sleep?

It usually does not happen. If your dog peed in sleep once, it might not be a reason for serious concern. However, if the dog peeing in sleep at night is happening daily, talk with the doctor.

Takeaway – Dog Peeing In Sleep 

A dog peeing in sleep may just need a pee walk at night. Sometimes, it can be due to a variety of medical issues. In some rare circumstances, it can be a behavioral problem. Most of the time, the problem is treatable.

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️