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Why is my dog not peeing, having accidents, and refusing food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Female | spayed | 4 years and 11 months old | 20.5 lbs

My 5 yr old 20 pound Mini Schnauzer seems to be reluctant to urinate. She had an accident on the house on the carpet yesterday- the first accident ever. Today she did not eat her breakfast (Hill’s Science Diet Chicken/Barley). What should I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 5th, 2022

Poor girl! One of the most common culprits for this issue is a urinary tract infection. Many times, dogs are reluctant to urinate when it's painful, so they either try to hold it, have accidents in the house when they can't hold it, or they dribble and urinate more frequently. Pain and discomfort associated with urinary issues can commonly cause them to eat less or skip meals. Likewise, kidney infections, bladder stones, and other issues, can cause similar problems. At this point, as long as Molly is able to pass urine and is still acting normally, I think you can wait to see you vet first thing tomorrow. If she's unable to urinate, lethargic, or vomiting, I think you should take her to an ER vet today. A vet will need to collect a urine sample, so be sure not to let her urinate on her way into her appointment! Unfortunately, there really isn't anything else that you can do at home at this point aside from taking her outside frequently and offering plenty of fresh water. I hope that she feels better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 29th, 2016
If Molly has recently started peeing in the bed when she was previously housebroken, then I would take her into the vet today for an exam. She may have a UTI or bladder stones. The vet can do routine blood tests and a urinalysis to see if she does have a UTI or bladder stones, and can treat accordingly.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on February 5th, 2018
Whenever there is a sudden change in bathroom habits, it is always a good idea to check for medical problems. I presume that you are talking about urination, so I would certainly be worried that Molly could have a urinary tract infection. Dogs with urinary tract infections will feel like they have to urinate all the time even if their bladders are empty. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Molly and check a urine sample to see if there is a medical problem that explains what is going on.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 16th, 2017
I'm sorry Tank is peeing on your bed! When a previously house trained dog suddenly starts having accidents in the home, it can be a sign of medical illness such as a UTI or bladder stones. I would have Tank seen by a vet in the morning. The vet can do a physical exam, blood tests, and a urinalysis to diagnose if he does have a medical illness causing him to urinate on the bed, and can treat him for it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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