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My dog pees on his new bed daily. Is it marking or a medical issue?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 10 years and 7 months old | 23 lbs

I bought Duke a nice new dog bed. He likes it but pees on it daily. I’m assuming to mark it as his. It has a removable waterproof cover so I can just wash it. But washing it daily isn’t always an option. Other than just washing it daily is there anything I can do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2018

It would be nice to know whether he deliberately pees on the bed or whether he is losing urine while he lies on it or sleeps on it. If he deliberately pees on it, I suggest you take it away from him because he will likely keep on peeing on the bed.
If he loses his urine while resting, then he needs to be seen by your veterinarian and examined. He may have a UTI or other problem with his urinary tract, or he may have a problem with the sphincter muscles holding in his urine (urinary incontinence). Both conditions can be medically controlled.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 26th, 2018
If this is the only time he does it then it is a behavior problem. The easiest way to correct this is keep him in a kennel at night. You sleep in the bed and let him sleep next to in a kennel. Once he goes months without having an accident in his kennel through the night, then you can try him in the bed again. You have to back up and treat him like a new puppy who is not house trained to correct this
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 20th, 2018
She relaxes so well while asleep (because she feels safe) that the bladder sphincter also relaxes and then she leaks. You can try taking her out at 9pm and again at midnight, and if that does not work, again at three in the morning. Over time she should be able to hold the urine through the night.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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