If you have just brought a new dog into your home, and find that your old dog is suddenly peeing in the house, you may wonder what is going on.
It can be confusing and frustrating when dogs start to exhibit this type of behavior. In most cases, it is not due to a lack of potty training – it is usually due to stress or anxiety.
In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why dogs might start peeing in the house after a new pet has been introduced, and we will offer some solutions on how to deal with the problem.
Why Is My Dog Peeing in the House After Getting a New Dog?
There are a number of reasons why your dog might start peeing in the house after getting a new dog. Some of the most common reasons include:
Stress and Anxiety
Dogs are very social animals, and they can get stressed and anxious when there is a change in their pack.
If you have just brought a new dog into the home, your old dog may be feeling stressed and anxious. This can lead to them exhibiting all sorts of different behaviors, including urinating in the house.
Not Enough Attention
Another common reason why dogs start peeing in the house after getting a new dog is that they are not getting enough attention.
If you are spending all of your time with the new dog, and not paying enough attention to your old dog, it may start to feel neglected. This can lead to them acting out in different ways, including urinating in the house.
Jealousy
It is also possible that your dog will feel jealous of the new dog.
If they are used to being the center of attention, and suddenly have to share you with another dog, it can be tough for them. This can lead to jealousy-related issues, such as urinating in the house.
Lack of Space
If you have a small home, or if the new dog is cramping your old dog’s style, it can lead to them feeling like there isn’t enough space for each pup to have a territory of its own.
This can cause all sorts of problems, including urinating in the house.
In some rare cases, a dog may start urinating in the house after getting a new dog due to an unrelated medical issue.
If your dog has other side effects such as lethargy, appetite changes, or excessive drinking, it is best to take them to the vet to rule out any potential health problems.
What to Do if My Dog Is Peeing in the House After a New Dog?
If your dog is peeing in the house after getting a new dog, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. Some of the most effective solutions include:
Increasing Attention
One of the best things you can do if your dog is feeling neglected is to increase the amount of attention you are giving them.
This means more cuddles, more walks, and more playtime. You may also want to consider feeding them their meals in a separate room from the new dog, so they don’t feel like they are being left out.
Creating a Safe Space
If your dog is feeling stressed or anxious, it is important to create a safe space for them to retreat to.
This could be a crate, a bed in a quiet room, or even just a spot on the couch where they can curl up and feel relaxed.
Giving Them More Exercise
If your dog is feeling cooped up and needs more space, one of the best things you can do is to give them more exercise.
This means longer walks, more playtime in the backyard, and maybe even some doggy daycare.
Training Them to Accept the New Dog
If your dog is having trouble accepting the new dog, it is important to start training them to do so.
This may mean teaching them to share toys, food, and even you. With a little patience and training, most dogs can learn to accept a new dog in the house.
Get Support From a Dog Behavioralist
If you have tried all of the above solutions and your dog is still peeing in the house, it may be time to seek help from a dog behavioralist.
A behavioralist can help you to identify the root cause of the problem and come up with a customized solution that will work for your dog.
Go to the Vet
If your dog is urinating in the house and has other side effects, it is best to take them to the vet to rule out any potential health problems.
This will ensure that your dog is healthy and will help you to find the best solution for their problem.
How to Get My Dog to Stop Peeing in the House After Getting a New Dog
Put Down Pee Pads
If your dog is urinating in the house, one of the first things you could do is to put down pee pads.
Pee pads are absorbent mats that can help to protect your floors and furniture from accidents. You can find them at most pet stores or online.
While this isn’t a great long-term solution, it can help to prevent accidents while you are training your dog to hold it or getting your dog adjusted to your new pet.
Deep Clean Areas That Have Previously Been Soiled
If your dog has already urinated in the house, it is important to deep clean the areas that have been soiled. This will help to remove any lingering smells that could attract your dog back to that spot.
You can use a pet-safe cleaner or make your own by mixing water and white vinegar. Be sure to rinse the area well after cleaning to remove any residue.
Block Off Areas of the House
If there are certain areas of the house that your dog is attracted to, you may want to block them off with gates or baby fences. This will help to keep your dog out of those areas until they are trained not to urinate in the house.
You can also use exercise pens to create a safe space for your dog to play in.
This can be especially helpful if you have a small dog that is prone to accidents. It may be helpful to do this because it can also help to separate your dog from your new dog and slowly introduce them to each other.