There’s nothing more exciting than bringing a new dog home. You may be thinking about all of the fun you’ll have playing fetch in the park and taking long walks around the neighborhood. But before you can enjoy all of those activities, you need to potty train your new pup.
Unfortunately, sometimes potty training doesn’t go as planned. If your new dog won’t pee, don’t worry – there are a few things you can do to encourage them to “go.”
Read on for some tips on what to do if your new dog won’t pee.
Why Won’t My New Dog Pee?
Here are some of the most common reasons that your new dog might not be peeing:
Anxiety & Nervousness
One of the most common reasons why a new dog won’t pee is because they’re feeling anxious or nervous. It’s natural for dogs to feel this way in a new environment – after all, they don’t know what to expect.
You may also notice that your new pup isn’t enthusiastic about going number two, eating, or drinking water right away as well.
They Don’t Know Where to Go
Another common reason why your new dog might not be peeing is that they don’t know where to go. If you’ve just brought them home, they may be confused about where they’re supposed to “go.” They may need some clearer directions on where to take a potty break or to take some time to explore their new surroundings before they’re ready to go.
Dehydration
Dehydration is another common reason why dogs don’t pee. If your dog has made the transition to your home and had a long hot car ride home, it may not be feeling very thirsty. Make sure to give them plenty of water and keep an eye on their hydration levels.
Medical Reasons
There are a few medical reasons why your new dog might not be peeing. If they’re on medication, it could be affecting their ability to urinate. Or, if they have an infection or UTI, that could also be the reason why they’re not peeing.
Some other common ailments that make it hard for dogs to pee include infection, tumors, kidney disease, or even a spinal injury. Don’t hesitate to take them to the vet if you’re concerned about their health.
Is It Normal for Newly Adopted Dogs to Not Pee?
Although not every dog will act this way, it’s fairly common for newly adopted dogs to not pee. Remember that they haven’t established a routine yet and may feel confused when first arriving in their new home.
If you’ve just brought them home, give them some time to adjust and settle in. If your new dog isn’t urinating for over 12 hours, however, you should take them to the vet to make sure everything is okay.
Is It Normal for a New Puppy to Not Pee?
If you’ve just brought home a new puppy, it’s normal for them to not pee right away. However, puppies have small bladders and need to go more frequently than adult dogs. This means that you should expect to take them out more often – at least every few hours.
Even if your puppy isn’t peeing right away, keep taking them out regularly. Eventually, they’ll get the hang of it and will eventually use the bathroom once they catch on.
What to Do if My New Dog Won’t Pee?
It can be frustrating when your new dog won’t pee, but there are a few things you can do to help the process along:
Make Your New Dog Comfortable
One of the best things you can do if your new dog won’t pee is to make them feel comfortable. This means creating a safe space for them to relax and get rid of anything that might make them nervous such as loud noises, other animals, or strangers.
You can also try using a pheromone diffuser to help them feel more comfortable and relaxed in their new environment.
Take Your Dog Out Regularly
Even if they don’t go, it’s important to take them out on a regular basis. This will help them get used to the process and eventually, they’ll catch on. Make sure to guide them to the area that you want them to go in and give them some time to do their business.
Go On a Walk
A walk is a great way to help your new dog relieve themselves. The movement will help get their system going and they may just end up doing their business while on the walk. This is a great way for a new dog to release anxiety and get some exercise too.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Water
As mentioned before, dehydration can be a reason why your new dog isn’t peeing. Make sure they have plenty of water to drink and keep an eye on their hydration levels. You can leave one or two full bowls of clean water around the home and encourage them to drink it by adding some flavor to it.
Give Your Dog Some Broth
If your new dog isn’t interested in drinking water, you can try giving them some broth instead. This will help keep them hydrated and may just be enough to get their system going. Just make sure that the broth is low in sodium and doesn’t contain extra seasonings such as onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs.
Have Another Dog In the Home Demonstrate
If you have another dog in the home, you can have them demonstrate how to pee outside. This may be enough to get your new dog to start doing their business too. Just make sure that both dogs are supervised while they’re outside so that there’s no fighting or accidents.
Take Them to the Vet
If you’re concerned about your new dog’s health, take them to the vet right away. This is especially important if they’re not peeing and are also showing other signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. The vet will be able to give you a better idea of what’s going on and will be able to provide treatment if necessary.
Give Them Time to Adjust
As mentioned before, it’s important to give your new dog time to adjust. Don’t be too pushy and certainly don’t try to punish your new dog for not wanting to go to the bathroom.
In general, going #1 is a pretty normal thing, and your dog will eventually get the hang of it. Just give them some time to relax, get comfortable, and learn the ropes. With a little patience, they’ll be going in no time!