There’s nothing better than snuggling into your bed after a long day.
You get in, burrow into the blankets, take a deep breath, ready to relax, and then…
You feel a wet spot.
Your dog has peed in your bed.
Although this behavior is relatively uncommon, it does happen to dog owners all over the world and can seriously strain the relationship between owner and canine.
So, what causes this behavior, what can you do to stop it, and how do you clean a mattress?
Let’s find out.
How Can I Remove Dog Urine From My Mattress?
Removing dog urine from any part of your home can be difficult but mattresses are potentially the hardest piece of furniture to clean.
Urine soaks into the mattress which can be very deep, making it hard to eliminate and deodorize. The following are tips that may help you save your mattress if your dog has urinated on it.
1. Remove All Bedding Immediately And Wash It. The faster you remove the bedding the better.
2. Soak Up All Moisture Possible. Use paper towels and apply pressure to the area to soak up and much of the urine as possible.
3. Contact Your Mattress Manufacturer. The company that made your mattress may have recommendations on how to clean their product.
4. Apply An Enzymatic Cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners contain specific types of bacteria and enzymes that attack the urea and proteins in urine, breaking them down completely over time. These cleaners come in liquid form and can be applied liberally to the area, soaking through to reach the urine that has settled deep in the mattress.
Keep in mind that it will take days for this enzymatic cleaner to dry and to work. You may not be able to use your mattress until this process is complete. Be sure to follow all of the instructions on the product label.
A good enzymatic cleaner to try is the Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator.
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Apply Baking Soda. After you’ve allowed an enzymatic cleaner dry, sprinkle the top of the mattress with baking soda for at least a few hours. This will help to deodorize the area.
6. Use A Black Light To Check For Missed Spots. A black light can help you find any areas of the mattress that might need additional attention.
If you are having difficulty cleaning your mattress there are professional cleaning services that can help.
Once you’re happy with the state of your mattress, be sure to protect it from future accidents by purchasing a waterproof mattress cover. Now that your mattress is protected, you can focus your time and energy on figuring out why your dog is peeing in your bed.
Why Is My Dog Peeing In My Bed?
You’ve worked hard to make sure that your dog has a healthy and happy home. So why are they urinating in your bed? Here are a few possibilities:
Your Dog Has A Medical Condition
When a dog is sick they don’t always have control over where they urinate or they might be urinating in a spot that they know is important to you to let you know something is wrong. Common medical conditions that could result in inappropriate urination include:
Uroliths
Uroliths are stones that can form in any part of the urinary tract in dogs. Stones can be found in the kidneys, bladder, or even the urethra. The stones are formed from crystals that build up in the urinary tract.
Uroliths can cause pain and an increased need to urinate. If large enough, a urolith can block the urethra and will prohibit the passing of urine, putting a dog’s life at risk.
Depending on the type, size, and location of the stone, a dog might need surgery. In some cases, diet and other lifestyle changes can help to control and eliminate uroliths.
Diabetes
When a dog is diabetic, their kidneys work hard to eliminate the extra sugar that’s in the blood. When the kidneys can’t keep up with the excess sugar, it is eliminated through urine. This is why diabetic dogs frequently need to urinate.
Diabetes can be treated and kept under control with insulin.
Urinary Tract Infection
Bacterial infections can be very painful and can cause a dog to feel like they need to urinate constantly. Signs that your dog might have a UTI include:
● Bloody Urine;
● Excessive Licking;
● Exessive Posturing On Walks;
● Increased Thirst.
Antibiotics can be prescribed that will help them overcome this infection. Your veterinarian will need a urine sample to determine what is causing the infection in order to prescribe the correct medication.
Kidney Failure
Kidney failure can be both acute and chronic. The kidneys help the body to reabsorb fluid and when the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, fluids are not absorbed properly. Instead, the body passes this fluid from the body as urine.
Urinary Incontinence
When a dog is incontinent they have no idea that they are accidentally urinating until they feel the wetness on their skin. Muscle weakness, hormonal imbalance, herniated discs, and congenital defects can all cause incontinence in dogs.
When your dog starts urinating inappropriately in any part of your home you should take them to their veterinarian for an exam and possible medical testing. With treatment, the urinating could stop.
Your Dog Hasn’t Been Potty Trained
It’s always tempting to sleep with your new puppy or dog. However, until housebreaking is complete, this could result in accidents throughout your home, including your bed.
It’s never too late to start crate training or to set stricter rules about where your pet can be in the home while unattended. Keep in mind that even if your body is physically in the room with your pet, while your sleeping you won’t be able to keep an eye on them and prevent them from urinating!
Your Dog Is Marking Its Territory
Although it might seem strange to most humans, if your dog feels that they need to claim the things they love, they might urinate to mark their territory. This behavior is typically seen in pets that haven’t been neutered and can be triggered by something as simple as another dog passing by outside.
Fear Or Anxiety
Fear and anxiety are powerful forces that can cause a pet to empty their bowels. Whether it’s a fear of thunderstorms or separation anxiety, these conditions can be treated with behavioral training and medications.
Submissive Urinating
Sometimes dogs that are very submissive leak urine. Veterinarians and behaviorists believe this is to show the dominant animal that the submissive one isn’t a threat. Either way, no one wants urine leaking on their mattress!
It can take serious training and behavior modification to overcome submissive urination. A few tips to stop this behavior include:
1. Keeping your body language and voice calm and unthreatening.
2. Socializing your dog with other people and pets as frequently as possible.
3. Build confidence through regular obedience training with positive rewards.
With time and patience, you can help your dog overcome their urge to urinate.
It’s important to identify the cause of your pet’s inappropriate urination so that you can find a solution and provide them with the care they need. This will also ensure that your home will be a cleaner place!
Until you have found a solution it is wise to limit your pet’s access to your mattress and any other place they are peeing inappropriately.
