Quick Take
- Your dog's bed-wetting habit might have nothing to do with training, and treating it like a behavior problem could actually make things worse. Rule out health causes →
- The instinct most owners follow when catching their dog in the act is exactly what retraining experts say you should never do. See what not to do →
- Even after you've washed your sheets, your dog may still smell a reason to come back, and ordinary cleaning simply won't be enough to stop that. Eliminate the scent properly →
- There's a last-resort option for dogs who just won't stop, though it comes with a hidden catch most owners don't anticipate. Explore the last resort →
Housebreaking regression is one of the most frustrating challenges dog guardians face. If your dog starts urinating on your bed, it’s important to find a quick solution. If your dog is relieving itself on the bed, start with a trip to the vet to rule out health problems. Once your pup receives a clean bill of health, there are several ways to eliminate this problem behavior.
#1: Schedule a Vet Appointment
Urinating indoors is often indicative of a health problem.
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If your dog has suddenly started urinating on your bed, they need to see a vet. It’s vital to rule out illness before treating this as a training issue.
Dogs often urinate on soft surfaces like beds due to pain. This could be from arthritis, a urinary tract infection, or several other health problems.
Mental health conditions such as dementia are another possible cause, and sometimes dogs become incontinent due to age.
#2: Bring Them Outside More Often
Frequent, leashed trips outside are necessary for dogs having accidents indoors.
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If your dog starts urinating indoors, you’ll need to go back to house training basics. This means taking them out every couple of hours and after they eat, drink, or play. Take your dog out first thing every morning and immediately before going to bed.
#3: Reward them for Going Outdoors
Bring high-value treats to reward your dog for urinating outdoors.
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If your dog has been urinating in your bed, when they go outdoors, it is cause for celebration. Shower them with praise, give them the tastiest treats, and let them know how proud you are.
You won’t have to make such a big fuss every time, but while they’re relearning, you need to keep them motivated to do their business outdoors.
#4: Keep Your Dog Close and Supervise them Carefully
Keeping your dog close allows you to supervise them and know when they need to potty.
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Going outside many times a day often isn’t enough if your dog has decided that your bed is their bathroom. You’ll also need to supervise them closely, especially near the bed and any other indoor potty areas.
Keep your dog close to you during the day by closing the door of the room you’re in, using a leash, or putting them in an exercise pen. Don’t let them go into the bedroom on their own, as they’re likely to pee again.
If at any point your dog begins acting like they need to pee (sniffing, squatting, etc.), take them outside immediately.
#5: Avoid Punishments
Dogs won’t understand punishments for peeing indoors and will only learn to fear you, which in turn makes potty training more difficult.
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Never punish your dog for peeing indoors. Try to avoid scolding them, no matter how frustrating it is to have to wash the sheets again.Remember that it isn’t their goal to make your life harder.
To the best of your ability, act as if nothing has happened. Focus on supervision indoors, frequent potty breaks, and big rewards for urinating outside.
Punishing your dog by rubbing their nose in the mess, dragging them or locking them outdoors, or hurting them in any way is counterproductive.
#6: Clean the Bed Thoroughly
Dogs are less likely to pee on the bed again if you remove the scent of their urine completely.
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If your dog can still smell their urine on the bed, they’ll continue to go there again and again. Remember that their noses are much more sensitive than ours, so you need to clean the bedding and mattress well.
White vinegar can help remove odors from bedding. Soak the stain with vinegar for about an hour before washing, or add vinegar directly to the washing machine along with your laundry detergent.
For your mattress, blot the stain with paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, use a pet enzyme cleaner to remove any remaining odor and stain. Follow the cleaner’s instructions and repeat as needed.
#7: Close the Bedroom Door
You may need to keep your dog out of the bedroom until you resolve their potty issues.
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If all else fails, and especially if the bed is the only place your dog seems to be urinating, you may need to close the bedroom door. This can be a permanent solution that’s easier than training if you’re comfortable keeping your dog out of the bedroom long-term.
If not, it can also be a short-term solution to protect your mattress until you’ve cleaned thoroughly and retrained your dog to urinate outdoors.
#8: Use Doggy Diapers
Diapers can help contain your dog’s mess.
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Belly bands and dog diapers can help manage incontinence in dogs, particularly for seniors or those with medical conditions, but they should only be used under veterinary guidance and not as a substitute for addressing underlying health or behavioral issues.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to change your dog’s diaper regularly. They will get urine and possibly feces on their coat, which will need to be washed each time. So, it’s not less work; it’s more of a last resort for pups who need the help.
