peeing in crate again - all of a sudden

My pug puppy is almost 1 yr old. After months of nothing, finished crate training back in September, he's all of a sudden peed in the crate 3-4 times in the past 2-3 weeks. What is going on? He's not in there any longer than usual; I removed all towels (he doesn't seem to care); and he gets just as much attention as the other one, believe me. What should I do? He doesn't pee in the house when he runs around and spends his time out there. Help.

 

Hi-
I'd recommend a vet visit to have him checked for a urinary tract infection as well as other things that could be happening i.e. diabetes. Also, what is he doing just before you crate him? If he's been running around, he may have just tanked up at the water bowl when he is crated, and as a result can't hold it for long.

Have you changed his food (brand or amount or timing)? That can affect his need to 'go' as well.

How large is his crate? Is it large enough that he can pee in one end and still lie down in a dry spot at the end? If so, it is too big.

 

The exact same thing happened with my friend's Golden puppy. She took her to the vet and the cause was a urinary tract infection. She was put on medication and has not peed in the crate since. I would take a trip to the vet.

 

Always make sure puppy has relieved himself before being crated. As indicated, a trip to the vet may be in order to rule out any underlying health problems.

 

Maybe a shedule change? We had a similar problem with our year and 1/2 old Welsh Terrier. The problem occured a month or so after we had a child. We realized that due to the disruption in our schedule, we disrupted the dog's bathroom schedule. We assumed he was old enough to adjust...100% our fault. After identifying the problem and just letting him out more, he was back on track in a matter of days .

 

okay he's been to the vet, all was well, and he was put on amoxicillan. That was over a week ago. There were a few good days, but now it's back to the peeing and he's still on the medicine. I'm calling the vet again, but could this be an emotional thing. No routine has changed or anything.

 

If it is emotional it could be separation anxiety. There are lots of articles online and you can see if your dog has any other traits associated with it. If that is the diagnosis there is medication that can be given to help alleviate the anxiety. Don't give up searching for the answer - I'm sure it is frustrating but I'm sure you find it!

 

Dogs are creatures of habit therfore any change in the routine of the day tends to upset them.If they aren't walk the same time each day or if Mom & Dad are home/not home at varing times will do it,at least in my experience, I cant speak for others.On the good side atleast hes going the crate to do his business.Our 2 yrs old Schnauzer will leave a #2 right at the front door if shes not paid enough attention before we leave for work,etc

 

You mention that "he gets just as much attention as the other one". How long have you had the "other one"? Dogs do get jealous and revert to unwanted previously cured behaviour. If he was the first dog then he should still be made to feel that way. He was top dog and now hes feeling left out. Make sure he gets fed first, walked first, played with first.. EVERYTHING should involve him FIRST.

If you show him that he is still top dog... NOT ALPHA(thats you) he should be ok and stop the bad behaviour. Your puppy is wanting YOUR attention, whether its good or bad, attention is attention. If this is the only way he can get you to notice him, well thats what hes going to do.

This really does happen a lot when 2nd pets are brought into a home that previously only had 1.


Good luck with your pup and reply back if you have further questions.

 

Okay - after tests upon tests the vet says there is nothing medical. I did put a shirt of mine in there for a while and it stopped. Started again this week. The other puppy is his brother, bought the exact same day, always fed the same time, everything the same, they are brothers. He's killing me. What else can I try?