Share

Regarding scent marking, we may be discussing urinating or passing stool inside the home.

Disclaimer:just refer to the information in this article as a guide only.

If you are worried about your pets health or behavior, its best to contact your veterinarian.

Article image

The information provided herein is for informational purposes only.

just refer to ourdisclaimerfor more details..

Why has my dog started to mark in the house?

Share icon

Image credits:Wade Austin Ellis.

Two brown dogs in a living room, focusing on behavior to stop marking indoors.

There may be amedical issueor abehavioural problem.

They might wake up wet and leave wet patches on the sofa or their bed.

These dogs generally have other symptoms such as excess thirst and weight loss.

Dog lying on a patterned carpet, looking up, related to preventing marking in the house.

How to stop your dog from marking in the house?

Image credits:Mike Burke.

As mentioned, the most important thing is for dog owners to determine why the behaviour has started.

this may include a health check, urine analysis +/- imaging such as a bladder scan.

Your vet can then issue treatment (such as antibiotics or anti inflammatories) as needed.

For uncastrated males, neutering should be considered and may help.

Does it always help to spay or neuter your dog?

It is important to understand that neutering wont stop marking unless it is linked to sex hormones.

Both male and female dogs can mark territorially when not neutered, and in these cases, neutering themcanhelp.

What are the more common causes of house soiling (stool)?

A vet visit is advised, which may include a stool analysis.

This is so your vet can treat the cause of the runny stool.

What are the best ways to stop the marking?

Over time, implementing a predictable schedule should help a lot here.

How to stop a dog marking specific areas in the home?

Many owners notice their dog keeps going in the same spot each time.

To stop this, we can block access to the area and clean it well using an enzymatic cleaner.

Wet and soaked carpets and rugs may need to be taken up.

If urine has soaked down into floorboards, they may have to be removed.

Do male dogs mark more than female dogs?

Anecdotally, yes, males will mark more.

This is because they instinctively have a very strong urge to mark territory due to their testosterone.

Females may experience a similar urge when in season.

Most males are content marking when outdoors on their walks.

Should I crate my dog if they start to toilet inside?

However, if your dog has anxiety, suddenly crating them could make things worse.