When an old dog suddenly starts peeing all the time, needing to go urgently, or having more accidents than usual, it’s a sign that something important is changing in their body.
Frequent urination in senior dogs is rarely a simple behavior issue — it is almost always medical.
We outline the common reasons why an old dog may pee all the time, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Old Dog Peeing All the Time — Why It Happens
An old dog peeing all the time is usually experiencing kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, urinary tract infection, bladder problems, medication side effects, or hormonal changes that increase urine production or reduce bladder control.
Senior dogs cannot regulate hydration and bladder tone the way they used to, making frequent urination a key early symptom of age-related illness.
Some causes develop slowly and subtly, while others appear suddenly and become worse quickly.
Old Dog Peeing All the Time: Common Causes
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is one of the most common reasons senior dogs begin peeing excessively.
As the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine, they produce large amounts of dilute urine that require the dog to drink more.
This increased thirst leads to even more urination, creating a constant cycle of frequent peeing. Old dogs with kidney disease may begin asking to go outside more often, peeing larger puddles, or having nighttime accidents.
They may also appear more tired, lose weight, or become nauseous as toxins build up. The change in urination often appears before other symptoms, making it an important early warning sign.
Because kidney function declines gradually, owners may not notice the progression until the dog is suddenly urinating all the time.
Read more: Old Dog Peeing in House (Here’s why)
Diabetes
Diabetes is another leading cause of frequent urination in senior dogs. When blood sugar levels are too high, the body tries to flush the excess sugar through urine.
This causes the kidneys to produce large amounts of fluid, leading to increased thirst and near-constant urination.
Dogs with diabetes often appear hungry yet lose weight, drink excessively, and may have sweet-smelling urine. Because the kidneys are overwhelmed, they cannot hold urine long, and accidents become common.
Dogs may begin waking at night to pee, dripping small amounts when excited, or rushing to the door urgently.
Diabetes progresses quickly, so the sudden increase in urination is often the first major sign that something is wrong.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, a hormone that affects appetite, thirst, metabolism, and bladder control.
Dogs with Cushing’s tend to drink enormous amounts of water and pee frequently throughout the day and night.
The excessive cortisol weakens the urinary sphincter muscles, making leakage and accidents more likely.
Senior dogs with Cushing’s often show additional symptoms such as belly swelling, hair loss, panting, and muscle thinning.
Because the hormonal imbalance affects nearly every organ system, frequent urination is one of the most noticeable and disruptive changes for owners.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection can cause a sudden increase in the frequency of urination because the bladder becomes irritated and inflamed.
Dogs with UTIs feel the need to pee constantly, even if only a few drops come out. Some dogs strain, lick their genital area, or seem restless and uncomfortable.
In senior dogs, UTIs may develop more quietly, with the only obvious symptom being increased peeing indoors or outdoors.
Because infections can spread to the kidneys if untreated, frequent urination should never be ignored. UTIs may also recur in older dogs with chronic illness, making monitoring essential.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones can cause a dog to pee frequently because they irritate the bladder lining and obstruct urine flow.
Dogs may produce only small amounts at a time but feel the constant urge to urinate. Some dogs leak urine during movement because pressure from stones makes bladder control difficult.
Stones may form slowly over time or develop rapidly in dogs with underlying infections or metabolic disorders.
A dog with bladder stones may also show signs of discomfort, blood in the urine, or sudden accidents that seem out of character.
Hormonal Decline
As dogs age, hormonal levels decline, especially in spayed females and neutered males.
Estrogen and testosterone play a role in maintaining the strength of the urinary sphincter muscle.
When these hormones drop, the bladder becomes more relaxed and less capable of holding urine during movement or rest.
While this condition usually causes leaking during sleep, many senior dogs also begin to urinate more frequently throughout the day because they cannot hold urine as long.
Hormonal incontinence often begins subtly and becomes more noticeable as the dog ages.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications used in older dogs — including steroids, diuretics, and some heart medications — can cause increased thirst and urination.
Dogs on prednisone or other corticosteroids often drink excessively and pee far more frequently than normal.
The body flushes fluid rapidly, and senior dogs may not be able to wait long between bathroom breaks.
Medication-related urination changes are common but should still be discussed with a veterinarian to ensure the dosage is appropriate and the dog is not experiencing complications.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Cognitive dysfunction, or dog dementia, affects how a senior dog responds to internal cues.
A dog with cognitive decline may forget to signal when they need to pee, urinate indoors out of confusion, or become restless and pace while dribbling urine.
They may also forget their routine, leading to more accidents simply because they are disoriented.
Some dogs lose awareness of bladder fullness and begin urinating suddenly and unexpectedly.
While cognitive dysfunction is not the most common cause of frequent urination, it plays a significant role in nighttime or indoor accidents in senior dogs.
Read more: Old Dog Not Eating and Peeing in the House (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Old Dog Is Peeing All the Time
Start by observing the frequency, amount, and appearance of your dog’s urine. Note whether they seem thirsty, uncomfortable, or unable to hold it between bathroom breaks.
Ensure your dog has easy access to clean water, as restricting water can worsen underlying health problems.
Allow more frequent bathroom trips, especially after meals and before bedtime, to prevent accidents. Keep the environment calm and predictable, as anxiety can worsen restroom behavior in senior dogs.
Provide supportive bedding and easy outdoor access, using ramps or non-slip surfaces if mobility is an issue.
Avoid punishment — increased urination is not a behavioral problem but a medical one.
Because frequent urination is an early sign of many age-related illnesses, schedule a veterinary exam even if your dog appears otherwise normal.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek veterinary care if your old dog is peeing all the time and shows:
• Excessive thirst or sudden increase in drinking.
• Blood in urine or strong odor.
• Straining, pain, or difficulty urinating.
• Sudden accidents after years of being house-trained.
• Weight loss or increased appetite.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
• A bloated or swollen abdomen.
• Weakness, trembling, or collapse.
• Confusion, pacing, or nighttime restlessness.
• Any rapid or dramatic change in urinary habits.
Frequent urination in senior dogs is rarely harmless and often requires medical evaluation.
Read more: Dog peeing excessively (Important warning signs)
Key Takeaway
An old dog peeing all the time is usually experiencing kidney disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, infection, bladder problems, or cognitive decline.
While this can be frustrating and worrying for owners, frequent urination is a vital clue that your dog needs evaluation.
With early detection, supportive care, and proper treatment, many senior dogs regain comfort, stability, and quality of life.