When an old dog starts peeing in the house, it can be frustrating and concerning for owners.
While accidents might seem like a behavior issue, in senior dogs they often point to health problems or age-related changes that need attention.
We outline the common causes of an old dog peeing in the house, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Old Dog Peeing in House — Why It Happens
An old dog may start peeing in the house due to medical issues, mobility problems, or cognitive decline. Common causes include urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, incontinence, arthritis, and dementia.
Sometimes, the issue is physical—your dog simply cannot hold urine or make it outside in time. Other times, it’s linked to disease processes that affect bladder control, thirst levels, or awareness.
Regardless of the cause, house soiling in a senior dog is usually not intentional and deserves careful investigation.
Old Dog Peeing in House: Common Causes
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common reasons older dogs pee indoors.
UTIs cause irritation and inflammation of the bladder, making your dog feel the need to urinate urgently and frequently. Even if house-trained, an older dog may suddenly have accidents inside because they cannot hold it long enough to reach the door.
Other signs include blood in the urine, straining, licking at the genital area, or whining when urinating. UTIs can be painful and, if untreated, may spread to the kidneys.
Read more: Old Dog Panting a Lot (Is it normal or not?)
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is very common in aging dogs and often leads to peeing in the house.
When the kidneys can’t filter waste properly, dogs produce more urine and drink more water. This increase in volume makes it difficult for them to control their bladder, especially overnight.
Owners might notice excessive thirst, weight loss, vomiting, or a dull coat along with accidents indoors. Kidney disease is progressive and requires veterinary management to slow its advance.
Diabetes
Diabetes is another condition that can make an old dog start urinating in the house.
Excess glucose in the blood pulls water into the urine, causing dogs to drink more and pee more often. Even the best-trained senior dogs may begin having accidents because their bladder fills too quickly.
Alongside accidents, you may notice weight loss despite a good appetite, lethargy, or cloudy eyes from cataracts. Diabetes is serious but can often be managed with insulin and dietary changes.
Incontinence
True urinary incontinence happens when an old dog cannot physically control their bladder.
This often results from weakened bladder sphincter muscles or hormonal changes after spaying. In some cases, nerve problems or spinal disease also play a role.
Owners typically see wet bedding, dribbles of urine while the dog sleeps, or damp fur around the hind end. Incontinence isn’t painful, but it can cause skin infections and significantly affect your dog’s comfort.
Arthritis and Mobility Issues
Sometimes, an old dog pees in the house not because of a bladder problem, but because arthritis makes it too painful or slow to get outside.
If stiff joints or weak legs prevent your dog from reaching the door in time, accidents may happen more frequently. You might also notice your dog hesitating on stairs, struggling to stand, or limping.
While not directly a urinary issue, mobility problems can indirectly lead to house soiling and frustration for both pet and owner.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Dog Dementia)
Cognitive decline in senior dogs can also cause house accidents.
A dog with dementia may forget housetraining habits, become disoriented indoors, or fail to signal when they need to go outside. Panting, pacing, staring into space, or nighttime restlessness often occur alongside the accidents.
This condition is progressive and can be challenging, but understanding that it’s part of aging can help owners respond with more patience and care.
What to Do If Your Old Dog Is Peeing in the House
If your old dog is peeing indoors, start by keeping a log of when and where accidents occur. This can help your vet determine whether the problem is medical, behavioral, or mobility-related.
Ensure your senior dog has frequent bathroom breaks. Older dogs may need to go out every 2–3 hours instead of the typical 4–6. Adding a late-night walk can also reduce overnight accidents.
Keep your dog comfortable by making outdoor trips easier. Use ramps, non-slip mats, or a closer potty area if mobility is a challenge. For dogs with incontinence, waterproof bedding and washable pads can help manage the mess.
If diabetes, kidney disease, or infections are suspected, never delay veterinary care. These conditions can worsen quickly if untreated. In the meantime, provide plenty of fresh water and a calm environment.
Finally, avoid punishing your senior dog. House accidents are almost always outside of their control and discipline can increase anxiety, making the problem worse.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your vet promptly if your old dog suddenly begins peeing in the house after years of being well-trained.
Red flags include blood in the urine, straining, whining, frequent licking at the genital area, or changes in water intake. These can point to infection, stones, or organ disease.
Seek urgent veterinary help if your dog cannot urinate at all, seems in pain while trying, or has a swollen abdomen. These may signal a urinary blockage, which is life-threatening.
Even if the accidents are mild, persistent indoor urination in an old dog deserves evaluation. A urine test, bloodwork, and physical exam can quickly narrow down the cause and help guide treatment.
Read more: Old Dog Not Eating (Causes and next steps)
Key Takeaway
An old dog peeing in the house is usually more than just a behavioral issue. It often signals medical problems such as UTIs, kidney disease, diabetes, incontinence, arthritis, or dementia.
At home, you can support your senior dog with more frequent bathroom breaks, easier access outdoors, and comfort measures like washable pads. But the most important step is scheduling a vet visit to rule out or treat underlying conditions.
With compassion, patience, and the right medical care, you can help your old dog stay comfortable and maintain dignity during their golden years.