Why is my dog going potty in the house?
Advice (1)
Hi Debbie,
It's difficult to say what's causing your dog's behavior. If this is a recent development, it would be a good idea to have your vet take a look at her. A condition like a urinary tract infection can lead to house accidents because the dog might have difficulty controlling her bladder. So, start with the vet to try to figure out if there is a physical condition involved.
Now let's talk about the actual soiling. The smell of the urine in the areas where she has soiled will actually draw her back to soil again, so you need to use the right kind of cleaner to eliminate the scent. I usually recommend an enzymatic cleaner like Nature's Miracle because the enzymes actually eat the urine crystals and bacteria that regular cleaning leaves behind. You have to soak those areas thoroughly with the cleaner, and let it remain wet as long as you can. While it's still moist, it's still working.
Even if the vet finds a physical cause and provides treatment, you will still likely need to retrain your pet since she has gotten off track. It might help if you restrict your dog's run of the house for the time being, and then gradually increase the areas where your dog is allowed once the training is going well and she stops soiling in the house..
