Strange Change in Urination Habits of Boxer (male, 4yrs old)
Written by girl in the mist
My four year old male boxer was neutered this May. He recovered from the surgery with no complications and acted as he has for years. He was housebroken / trained since he has been a puppy and has rarley ever had any accidents. About a week and a half ago, I noticed a strange change in his behavior.
When I get home from work he urinates on the floor or even on my foot if hes standing next to me (or if he jumps on the couch, he urinates on the couch.. etc)! Of course, the first few times this happened I repremanded him, thinking that he was doing this "on purpose" or at least that he was controlling it. This has happened every day since the first occurance and I've realized that he can't help it - he can't control it. Now, he runs into the bathroom to avoid me when I come home, but when I greet him (gently and comforting) he urinates. It is a significant amount of urine too. Because he doesn't lift his leg and acts like he doesnt mean to do it, I think that he really can't control it.
Whats going on? I've looked at symptoms of UTI or bladder infections and he does not show any symptoms than this change in urinary habits. I would simply bring him to the vet but I just had car repairs done and paid rent and i will be totally broke until my next paycheck. My lil man (my boxer) is my best friend and I am very worried about him. Anyone have any suggestions / possible diagnoses? Is it possible that this is "happy or excited urination"? Or does this definately indicate a bigger, more serious problem? Can it wait 2 weeks until I get paid again to bring him to the vet? Are there any medications for this?
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It is odd that your dog would start urinating in the house out of the blue. It sounds like it may be behavioral rather than medical but it is impossible to say for sure with out a visit to the vet. I would go ahead and make the appointment for the next time you get paid and you can always cancel if things improve. Many behavior changes start as a result of an underlying medical problem, so it is best to be sure to rule out that possibility.
In the mean time, try taking him immediately outside before greeting him in any way. Once outside let him pee and then have your greeting. This will at least hopefully get the urinating outside. You could even add a treat for peeing outside, reinforcing the good behavior. Try to schedule in some extra time before you leave in the morning for a walk. This will give your dog more opportunity to pee outside, exercise his body and his sniffer and help reduce any anxiety he may be developing. Actvities to help build the dogs self confidence may also help this urination problem. Things like reinforcing basic training (to spend more time with you), longer walks and outings to the dog park or play dates with other dogs may help as well. Keeping him busy while you are at work with tips fom our Separation Anxiety article may also be helpful. Good luck and let us know how it works out.
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