Dog Peeing Near Cat Litter Box
Have you ever had your Dog Peeing Near Cat Litter Box? It can be both confusing and gross. But did you know that there are a couple of reasons behind why this might be happening? And if you can identify the reasons, you’ll have an easier time solving the problem and preventing it from happening again in the future! Here are reasons why your dog might be going to the cat litter box and peeing, as well as how to fix it.
Why Your Dog Is Peeing Near Cat Litter Box
Is Your Dog Housetrained?
If your dog is housetrained, and has just started urinating in the vicinity of the cat litter box, it’s likely because your cat is no longer using the litter box. Cats that have been spayed or neutered often stop using their litter boxes after surgery. The smell of a cat in heat also triggers this behavior.
To remedy this problem, you can try adding another set of clean litter boxes to a different spot in your house or rearrange your furniture so that they’re not near each other. If there are too many cats in the household, divide them into two groups with two litter boxes each. Avoid scented litters as these could be triggering for your cat as well.
Give them plenty of time to explore the new location before punishing them for going outside of it again. It might take some time for them to get used to it but eventually they will return to normal habits and use their litter box like before!
Is Your Cat’s Litter Box Clean?
Cats are clean animals who will generally not use a litter box if it is dirty. I recommend scooping the litter at least once a day, or more often if your cat is using the litter box multiple times per day.
Scoop any urine clumps with your hand and throw them away in the trash, being careful to not touch the waste with your hands.
Wash the outside of the litter box with soap and water, then rinse off all soap residue before filling it back up with fresh litter. If your cat is still not using their litter box, take a look at these other reasons for cats urinating outside of their boxes!
Could Your Dog Be Sick or Have a Medical Condition?
If your dog has a medical condition that is causing him to urinate more often, or if he is suddenly peeing outside of the litter box, it’s important to take him to the vet.
If you’re unsure of what could be wrong, call your vet and explain the situation. It may be as simple as a UTI or bladder infection, but it’s best to rule out any medical conditions before they get worse. Your vet will be able to determine the cause of his problem, so don’t wait too long!
Cats and dogs can live happily together in most cases: Cats are generally more tolerant than dogs when it comes to sharing their space with other animals. That being said, there are some things you can do to help ensure both cats and dogs get along nicely at home.
Is Your Dog Marking Territory?
If your dog is peeing near the cat litter box, it may be due to territorial marking. Dogs will sometimes mark their territory by urinating on things in the area that do not belong to them.
In this instance, your dog may feel threatened by the presence of the cat and is attempting to stake its claim on what it considers its space.
What Can You Do to Stop Your Dog From Peeing Near The Cat Litter Box?
Address Medical Issues:
- Schedule a vet visit: Rule out any underlying medical conditions in your dog that might be causing inappropriate elimination, like urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or diabetes.
Curb Territorial Marking:
- Revisit house training: Reinforce good habits with more frequent potty breaks and consistent praise for going outside. This reminds your dog where the appropriate elimination zone is.
Make the Litter Box Unappealing to Dogs:
- Maintain litter box cleanliness: A clean litter box is more inviting to your cat and less likely to attract your dog. Scoop daily and change the litter regularly.
- Consider additional litter boxes: If space allows, provide another box in a different location. More options can reduce your cat’s litter box anxiety and deter your dog from focusing on a single target.
- Location, location, location: If possible, relocate the litter box to a quieter, less accessible area for your dog. Behind a baby gate or in a separate room can work wonders.
Deterrence Techniques (temporary):
- Citrus and vinegar scents: Dogs dislike the strong smells of citrus and vinegar. Strategically placed citrus peels (be sure your dog can’t eat them) or diluted vinegar solution (safe for pets) might offer temporary deterrence near the litter box.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why a dog may be urinating near the cat litter box, from old habits to territorial marking. The best way to address this behavior is to try and determine the cause of the problem.
When you’ve determined the cause, take steps to correct it. If your pup has an old habit, clean up after them when they pee in their designated spot (either outside or on pee pads).
If they’re trying to mark territory around the house or yard, walk them more often and make sure they get plenty of exercise.
And if they seem anxious or stressed out, talk with your vet about anxiety medications that could help.