Dog Peeing Near Cat Litter Box | Your cat’s litter box may have been the best of friends to your older dog when it was introduced to them. However, when you brought home the new puppy, things started to change and now he’s peeing near the litter box or even in it!
This territorial behavior is usually the first sign that there’s trouble ahead if you don’t do something about it quickly. Read on to find out why your dog keeps peeing near the litter box, as well as what you can do about it!
Why Is My Dog Peeing Near Cat Litter Box
There are a few reasons why your dog might be peeing next to the litter box, and it’s important to figure out which one it is so you can take the appropriate steps to fix the problem. The most common reason is that your dog is marking their territory. They may need some re-training to correct this behavior.
Another possibility is that your dog is anxious or stressed, and the litter box reminds them of something that makes them nervous. If this is the case, you may need to provide more enrichment for your dog or help them work through their anxiety with a behaviorist or trainer.
It’s also possible that your dog has an underlying health condition that is causing them to urinate more frequently or in inappropriate places.
1) Dogs Are Territorial
One of the most common reasons your dog may be peeing near your cat’s litter box is because of territorial behavior. Dogs are very territorial creatures and may see the litter box as an encroachment on their territory.
This can be especially true if the litter box is in a place that your dog feels is his space, such as a bedroom or bathroom. If your dog is peeing near the litter box in an attempt to mark his territory, you’ll need to do some re-training to correct the behavior.
However, there are other reasons why your dog may be peeing near the litter box, so it’s important to rule out any other possible causes before beginning training.
2) Unsupervised Home Alone Time
One of the most important things you can do for your dog when you’re away is to provide them with unsupervised home alone time.
This gives them a chance to explore their environment, get some exercise, and just be a dog. It’s important to start with short periods of time and gradually increase as your dog gets more comfortable.
3) A Smelly Kitty Causes Irritation
- The most common reason for a dog peeing near your cat’s litter box is territorial behaviour. Dogs are naturally protective of their homes and may see the litter box as a threat to their territory.
- Another reason for this behaviour is that your dog may be trying to assert dominance over the cat. This is especially common if the dog is newer to the home or was introduced to the cat after she had already established her litter box.
- It could also be that your dog is simply curious about the litter box and what it contains. After all, cats spend a lot of time in and around their litter boxes, so it stands to reason that dogs would be curious about them too.
4) A Scent Marker By Another Pet
Pets often leave scent markers to show ownership and to claim their territory. If your dog is peeing near your cat’s litter box, it’s likely because they’re trying to mark their territory. This can be a problem if you have multiple pets, as it can lead to territorial disputes.
To avoid this, you’ll need to train your dog not to mark their territory inside the house. There are a few different ways you can do this, but the most important thing is to be consistent with your training.
5) Low Blood Sugar Or Diabetes (Hypoglycemia)
One of the most common reasons for a dog to start peeing near a cat’s litter box is low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop, dogs will often start to urinate more frequently in an attempt to raise them.
This can be caused by not eating enough, or by not getting enough insulin if your dog is diabetic. Low blood sugar can also make your dog feel dizzy and disoriented, which may lead them to pee near the litter box instead of in it. If you think your dog’s peeing near the litter box may be due to low blood sugar, talk to your vet about how to best manage it.
6) UTI
One of the most common reasons for a dog peeing near your cat’s litter box is a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI can cause your dog to feel the urge to urinate more frequently, and they may not be able to hold it in when they see the litter box.
If you think your dog may have a UTI, take them to the vet for a check-up. UTIs are treatable with antibiotics, but it’s important to catch them early.
7) Bladder Infection
A bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is a common infection of the urinary tract. The infection can cause inflammation and irritation of the bladder, which can lead to your dog feeling the urge to urinate more frequently.
If your dog is peeing near the litter box, it could be a sign of a bladder infection. Other symptoms include blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, and lethargy. If you think your dog may have a bladder infection, take them to the vet for a check-up.
8) Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that can cause lameness and pain in dogs. It’s caused by a malformation of the hip joint, which can lead to arthritis. Although it’s most common in large breeds, it can affect any size or type of dog.
Hip dysplasia is usually diagnosed with X-rays, but your vet may also recommend an MRI or CT scan. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include weight management, exercise restriction, physical therapy, joint supplements, pain medication, or surgery.
9) Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is a rare condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol. This can be due to a problem with the pituitary gland, which regulates the adrenal glands, or it can be due to an autoimmune disorder.
Symptoms of Addison’s disease include fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, and darkening of the skin. If left untreated, Addison’s disease can lead to death. Treatment for Addison’s disease involves taking cortisol replacement hormones.
10) Cancer Of The Uterus
- One of the most common reasons for a dog to pee near a cat’s litter box is due to cancer of the uterus. This can cause a decrease in the amount of urine produced, as well as make it more difficult for the dog to control their bladder.
- Cancer of the uterus can also cause changes in hormones, which can lead to increased territorial behavior.
- If your dog is peeing near the litter box, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up. Cancer is just one of many possible health conditions that could be causing this behavior.
- Other possible health conditions include urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes.
What To Do When You Catch Your Dog Peeing Next To The Litter Box
- Try to figure out why your dog is peeing near the litter box. Is it because they’re territorial, or could there be an underlying health condition?
- If it’s because of territorial behaviour, you’ll need to re-train your dog. This may take some time, but it’s important to be patient.
- If there’s an underlying health condition, you’ll need to take your dog to the vet for treatment.
- In the meantime, keep your dog away from the litter box as much as possible. You don’t want them to continue peeing near it.
- Clean up any accidents immediately, and make sure to use a cleaner that will remove the scent of urine.
How To Stop Your Dog From Peeing Near The Cat Litter Box
There are a few things you can do to stop your dog from peeing near the cat litter box.
- The first thing you should do is take your dog to the vet to rule out any health conditions that may be causing the problem.
- If there is no medical reason for the problem, it is likely that your dog is just being territorial. In this case, you will need to re-train your dog not to pee near the litter box.
- One way to do this is to keep your dog on a leash when he is in the same room as the litter box. If he starts to pee near it, immediately say no and move him away from the area.
- You can also use positive reinforcement by praising him every time he uses the designated spot. You might also want to find a new place for your cat’s litter box if your dog has been able to smell where it is.
Watch the tutorial
Conclusion: Dog Peeing Near Cat Litter Box? 10 Reasons Why
There are a number of reasons why your dog may be peeing near your cat’s litter box. Territorial behaviour is the most common reason, but it could also be caused by an underlying health condition. If you’re concerned about your dog’s behaviour, talk to your vet to rule out any medical causes. Then, you can work on re-training your dog to correct the behaviour.