Puppy started peeing in his crate after a week - what should we do?

[John Wang]

We've had Boomer for about a week and a half, and up until last night he had never soiled his crate. Then out of the blue last night, we discovered that he had peed in it while we were out (only 45 minutes, and we had let him out to go to the bathroom prior to leaving) We know he's able to hold his pee very easily for 2-3 hours, so it was uncharacteristic of him to go potty in his crate. So we switched out his dirty blanket and used an enzyme cleaner to get rid of the urine smell, and used our back-up blanket (always be prepared!) for him to sleep during the night.

This morning he did it again (just at 9AM). He had gone potty at 8:30, and my fiancee had put him back in the crate so she could work (she works from home). Half an hour later she came to check on him, and he'd gone again. She immediately took him outside and he didn't have to go.

There was no whimpering or signs that he needed to go (he will usually bark 2-3 times loudly if he can't hold it in any longer). My first guess right now is the possibility of a UTI - we are already going to the vet tomorrow for his next series of shots, so I will ask them to inspect and advise on this. I'm not too sure if it's that though, since he's still able to hold it throughout the night (he's never had an overnight accident, and last night he held it in from 11:30PM-6:45AM)

We currently take him out every 90-120 minutes, and just before/30 minutes after food. We limit his water to 30 minutes past food. His crate is only large enough for him to get inside, turn, sleep, etc. We have a divider to limit his space, so we're starting to get concerned, now that he's 2/2 days with soiling his crate. (and now we have no spare blankets until the wash is done)

Has anyone else experienced this? Sort of a step back in bladder control (and in his crate!)

[Julie and Max]

I did not experience it, but I know when reading about potty training puppies there was a lot about how young puppies can regress, and puppies under 12 weeks don't always have full bladder control yet. (Not sure how old Boomer is). Accidents are bound to happen with a new puppy though no matter how vigilant we are. I have read that with a new puppy they should be let out every hour whenever possible in the beginning. I know for me it took a solid 3 weeks to be completely accident free. I think it's a good idea to check with your vet though.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Sounds like you are doing things right-so the vet as a next step is also a good idea.  Good luck-hang in there.  This too, shall pass.  

[Robin & Josie]

Try eliminating the blankets. Or see if he has any accidents while you are waiting for the wash. I just wrote about this, but I think it bears repeating. We learned the hard way - dogs actually like cold, hard surfaces. They also like cushy beds, but he maybe be using the blanket as a diaper and then pushing it away. Just give it a try without anything and see what happens...

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I was thinking this same thing, that eliminating the blanket might do the trick. Give it a try, it can't hurt. Its good you're seeing the vet soon. Ruling out a UTI will give you peace of mind.

[BG and Gavin]

My first thought is UTI, but I agree with trying without the blanket in the crate if the UTI is rules out.  Sounds like you have everything else well covered.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Agreed.

[Wendy and Myla]

I think it's a UTI also - Myla also startied peeing in the house about two weeks after we got her and I mistakenly thought it couldn't be a UTI because she was fine all night - I did bring her to the vet to rule it out and she did have a UTI - I'm glad you're going to the vet tomorrow  but what they will need is a urine sample to determine if it is a UTI so you might try to get that before you go.  We just held a 500ml yogurt container under her when she went pee (it sounds easier than it is lol).  If a UTI is ruled out, I agree with the other advice here about the blanket and you might try bringing him outside more often until he gets back to where he was.  Good luck!

[Danni & Jedi]

I agree that you should seek a vet. I was just reading about housebreaking on a local dog training site, and there was a part in the paragraph: 

Other problems can arise from prolonged crating. If the dog tries to hold his urine an excessive length of time, bacteria will begin to grow. This leads to a Cystitis or bladder infection. This tends to affect females more often than males, but both sexes are prone. Cystitis seems to be more prevalent in younger animals, 2 to 8 months of age, but can affect dogs of any age. Classic signs of Cystitis become obvious when the dog, who has always held his urine, begins to wet in the crate. You may also notice that he’ll start wetting in the house. He will have several small accidents in a short period of time. He may wet outside and come right back in and wet again. He may start to go in odd places, such as on the sofa or on the bed. He may squat right in front of you. Cystitis is a life threatening condition. If the dog does not receive medical treatment, the bacteria causing the bladder infection will ascend into his kidneys and he will die. Dogs do not show the debilitating effects of this condition until it is too late. If you suspect that your dog has a bladder infection, take him to the Vet immediately to have his urine checked. This is not a routine part of the exam and must be specifically requested. Cystitis is easily cured with medication. 

Go and get your baby checked and come back and let us know what you find out!