There are many reasons why dogs ‘mark territory’ and most of the time we think that they just want to establish their ground though there is more to it than just that.
Here are the various reasons why dogs do this:
Social Triggers – male dogs urine mark in the presence of female dogs (especially if they’re on heat). When visiting homes some dogs will mark those areas where other dogs have marked before.
Fertile Dogs – Unspayed females and unneutered males are more likely to urine mark.
Anxiety – Greater amounts of urine are deposited for dogs experiencing anxiety, especially if they are in new surrounds.
A new smell in a familiar environment – if a dog smells urine left by other dogs on the path that the dog usually walks or regularly visits.
Spay/Urinary Incontinence – this is a medical condition wherein dogs cannot control their bladde. They even urinate even when they are asleep.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – dogs in this stage urinate small amounts frequently and should visit their vet immediately.
Other medical reasons for house soiling are abnormalities of the bladder that cause incontinence, diseases that cause frequent urination, and medications that cause frequent urination. These and all other medical causes should be ruled out before evaluating or treating a dog for urine marking problems.
If your dog suffers from any of the above be sure to advise your pet sitter so that they can manage this condition.