This week, Dr. Manley answers a question about why a reader's dog is suddenly "spot peeing" around the house.

This week's question:
Dear Dr. Manley,
Recently my 5 year old chihuahua has been randomnly "spot" peeing around the house. He is neutered and has been for years, one of the many reasons why we decided to neuter him was due to him marking his territory everywhere. He hadn't done this again until recently. His diet has changed, and he is taken out more often than before. The places where you find his trails of spot pee are random (i.e. in the middle of the hallway, open space). What could be causing this behavior?

Thanks,
Cindy

Dr. Manley's Reply:
Hi Cindy,
First, we should make sure this is a behavioral problem, and not a health problem. Health problems that cause increased urination are bladder inflammation, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenalism, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, increased blood calcium levels, and liver disease. Your veterinarian will check a blood chemistry and urinalysis to rule out these diseases.

Sometimes male dogs continued to mark territory after they are neutered. This behavior might have become a habit before the hormone triggering the behavior was removed. Urine can soak into areas leaving behind an odor that stimulates your pet to remark the area. Have a professional treat these areas with deodorizers designed for pet urine.

Small male dogs are the most difficult pet to completely house train. Confinement while your pet is unsupervised is the last resort.

Thanks for the question....Dr. Manley
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Dr. Cleveland Manley, Jr. is one of the wonderful veterinarians at VCA Pet Doctor in Richardson, TX. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University - College of Veterinary Medicine.