Why Did My Dog Pee in Their Sleep?

Yes, your dog peeing themselves can be frustrating, but they’re not doing this intentionally. Here’s what urinary incontinence may indicate — and what you should do.

by Adrienne A. Kruzer, BBA, RVT, LVT, | August 30, 2024

Demetr White / Stocksy

Accidents happen. It’s one thing to find a puddle of pee while your dog is awake. But discovering they’ve peed in their sleep is a whole different concern. Don’t get fed up — sleep-time accidents could be a sign of health issues. By knowing what is causing these unconscious accidents, you can get your dog the veterinary attention they need, prevent secondary issues from developing, and keep your home clean and dry.

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence refers to the loss of bladder control in dogs. Pets with urinary incontinence are not purposefully peeing in the house — they have a medical condition that prevents them from controlling their bladders. While some causes are far more common than others, here are several things that can cause your dog to have urinary incontinence.

Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI): The most common cause of urinary incontinence in female dogs, USMI occurs when the muscles in your dog’s bladder lose the ability to hold in urine and therefore allow leakage. The primary cause of this disease is thought to be a lack of sex hormones, and it can occur in both male and female dogs.
Neurological issues: Spinal injuries, lesions pressing on the spinal cord, and other neurological issues can cause various problems with the bladder and cause your dog to pee in their sleep.
Urinary tract infections, stones, and tumors: These problems in or around the bladder can put pressure on your dog’s bladder or cause it to be irritated. This may be referred to as urge incontinence and can make your dog leak urine or have to pee more often.
Congenital issues: Some puppies are unfortunately born with abnormalities that can cause them to leak urine. Ectopic ureters are the most common congenital reason for urine leakage in puppies.

Why is my female dog peeing in her sleep?

There are a few reasons why your female dog may be peeing in her sleep, and you’ll want to get her examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the cause. A disease called urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) can occur in up to 20 percent of female dogs and may be the reason why your dog is peeing in her sleep, but other causes of urinary incontinence will need to be ruled out first. In female dogs, USMI is primarily caused by low levels of a sex hormone called estrogen, and these low levels, as well as other factors, cause the bladder muscles to weaken. These weak muscles allow urine to leak out. So if your dog is diagnosed with USMI, this is why she is peeing in her sleep. Other reasons why she is peeing in her sleep can include bladder infections, tumors, and stones, as well as neurological issues, trauma, and congenital issues.

Can male dogs pee in their sleep, too?

While large breed, spayed, female dogs are more likely to have urinary incontinence than male dogs, this doesn’t mean male dogs can’t also have problems that cause them to pee in their sleep. Although less common than in females, male dogs can develop urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) and can also get urinary tract infections, bladder stones, tumors, and other problems that result in them peeing in their sleep. A male dog may also be diagnosed with USMI, due to low levels of their sex hormone, testosterone.

How is urinary incontinence treated?

Before treatment for urinary incontinence can begin, your veterinarian will need to determine what is causing it. After this diagnosis, a treatment plan for your dog’s specific situation can then be developed.

Diagnosis

A urine test helps determine if your dog’s urinary incontinence is caused by a urinary tract infection, while X-rays may also be needed to rule out other factors such as bladder stones and tumors. Additional tests like ultrasounds or MRIs may be necessary if your vet suspects your dog has more serious issues that could be causing your dog to pee in their sleep. Once the appropriate tests have been run, a diagnosis can be made.

Treatment

If your dog is diagnosed with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI), your veterinarian will most likely prescribe a medication called phenylpropanolamine (PPA). This medication will increase the strength of the bladder — so if your dog is dribbling urine, PPA should help. If a urinary tract infection is found, antibiotics will be prescribed, but surgery may be necessary if tumors or stones are discovered. More serious problems such as neurological issues and injuries may require both surgery and various other medications to manage urinary incontinence.

How to help a dog who pees while they sleep

It can be frustrating and stressful when your dog starts peeing in bed, especially the constant cleaning. While a veterinarian can provide valuable advice and treatments, there are also steps you can take at home to manage the situation. Here are some ways you can care for your dog (and keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed.)

Manage the mess

To keep everything (including your dog) clean, use pee pads, washable dog beds and covers, waterproof mattress protectors, dog-safe shampoo, baby wipes, and enzymatic cleaners. Pee can stain, smell, and even scald or burn skin and surfaces, so it should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Managing this on an ongoing basis can be difficult, which is why some pet parents will even use dog diapers to make things easier.

Keep your pup clean

Keeping your floors, furniture, and dog beds clean and dry is important, but you shouldn’t forget that your dog needs to stay clean and dry, too. Urine scald can be painful and turn into a skin infection. If bacteria gets into the bladder from outside the body, a urinary tract infection can also occur.

Secure them in an easy-to-clean room

Using baby gates and exercise pens to contain your dog to a part of your home that has linoleum or other easy-to-clean floors and washable mats can make it easier to keep your home clean.

Use a doggy door

If you have a dog door or the ability to install one for your dog to go outside as they please, this will allow them to pee outside and empty their bladder more often. This can decrease how much urine dribbles in your home.

Let your pup spend more time outside

If your dog is like most other pups, they love spending time soaking up the sun. One simple option is to have them spend more time outside in a secure area, assuming the temperature outside is not too hot or too cold.

Get a second opinion

If you’ve sought veterinary help to treat your dog’s urinary incontinence and the problem is still not well managed, consider seeking a second opinion from a different veterinarian. Or ask your vet if any other tests, treatments, or medication adjustments that can be made.

When to seek veterinary help

If your dog is urinating in their sleep, something is wrong with your dog and you should reach out to your veterinarian. Your vet will run some tests and examine your dog to determine what is causing them to pee in bed. The prognosis for most dogs with urinary incontinence is good, but that will depend on the underlying reason.

Commonly asked questions

Should I rehome a dog with health or behavior problems?

Dogs are supposed to be positive additions to the family but if your dog has health or behavior problems, this can create unwanted stress. Behaviorists, dog trainers, and your regular veterinarian can get involved to help your dog but sometimes the environment your dog is in, your finances, and other factors may not allow for all options to be explored. Before you consider rehoming your dog, discuss the problems with your veterinarian.

Is incontinence a reason to put a dog down?

No, urinary incontinence by itself is not typically a reason to put a dog down. While urinary incontinence may be difficult to manage, medications should help treat the underlying issue. If you’re concerned for your dog's quality of life, it’s best to discuss available options with your veterinarian.

Why is my dog peeing in bed all of a sudden?

There are several reasons why your dog may be peeing in bed. To determine the cause, have your dog checked out by your veterinarian. For instance, your dog’s bladder muscles may have become weak from urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI), they may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder stones, or they could have something more serious like a neurological disease or tumor negatively affecting their bladder.