Observing that a dog urinates where it eats is not positive at all, in fact, it is an unequivocal symptom that something is wrong and that as responsible guardians we must do something about it. This behavior can be due to many causes and can manifest itself in puppies, adult dogs or in the elderly.
In this article on our site we will talk about the possible causes that can cause a dog to urinate in the wrong places, thus solving your doubt about why a dog urinates where do you eatLikewise, remember that it will be essential to seek help and guidance from a specialist, such as a veterinarian specialized in clinical ethology.
Why does my dog pee on his food?
The fact that a dog urinates in its food repeatedly, regardless of its life stage, reveals that we are facing a physiological problem or behavioral since, instinctively, a dog would not carry out the elimination behavior (let's talk about urine or feces) near its water or food. So why does a dog pee where he eats? We show you various causes below:
Pathological causes
Urinary problems are among the main causes of a dog urinating near their food or water, as uncontrolled urination is likely to occurin inappropriate places, such as the feeder. Likewise, neurological, hormonal or degenerative disorders, such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome in elderly dogs, can also cause this abnormal behavior. The first step is always to rule out pathological causes, therefore, we advise you to visit your trusted veterinarian.
Sensory deprivation syndrome
Sensory deprivation syndrome in dogs is a serious behavior problem that is mainly caused by the deprivation of stimuli in the early stages of the dog, derived from confinement, a poor environment, lack of socialization with other people and animals, etc. This causes generalized fear in the face of practically any stimulus. Ultimately, fears can become phobias
This syndrome, especially when it affects individuals who have been confined in very small spaces, can lead to urination and defecation near food, something that continues to manifest in its later stages, due to the preference for certain substrates, in this case the bowl of food or similar.
Fears, phobias, stress and insecurity
The appearance of behaviors related to stress, anxiety or fear, which can lead to phobia, can also be the cause of uncontrolled urination in dogs. If you have observed that your dog shows obvious symptoms of stress or anxiety, it is essential that you take the pertinent measures by visiting a behavior specialist, such as an ethologist, a canine educator or a specialized behavior modification trainer.
Associated problems and consequences
It is essential to point out that urination in food can cause serious he alth problems in your dog, therefore, it is essential that you do not Wait until it's time to contact a specialist who can help you solve the case, either through pharmacological treatment or behavior modification sessions. Likewise, not acting when pathologies or behavioral problems appear can make them worse or lead to other behavioral problems, generating a much more serious picture.
While you are waiting for a specialist's visit, we recommend properly sanitizing the area by using enzymatic products, always removing the bowl of food and supervising that the bowl of water.
