Observing that a dog urinates where it eats is not at all positive, in fact, it is an unequivocal symptom that something is wrong and that as responsible tutors we must do something about it. This behavior can be due to many causes and can manifest itself in puppies, adult dogs, or the elderly.
In this article from Animal Expert we will talk about the possible causes that can cause a dog to urinate in improper places, thus solving your question about why a dog urinates where it eats . Likewise, remember that it will be essential to seek help and guidance from a specialist, such as a veterinarian specialized in clinical ethology.
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Index
- Why is my dog urinating on his food?
- Pathological causes
- Sensory deprivation syndrome
- Fears, phobias, stress and insecurity
- Associated problems and consequences
Why is my dog urinating on his food?
The fact that a dog urinates repeatedly in its food, regardless of the vital stage in which it is, reveals that we are faced with a physiological or behavioral problem since, instinctively, a dog would not carry out the behavior disposal (let’s talk about urine or feces) near your water or food. So why does a dog urinate where he eats? We show you various causes below:
Pathological causes
Urinary problems are among the main causes that can cause a dog to urinate near its food or water, as uncontrolled urination is likely to occur in inappropriate places, such as the feeding trough. 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 vet .
Sensory deprivation syndrome
The syndrome of sensory deprivation in dogs is a serious behavior problem 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 widespread fear of virtually any stimulus. Ultimately, fears can turn into 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 food bowl or the like.
Fears, phobias, stress and insecurity
The appearance of behaviors related to stress, anxiety or fear, which can lead to phobia, may also be the cause of uncontrolled urination in dogs. If you have observed that your dog presents evident symptoms of stress or anxiety, it is essential that you take the appropriate measures by visiting a behavior specialist , such as an ethologist, a canine educator or a specialist behavior modification trainer.
Associated problems and consequences
It is essential to note that urination in food can cause serious health problems in your dog, therefore, it will be essential that you do not wait when contacting a specialist who can help you solve the case, either through treatment pharmacological or behavior modification sessions. Likewise, not acting in the face of pathologies or behavioral problems can make them worse or lead to other behavioral problems, generating a much more serious picture.
While you are waiting for a specialist to visit, we recommend that you adequately sanitize the area by using enzymatic products, always removing the food bowl after the meal and supervising the water bowl.
