Housetraining takes a lot of time and patience, and the end result is certainly worth the wait. However, there are circumstances where a dog can seemingly “forget” their training. One accident isn’t necessarily a pet care emergency, but many could indicate that a bigger problem is at play. Here are a few reasons why your pup may be experiencing housetraining regression.

Why Dogs Might Forget Housetraining

1. Changes in Lifestyle

Stress is a common cause of behavioral issues in dogs. If recurring accidents occur following big lifestyle changes, your dog may be having trouble adjusting. The first step to eliminating the behavior is identifying the cause. Moving to a new house, losing a family member, having a baby, or introducing a new pet to the home are all possible sources of housetraining regression. Address the issue calmly and appropriately, whether it be with retraining or more frequent walks.

2. Medical Issues

Problems with urination and bowel movements are often symptoms of health issues. If your pet is having accidents with no apparent cause, take them to the veterinarian for an examination. Parasites, urinary tract infections, diabetes, tumors, kidney and liver disease, and injuries can all result in incontinence. In these situations, it’s important to remember that your dog may not even be aware of their bladder control problems. Treating the issue is the only way to improve your pet’s health and prevent further soiling.

3. Aging

Aging is an unavoidable stage in your dog’s life that will lead to many changes in their pet care. Memory problems like dementia can result in housetraining regression, as well as age-related health issues like kidney failure. While some causes can be treated with medication, accidents may just become a fact of life for your senior pet. Consider getting disposable dog diapers and potty pads or train them to use an indoor dog potty.

Behavioral regression and incontinence can vary in their severity, so you need a pet care expert to help determine what your dog is going through. Animal Care Center of Fairfield offers a comprehensive range of veterinary services that cater to your needs, including diagnostics, surgery, and behavioral counseling. As the premier animal hospital in the Cincinnati, OH, area, they take pride in having personal relationships with their clients, using state-of-the-art equipment, and keeping a clean and comfortable facility. They also offer extended doctor hours for emergencies, even if your pet is not a current patient. Visit their website to learn more about their pet care services. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 829-6621 today.