Why Does My Dog Pee So Much on Walks? 3 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Dogs love going on walks because they can get rid of pent-up energy and check out what’s happening in the neighborhood. If you’re like most dog owners, you likely notice that your pup tends to pee frequently during their walks, no matter how often they go out in a day. So, why do dogs pee so much on walks? Let’s take a look at why dogs display this behavior and whether there is anything that you can do about it.

The 3 Reasons Dogs Pee So Much on Walks:

1. They’re Likely Marking Territory

The most common reason dogs pee on their walks is to mark territory. They do it to let everyone else know where they have been. Sometimes, dogs mark territory under a tree because no other dog has, and they want to claim the area as their own. Other times, dogs mark territory where other dogs have already marked to try to dominate the area.

Dogs also like to mark territory so they can learn about one another. When a dog urinates on the grass in the park or under a tree that grows next to the sidewalk, they leave behind information that other dogs can pick up.

Dogs can learn many things from sniffing another dog’s urine markings, such as their reproductive status.

Both male and female dogs may mark their territory during their walks. This is especially true for dogs that have not been spayed or castrated (also referred to as neutered). It is a natural behavior that all healthy dogs will display at least occasionally, if not during every walk.

2. They Could Be Looking for a Mate

Dogs can find mates by following the scent of another dog. When a male dog smells an intact female dog’s urine scent, they can follow it to wherever the female dog marks and hopefully end up where the female is so mating can occur. This is a canine instinct, so even male dogs that have been fixed might try to follow the scent of a female in heat.

Female dogs in heat can also follow the scent of male dogs to attempt a mating session. To prevent unwanted pregnancies, it is advised to have your dog desexed, especially if they get to go outside without a leash, even while supervised.

3. They May Have Health or Anxiety Problems

Sometimes, dogs urinate frequently during their walks because they are dealing with health or anxiety problems. For example, a dog that gets anxious when other strange dogs come within their range while on a walk may try to relieve their anxiety by peeing. Health problems can also cause more frequent urination in dogs, which may be noticeable while on walks.

Dogs with health problems that make them feel the need to urinate often may seem obsessed with peeing while on their walks and may try to stop and pee even when they have no urine left to deposit.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Peeing During Walks

If they are simply marking territory, you shouldn’t worry if your dog is peeing a lot on their walks. This is normal behavior that is not indicative of any problems. If the peeing gets extensive or annoying, you can try directing their attention away from marking by playing a game of fetch or practicing tricks for treats.

If your dog has anxiety issues and tries to relieve their anxiety by peeing, you can work with a trainer to figure out what is causing the anxiety. Your trainer will provide you with the tools and education that will make it easier for you to avoid causing anxiety in your dog.

When it comes to health problems, you will need to work closely with your veterinarian to address them and relieve your dog from feeling the need to urinate too frequently. A checkup will allow your veterinarian to determine the health issues so they can put together a treatment plan that provides your dog with the quickest relief possible.

If you are curious about your pet's behavior or are looking for training tips, your vet can help.

Final Thoughts

So, why does your dog pee so much on walks? Let’s face it: Dogs like to pee. There is not much we can do about it unless the peeing is due to behavioral or health reasons. Keep an eye on your pet’s urine when they pee during their walks to make sure it is not discolored, and never let your dog loose to follow the scent of another dog. Otherwise, there is nothing to worry about when you see your pup mark their territory as they enjoy their walks.

You may also be interested in:

• Why Does My Girl Dog Pee Like a Boy? 4 Possible Reasons for This Behavior

• Why Does My Dog Want to Go Outside Every 5 Minutes? 4 Common Reasons

Featured Image Credit: Nataly23, Shutterstock