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Inappropriate Elimination
All inappropriate elimination problems should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Many common and serious medical conditions cause irregular elimination such as, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, intestinal parasites, Feline Urological Syndrome, Diabetes, kidney failure, etc.
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Feline
Elimination problems in cats are very common.
1. Marking is a communication behavior. The location can vary but often involves the perimeter of the cat's territory, owner's clothing, or new items in the household. Marking may be stimulated by:
- Multiple cats in the household
- The "need-to-breed"
- Arrival of another cat into perceived territory
- Change in the household (new member, change in work schedules, etc.)
- Other
Treatment may include:
- Neuter or Spay cat
- Identify trigger stimulus, then make changes (block window view, discontinue feeding stray cats, separate cats in the household, etc.)
- Make soiled areas aversive (aluminum foil)
- Treat household with Feliway®
- Enzymatically treat soiled areas.
2. Medical or Aversion and Preferences. Many diseases/health conditions cause inappropriate elimination.
- Diabetes, kidney failure and hyperthyroidism cause Polyuria (frequent urination). Frequency and urgency often results in urination outside of the litterbox.
- Arthritic cats may have trouble positioning in litterbox.
- Feline Urological Syndrome is a life-threatening condition. Cats, usually male, strain and may cry in the litterbox. This condition must be treated by a Veterinarian right away.
- Intolerant of dirty litterbox
- Preference for a certain location or substrate (specific litter, carpet, etc.)
Treatment may include:
- Treat medical condition
- Make litterbox more attractive (keep box very clean, multiple boxes in different locations, change litter depth, cafeteria-style litter choices, etc.)
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Canine
There are six common reasons for inappropriate elimination in dogs:
1. Medical Conditions
- G.I. problems due to inappropriate ingestion, intestinal parasites, Parvo, other viruses, bacterial overgrowth, etc.
- Kidney disease
- Infections and/or stones
- Arthritis (unable to position)
- Prostatitis (painful elimination, bloody and dribbling urine, constipation)
- Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (age-related loss of housetraining)
- Other
2. Anxiety Related Elimination
During extreme fear, dogs may urinate and/or defecate. Sometimes accompanied by panting, pacing, destruction and vocalization. See Separation Anxiety
3. Excitement
Many puppies when excited, dribble or squirt small amounts of urine. This behavior is usually outgrown by 1 year of age.
4. Housetraining Failure
Self-explanatory. Increase outdoor elimination opportunities. Use rewards when appropriate elimination is exhibited. Make indoor elimination aversive (loud noise, shaker can)
5. Submissive Urination
Natural communication of status in the dog's hierarchy. This behavior is usually outgrown but can continue into adulthood. Never punish a dog for Submissive Urination, this can prolong the behavior. Greet pet kneeled down, avert your eyes, or just ignore the dog for a few minutes.
6. Urine Marking
Intact male dogs are the most likely to mark. Neutering the dog often helps. |
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