My 6-month puppy won't poop outside & pees inside. Is it a UTI?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 21 days old | 10 lbs
My 6 month old puppy Max won't poop outside at all anymore and pees so much more inside now then he did when I first go him 2 months ago. He was doing better with potty training at 4 months then he is now. Recently I have noticed that he is peeing a lot more & his pee is very yellow & stinky. Could this be a UTI or bladder infection? He also seems to be cleaning his potty area more often.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 12th, 2017
As far as the change in urination, I would certainly have your vet evaluate a urine sample to evaluate for a UTI. It will make housetraining much more difficult (or impossible) if there is something medical going on. So, that could certainly be a reason for the backsliding with his training. You may also check a fecal sample. One of my dogs started pooping in the house at 6 months of age, and we found an intestinal parasite was to blame. If there isn't anything medical going on, then it's time to work on housetaining. It is common that we see a little backslide in housetraining around 6 months of age because as owners we think they are doing well, so we get a little more slack in our training. I recommend going back to square one. Keep Max in a kennel or on a leash in the house so he is under very direct supervision. Take him outside immediately after eating or playing. Go outside with him and reward him for going outside. The longer Max goes in the house, the harder it will be to housetrain him, so put in the time and effort now. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 29th, 2017
We actually have an article on our website with lots of information on how to housetrain your dog - feel free to read it here: https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-rules-for-effective-housetraining/ If you still have questions after reading this article, feel free to let us know - we would be happy to try and help :)
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 17th, 2017
It's common to have some occasional "back-sliding" with housetraining, especially in a young dog who has recently been in a different environment. Just go back to basics for the next couple of weeks to remind him of what is expected - this means going outside more often, rewarding with a treat every time for pottying in the right place, and supervise closely at all times when he's inside. Once he's gone at least two weeks with no accidents, you can gradually begin to relax and transition back to his normal routine. Feel free to check out our article on housetraining also, as it may have some tips that would be helpful for you over the next couple of weeks: https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-rules-for-effective-housetraining/0
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 17th, 2018
• DO leave feces in desired areas of elimination, when appropriate, to reinforce that this is an appropriate area for performing this function. • DO take puppy to the same desired area every time; do not play with or excite him until he has eliminated. He should realize that elimination is his first and foremost duty (no pun intended!) and that playtime is secondary. • DO interrupt improper elimination by startling your puppy (e.g. clapping your hands) and redirect or carry him to the desired elimination area. • DO be consistent and patient until your puppy’s housetraining is complete. Incomplete housetraining is a primary cause of housesoiling as an adult dog. What NOT To Do: • DO NOT punish your puppy for inappropriate elimination verbally or physically (e.g. hitting with rolled up newspaper, rubbing his nose in his mess, etc). This is ineffective and may lead to further and more serious behavioral problems. • DO NOT punish your puppy after you find it. • DO NOT leave puppy outside unsupervised. You may miss an opportunity to praise him for appropriate elimination behavior. • DO NOT make abrupt changes to your puppy’s diet unless instructed by your veterinarian. • DO NOT allow puppy to have free access to the house without direct supervision. Be especially aware if you think your puppy is going to sleep in the evenings...he may be sneaking off to eliminate. • DO NOT get discouraged – accidents will happen and should be expected! Please talk with your veterinarian if you have more questions about housetraining your new addition.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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