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Why does my dog pee in her sleep? Medical problem or behavior?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My bulldog (5 years old and we rehomed her last August as she has been used for breeding and was no longer wanted) sometimes appears to fall into such a deep sleep that when she wakes up she pees where she has been laying. She is perfect the rest Of The time and if we manage to wake her up she goes to the toilet fine. Is this behavioural or is it likely to be a problem with her bladder due to having babies??

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 19th, 2016

Urinating during sleep like this is usually caused by urinary incontinence, meaning that she isn't able to control her bladder. The most common cause in female dogs is a weak bladder sphincter - this can happen with age, and could certainly also be influenced by her history of having puppies. Sometimes, this problem can also be caused by a systemic illness that causes the dog to produce so much urine that she can't control her bladder well, such as diabetes or Cushing's disease. I would recommend taking her to the vet when you are able to - he/she can do a urinalysis and blood work to help check for any problems like this. If she does have a weak bladder sphincter, this problem is usually very treatable with daily medication :)

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on June 24th, 2018

    Hi there. If she is peeing in her sleep, this is called urinary incontinence. It can be caused by a weak bladder sphincter muscle (a common problem in females), or could be due to a urinary tract infection or even some type of anatomical abnormality such as ectopic ureters. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam when you are able to. Your veterinarian can do a urinalysis to check for infection or other obvious problems, and will start her on appropriate treatment if any abnormalities are found. If she simply has a weak bladder, this is usually very treatable with medication, which can also be prescribed by your vet :)

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