Sadly, not all dogs have the privilege of living a comfortable and happy life as loving pet. In many cases, their life has unfortunately been marred by unfathomable hardship and heartbreak.
One of those dogs was a young German Shepherd momma named Mercy.
In the spring, this Black and Tan German Shepherd dog was dumped out of a car at the gas station in Southwest Houston, Texas.
Before anyone could react, the car sped away, leaving a very confused and sad momma at this unknown location.
A Mother’s Cry For Help
According to the rescue organization, Sauver Des Chiens, from Houston, Texas, a sweet nursing momma, later named Mercy, was dumped at the gas station with her puppies in a cardboard box.
They were thrown out like trash and left to fend for themselves.
Sadly, before anyone could come to help, someone took the box with the puppies and left the crying momma at a Texaco gas station.
Mercy begged everyone to help her, but no one would even look at her until a local rescuer pulled into the station to fill up her tank.
According to The Dodo, Shannon Ackerman was just on her way home from another rescue mission. She had just rescued a Husky momma and her two puppies from a drain pipe next to a highway and was bringing them to safety.
While pulling into a Texaco gas station, she couldn’t even imagine that she would find another dog begging her to be rescued, but there she was.
“As soon as I started pumping gas, I felt something lick me on the back of my knee, which scared me,” Ackerman told The Dodo.
When she looked down, she saw this sweet German Shepherd momma that had this sad look on her face, begging to be helped.
A Begging Soul
With her car full of rescue dogs, she didn’t know what to do with this crying and whining dog, but one thing was certain – she was not going to leave her there.
“It just broke my heart,” Ackerman said.
So, she called her friend, Whitney Hartman, who was another independent dog rescuer and told her about the abandoned German Shepherd.
Hartman told The Dodo, “She told me there was a German shepherd mom in the [gas station] parking lot, whining and trying to get into her car. Of course, I couldn’t leave her there, so I drove over.”
As soon as Hartman opened her car door, Mercy happily jumped in her car. “She was so happy to be in the car,” she said.
The next day, Sauver Des Chiens dog rescue took Mercy as she desperately needed some medical help, and they had better resources.
She needed to be watched closely for signs of mastitis, a condition which can be caused by a lack of nursing puppies.
Although she was safe now, poor Mercy was still looking for her puppies.
Courtney Manske, from Sauver Des Chiens, told The Dodo that they were actively searching for her puppies or any kind of information that would lead to them.
From Abandonment To Belonging
Even after everything she had been through, Mercy still loved every human she met. They soon noticed that she loved toys, car rides, pets, and walks.
“Mercy would love a forever home where she can be showered with all the love and care she deserves, and where she will never have to worry about being thrown out like trash ever again,” Manske said.
Thankfully, after some time, they were able to find the perfect home for loving Mercy.
She was adopted by a wonderful family North of Houston who loved her from the moment they met.
According to the dog rescue, she now has her own home, her own back yard, a loving mom and dad, and her own doggie bed.
Mercy is finally living a good life.
If you’ve ever woken up to find your furry friend has left an unwelcome surprise on your bed, you’re not alone. It can be frustrating and confusing when your dog decides to use your cozy sleeping spot as a bathroom. Understanding why this behavior occurs is key to finding a solution that works for both you and your pup.
Dogs communicate through their actions, and peeing on your bed could be your pet’s way of expressing anxiety, marking territory, or even experiencing a medical issue. As a seasoned dog owner, unraveling the mystery behind this behavior can help you address the root cause and prevent future accidents. So, let’s take a closer look at the possible reasons why your dog may have chosen your bed as their personal restroom.
Understanding Canine Behavior
The Basics of Why Dogs Pee
Dogs may urinate on your bed for several reasons. One common cause is anxiety. When dogs feel stressed or anxious, they may act out by urinating in inappropriate places. Another reason could be that your dog is marking its territory. By urinating on your bed, your dog is trying to claim it as its own. Additionally, medical issues such as urinary tract infections could also be a culprit. Understanding these basic reasons can help you address the problem effectively.
Marking Territory vs. Accidental Leakage
Distinguishing between marking territory and accidental leakage is essential. Marking territory is a deliberate behavior where the dog urinates on your bed to establish ownership. On the other hand, accidental leakage may occur due to medical conditions like incontinence. Observing your dog’s behavior and consulting with a veterinarian can help determine the root cause. By identifying whether it’s marking territory or involuntary leakage, you can take appropriate steps to address the issue and prevent it from happening again.
Health-Related Reasons for Bed-Wetting
Urinary Tract Infections and Diseases
Urinary tract infections can cause dogs to have accidents in the house, including on your bed. Just like in humans, these infections can be painful and lead to urgent peeing. If your dog is suddenly having accidents indoors, especially if they’re straining to pee or you notice blood in their urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. It’s essential to consult with your vet promptly to get the appropriate treatment for your pup.
Incontinence in Senior Dogs
As dogs age, they can experience a loss of bladder control, leading to incontinence. Senior dogs, just like older humans, may struggle with holding their pee as effectively as they used to. If your older dog is peeing on your bed, it might be due to this lack of control. While it can be frustrating to deal with, it’s essential to approach the situation with understanding and patience. Your vet can provide guidance on managing incontinence in senior dogs to help both you and your furry companion navigate this stage of life comfortably.
Emotional and Stress-Related Causes
Anxiety and Fear Responses
Dogs can sometimes pee on your bed due to anxiety or fear. If your dog is anxious or scared, they may seek comfort in your scent, which is strong on your bed. This behavior helps them feel more secure in a familiar environment, especially when they are feeling vulnerable.
Changes in the Household or Routine
Changes in your household or routine can also trigger your dog to urinate on your bed. Dogs are creatures of habit, and disruptions such as moving to a new home, changes in family dynamics, or even rearranging furniture can create stress for your furry companion. This stress may manifest as urinating on your bed as a way for them to cope with the uncertainty they are experiencing.
Training and Environmental Factors
If your dog has urinated on your bed, it could be due to a lack of proper house training. When dogs aren’t effectively house trained, they may not understand where it’s appropriate to relieve themselves. This confusion can lead to accidents, including urinating on your bed. Remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are key when training your furry friend.
Another factor to consider is your dog’s accessibility to the outdoors. If your pet doesn’t have easy access to go outside when needed, they may resort to peeing indoors, including on your bed. Ensure that your pup has regular opportunities to go outside for bathroom breaks, especially after meals, playtime, and naps. This simple adjustment can help prevent accidents and keep your bed clean.
How to Respond to Bed-Wetting Incidents
When your dog pees on your bed, it’s essential to respond promptly and effectively. Here’s what you can do:
Cleaning and Neutralizing Odors
Start by cleaning the affected area thoroughly. Use a pet-safe cleaner to neutralize the odor and prevent your dog from recognizing the spot as a designated bathroom area. This step helps discourage repeat accidents on your bed.
Consultation with a Veterinarian
Consulting a veterinarian is crucial to rule out any underlying medical issues causing your dog to urinate on your bed. Conditions like urinary tract infections or incontinence could be the root cause. Your vet can provide proper diagnosis and recommend treatment to address these health concerns.
Behavioral Training and Support
Implement behavioral training techniques to prevent future incidents. Positive reinforcement for appropriate bathroom behavior and consistent house training can help your dog understand where it’s acceptable to relieve themselves. Provide regular bathroom breaks, establish a routine, and create a comfortable environment to support your dog’s training and well-being.
Preventing Future Accidents
Regular Bathroom Breaks
Make sure your dog gets enough bathroom breaks throughout the day, especially before bedtime. Taking them out on a regular schedule can help prevent accidents on your bed. It’s essential to understand your dog’s routine and ensure they have ample opportunities to relieve themselves.
Creating a Comfortable Sleeping Space
Ensure your dog has a comfortable and designated sleeping area that they can call their own. Providing a cozy bed or blanket in a quiet and secure space can reduce the likelihood of your dog urinating on your bed. Dogs often seek comfort and security in their sleeping spots, so creating a welcoming environment can encourage them to choose their sleeping area over yours.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Understanding why your furry friend might pee on your bed is the first step to finding a solution. Whether it’s anxiety, marking territory, or a medical issue, knowing the possible reasons can help you tackle the problem head-on. By taking preventive measures like regular bathroom breaks and creating a cozy sleeping space for your dog, you can minimize the chances of waking up to an unwelcome surprise. Remember, your dog’s well-being is key, so don’t hesitate to consult a vet if you suspect any underlying health issues. With a little patience, love, and proactive steps, you can create a comfortable environment for your pup while keeping your bed dry and clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dogs urinate on their owner’s bed?
Dogs may urinate on their owner’s bed due to anxiety, marking territory, or medical issues like urinary tract infections. Understanding canine behavior and addressing health-related causes like incontinence in senior dogs is crucial to prevent this behavior.
How can I prevent my dog from urinating on my bed?
To prevent your dog from urinating on your bed, ensure regular bathroom breaks, create a comfortable sleeping space, and provide a designated sleeping area with a cozy bed or blanket in a quiet, secure location. These preventive measures help discourage dogs from bed-wetting incidents by offering comfort and security in their sleeping spots. Prompt cleaning and consulting a vet for medical issues are also essential for addressing and avoiding such incidents while supporting your dog’s well-being.
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Hey there, I’m Janet Brooks, a dog-loving student from California. I’m all about helping pups in need, especially those without homes. Me and my awesome friends work together to give shelter and love to stray dogs. Oh, and I also write blogs about dogs to share helpful info.