Top Reasons Why Dogs Pee On Christmas Trees

With the first week of the Christmas holiday season already underway, many families across the nation are starting the process of decorating their homes for the holidays. Christmas trees have always been a holiday centerpiece, and are often covered with expensive decorations and ornaments that hold sentimental value.

However, many families spend a lot of money, time and effort in having their homes and Christmas trees look great for the holidays—only to have all of their hard work ruined by dog pee! Although it is important to first check with your dog’s veterinarian to rule out any possible health conditions, it’s possible that your dog is engaging in territorial marking.

Why Dogs Mark Their Territory In the House

Territorial marking is a natural form of communication among dogs, and occurs when they urinate in small amounts either outdoors or around the house. Most dogs start marking by the age of 3 months, and usually do so on vertical surfaces or new objects in the house. This behavior is different from canine incontinence in that dogs are in full control of their bladder while marking, and is neither a health issue nor a housebreaking issue. While territorial marking is common among male dogs, some female dogs may mark while in heat.

The main reason why dogs mark their territory is to communicate certain information with other dogs in the area. Studies have shown that dogs can learn about a urine marker’s identity, gender and reproductive status by sniffing that dog’s urine. Some dogs, in asserting their social status, even mark over other dogs’ previous urine marks—which is a big reason why this behavior is common in homes with multiple dogs!

Dogs typically mark their territory in the house if they sense something new in their environment, but can also mark in the house for any of the following reasons:

• If a dog is reproductively-intact, there’s a higher chance that he or she will mark. Spaying or neutering your dog decreases the risk of territorial marking by 50 to 60 percent.
• If you invite a new person into your home, or are introducing your dog to a new roommate, friend, spouse or baby.
• If you bring new furniture, rugs, drapes or other furnishings into your home.
• If there are other dogs living in the house—especially dogs who also mark.
• If a female dog is in heat.
• If a dog has anxiety issues.

While it is fine for dogs to mark outdoors, it can become a costly problem if it occurs indoors. Given the presence of new gifts, holiday guests and unfamiliar decorations, the holiday season provides many situations that could trigger your dog to pee on your Christmas tree.

How To Stop Your Dog From Peeing On Your Christmas Tree

If you find that your dog is marking in the house and on your Christmas tree, it is important to not panic or punish your dog for doing so. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your Christmas tree and home safe from territorial marking. Owners looking for an effective, dog-friendly way to stop dogs from peeing on Christmas trees can try Barkitwear®’s machine-washable P-Suit® dog diaper suit. This innovative, USA-made, waterproof washable dog diaper absorbs and contains urine as your dog marks in a way that keeps your dog dry and your home untouched by dog urine. Learn more about our dog diaper suits at Barkitwear.com.

About Barkitwear

At Barkitwear®, our mission is to help families deal with dog behavior and medical issues in a way that is comfortable for the dog and stress-free for the owner. Learn more about our dog diaper suits at Barkitwear.com