Why Do Puppies Drink Their Urine?

There's nothing cuter than puppies, with their fuzzy coats, tiny paws, and uncoordinated gaits. But if there was one thing we would want to change about puppies, it's the fact that they sometimes lap up their own urine. It doesn't take away from their cuteness, but we can all agree it's pretty gross. If you find your new family member licking their own pee, there are several possible explanations.

Maybe the most obvious is dehydration. If your pup is extra thirsty, they're going to drink the first liquid they see, and occasionally, that may be their own urine. According to Dr. Jennifer Summerfield at Pet Coach, there are also medical conditions that could make your pup "abnormally thirsty all the time." One of these is Cushing's disease. Per the FDA, increased thirst, water consumption, and urination are common early signs of the disease. Other medical conditions, like diabetes or urinary tract infections (UTIs), could also "make the urine smell or taste different, causing some dogs to want to lick or drink it," explained Dr. Summerfield.

But a pup licking their own urine isn't necessarily a sign of a physical ailment. There could be behavioral issues at play, including anxiety, stress, or even shame. That's right: A puppy may know they aren't supposed to urinate inside and drink their pee to try and hide the signs of an accident.

It's unlikely that drinking a small amount of their own or even another dog's urine will cause any problems for your pup. In fact, it's normal for dogs to lick each others' urine; it's one of the ways they learn about each other. 

However, if your puppy displays signs like excessive thirst or frequent urination, it's possible they have a health issue that could require medical treatment. It's best to make an appointment with your vet to get them looked at. Even in cases where a behavioral problem is to blame, your vet may be able to help by prescribing anti-anxiety medicine or at the very least ruling out a physical problem.

If your young puppy is drinking their own urine and you've ruled out a medical issue with the help of your veterinarian, proper potty training is the best thing you can do to prevent this habit. Some of the best potty training tips for puppies include sticking to a consistent routine, taking them outside frequently to do their business, taking them to the same spot outside, and rewarding them every time they pee in that area.

One of the most important things you can do while potty training your puppy is not punishing them if you come across an accident inside. It might seem counterintuitive, but you do not want to foster the shame that could lead them to lick their own urine, and scolding them might make them afraid of going to the bathroom in front of you. It's fairly difficult to get mad at a puppy anyway; they're so floppy and floofy, and eventually, thanks to your care and training, they should stop drinking their own urine and consistently go to the bathroom outside.