TL;DR: Submissive urination is a social behavior where dogs show deference or mild fear; it is generally not an emergency unless you notice blood, leaking while resting, or if the behavior is brand new.
What exactly is submissive urination in dogs?
Submissive urination is a common behavioral response, especially in puppies and insecure adult dogs. It occurs when a dog feels the need to acknowledge someone else's social dominance or when they feel slightly intimidated during a greeting. It is not an act of spite or a lack of house training; rather, it is a physical manifestation of their social communication style.
When should I worry that my dog's submissive urination is an emergency?
Urgency Level: Low. In most cases, submissive urination is purely a behavioral or developmental issue and does not require immediate medical intervention. However, you should consult a veterinarian if:
- This behavior is new
- You see blood in the urine
- Your dog seems to be leaking urine involuntarily while resting, as these could indicate a urinary tract infection or medical incontinence
How can a photo or video help my veterinarian triage the situation?
While it might feel strange, capturing a video of your dog's body language during a greeting or taking a photo of where the urination occurs can be incredibly helpful for your veterinarian. These visual aids allow professionals to:
- See the exact context of the behavior
- Determine if the dog is tucking their tail, rolling over, or showing signs of fear
- Distinguish between submissive urination, excitement urination, or a physical health problem
- Ensure your dog gets the right support based on their specific needs
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Dogs may exhibit submissive urination when displaying deferential behaviors such as crouching or exposing their belly, often stemming from conflicting motivations to greet and show deference. Triage should focus on identifying and avoiding stimuli that incite the behavior, such as direct approach or eye contact, while strictly avoiding punishment during greeting, which can exacerbate fear and conflict. Acceptable alternative behaviors incompatible with submissive postures, such as a relaxed sit or learned tricks, can be taught. In some cases, phenylpropanolamine may be considered to increase sphincter control, while imipramine may improve overall control and reduce anxiety.
Chapter: Behavioral
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1569)