TL;DR: Excited and submissive urination are typically behavioral or developmental issues in dogs and are rarely medical emergencies. You should consult a veterinarian if you notice signs of a medical problem like blood in the urine, straining, or leaking while resting.
What is the difference between excited and submissive urination in dogs?
- Excitement urination: Typically occurs in young puppies who lack full bladder control and leak when overly stimulated or happy.
- Submissive urination: A social behavior where a dog leaks urine to show they are not a threat, often accompanied by cowering, tucking the tail, or rolling onto their back.
Is my dog's excited or submissive urination considered a medical emergency?
The urgency level for this issue is Low, as it is usually a behavioral stage rather than a medical emergency. However, you should schedule a non-emergency appointment if you notice:
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Leaking urine while sleeping or resting
How do photos or videos help my vet triage my dog's urination?
Providing your veterinarian with visual evidence can be extremely helpful for a proper diagnosis:
- Video: Allows the vet to analyze the dog's body language to confirm if the behavior is truly submissive or excitement-based.
- Photos: Help the vet check for abnormalities in urine color or clarity, which helps differentiate between a behavioral issue and a medical condition like a UTI.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Dogs may eliminate when overly excited, such as when greeting people, or when showing submissive postures like crouching or exposing the belly, often due to conflicting behavioral motivations. Treatment should focus on avoiding stimuli that incite the behavior, such as reaching, approach, or eye contact, and avoiding punishment during greeting, which can exacerbate fear and conflict. Acceptable alternative behaviors, incompatible with excitable greeting or deferential postures, such as a relaxed sit or tricks, can be taught. Phenylpropanolamine may increase sphincter control, while imipramine may improve control and reduce anxiety.
Chapter: Behavioral
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1569)