Male dogs are notorious for their start-and-stop walks, spreading their manly scent across the neighborhood. But did you know that female dogs also engage in urine marking? That’s right, our female furry friends have their own reasons for marking, and it’s not just to inconvenience us on walks or surprise us with indoor pee puddles. Let’s explore why female dogs urine mark and what it means for them.
Different Types of Urine Marking
Urine marking might all look the same to us, but there are actually different kinds of marking, each with its own purpose. Over-marking and adjacent-marking are the two main types. Over-marking is when a dog pees directly on top of another dog’s scent, aiming to cover it completely with their superior smell. On the other hand, adjacent-marking involves a dog marking an area next to another dog’s scent, either a few feet or inches away. Female dogs are more likely to engage in adjacent-marking, while dominant males tend to be the culprits of over-marking.
Why Female Dogs Urine Mark
To Attract a Boy
Female dogs that have not been spayed are more likely to urine mark, especially when they’re in heat or about to go into heat. Marking serves as their way of sending out a calling card to all the eligible bachelors in the area. The chemicals in their urine emit a distinct smell that tells male dogs they are ready to mate. So, when a male dog catches a whiff, they know your girl is nearby and looking for some romantic companionship.
To Assert Social Status
While males are often seen as the more dominant sex, female dogs are also concerned with social status. Dogs operate in packs, and it’s crucial for them to know their position in the hierarchy. Female dogs may mark to establish their place in the pack, whether it’s with other dogs they encounter during walks or even within your own home. They want to make sure others understand their status and respect their boundaries.
To Express Stress and Anxiety
Just like humans, some dogs are more prone to anxiety than others. When faced with new family members, changes in the environment, or conflicts within the family, dogs may choose to express their feelings through marking. Anxiety-related marking can happen both outside and inside the home. Marking allows them to communicate with other dogs without physically interacting with them. Anxious dogs may mark an area as a preemptive strategy to avoid potential conflicts.
Should You Be Concerned?
Urine marking is a natural instinct for dogs and serves as an essential part of their communication. It’s their way of gathering information and leaving messages for other dogs. While it may be frustrating to stop and start during walks, remember that walking your dog is for their benefit. Let them sniff and pee to their heart’s content, as that’s how they explore the world around them. However, if your dog is marking inside the house, it’s essential to determine whether it’s marking behavior or another issue, such as house training problems or a medical condition. Resolving any underlying conflicts or anxieties will likely resolve the marking behavior.
So, the next time your female dog insists on making frequent stops during your walks, remember that it’s a natural behavior rooted in their instincts. Embrace the fact that you’re allowing them to be dogs and engage in their unique form of communication. And if you want to learn more about dog grooming and care, visit Katten TrimSalon for expert advice and services.
Sources: Mercola Healthy Pets, Pets Web Md, PetPlace. American Kennel Club