Help! My Dog Pee’s in the Middle of the Night! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hello Dr. Paola,
I have an issue with Jersey, my 5.5-year-old Goldie. He has always slept well in the
garage in his bed. However, in the past few weeks, he started scratching at the door in the middle of the night. I get up to take him out to pee, and sometimes he’ll go back to sleep. I walk him twice a day, he gets plenty of attention, I feed him well, and he eats. He also
started humping his lounge bed, which is odd. Any idea what is happening and what I can do?” – Davey
Quick Info about Jersey
Hi Davey,
When a dog who has always slept soundly suddenly begins waking at night and scratching at doors, it is important to first consider possible medical causes. At 5 and a half, Jersey is still young, but changes such as urinary tract infections, digestive upset, or early discomfort in the joints can all lead to restlessness and the need to go outside more frequently. The humping you describe may also point to discomfort, stress, or, in some cases, a medical issue involving the urinary or reproductive system. A thorough veterinary examination, including a urinalysis and physical check, would be the best first step to rule out anything underlying.
If Jersey receives a clean bill of health, then the behavior may be more related to learned patterns or emotional needs. Once a dog experiences that scratching brings you to the door and results in going outside or gaining attention, it can become a habit. In those cases, reinforcing calm behavior, ensuring a consistent bedtime routine, and perhaps providing a quiet activity such as a safe food puzzle before bed can help him settle. Since the changes appeared relatively suddenly, though, I would strongly encourage starting with a veterinary check to make sure nothing physical is driving the new signs. Once you rule out any medical concerns, if you need support with his behavior, you can contact our vets at PangoVet. We would be happy to help you create a specific behavioral modification plan for Jersey.
Best!
– Dr. Paola