You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

There are many reasons why an animal may develop an increase in urine production - or an increase in frequency of urination

The kidneys regulate the production of urine from the bloodstream, after which it is stored in the urinary bladder. The bladder then controls the release of urine from the  body, and this is under voluntary control of the animal - in other words the animal decides when and where it wants to urinate.

If an animal suddenly starts urinating more frequently or leaving puddles of urine in the house when it has previously been housetrained a number of problems may be present, for example :

• The animal may be drinking a lot resulting in an increased amount of urine production
• The kidney may be producing too much urine
• The urinary bladder may not be controlling urine output properly - urinary incontinence or leakage
• There is inflammation of the urinary tract causing irritation and  increased frequency
• There may be a behavioural problem which has resulted in loss of normal urinating behaviour

Common causes of increased frequency of urination include :

• Diabetes mellitus - common in middle-aged and older cats and dogs
• Kidney disease - common
• Urinary tract infection - mainly affects females
• Anatomical abnormalities of the urinary system (seen in young animals) 
• The animal has been upset by environmental changes and so starts to urinate more indoors - eg an aggressive, dominant tom cat can upset it's neighbours resulting in marking with urine in the cats home
• Cushings syndrome 
• Pyometra in bitches

Your vet can carry out a few tests to confirm the cause of the problem should your pet suddenly develop a change in urinating behaviour. In most cases treatment can be given to greatly improve the problem.

Updated October 2013