Can a coat or boots help?

The AKC says: Many dogs who don't like the sensation of rain or snow falling on them benefit from wearing a properly-fitted raincoat. It also says: Similarly, properly fitted dog boots can help some dogs be more comfortable by allowing them to avoid the sensory discomfort of walking on wet ground.

How should I clean the spot on carpet?

Humane World for Animals says: Rinse the "accident zone" thoroughly with clean, cool water and blot dry. It also says: Avoid cleaning chemicals such as ammonia or vinegar. Strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area.

Dog Won't Pee Outside in Cold or Rain: Indoor Accidents

Q: Why won't my dog pee outside in the rain?

The AKC says: Some dogs seem most bothered by the feeling of rain falling on them, while others are uncomfortable with the ground under their feet being wet. Dogs who get cold easily may also find that they get chilly when out in the rain, which can make them reluctant to go outside.

Q: What should I do if my dog refuses to pee outside and comes back in?

The AKC says: If your dog refuses to potty in the rain, supervise them closely when you get back in the house to prevent the opportunity for accidents. To do this, confine your dog to a smaller area of the home. You can also keep your dog leashed to you. Then, offer frequent opportunities to go back outside to try and relieve themself.

Q: What helps when there is snow on the ground?

Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine says: To encourage your dog to eliminate outdoors when there is snow on the ground, clear a small path on your lawn.

Q: Should I punish my dog for peeing inside?

Humane World for Animals says: Don't punish your pet. Punishment only increases their anxiety and may cause them to hide when they need to go to the bathroom, thereby decreasing their ability to give you a cue when they need to go outside.

This guide covers dogs that will not go outside to pee in cold, rain, snow or wind and have accidents indoors instead: what helps, and how to clean the spots by the door. It uses what the American Kennel Club (AKC), Humane World for Animals, the Cornell and Purdue veterinary colleges and the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) say.

Why some dogs go indoors in bad weather

The AKC says: "Some dogs are unbothered by the rain. But for other dogs, it can lead to a breakdown in potty training." It adds: "Other dogs are tempted to relieve themselves in the house if conditions outside are undesirable."

On the reasons, it says: "Some dogs seem most bothered by the feeling of rain falling on them, while others are uncomfortable with the ground under their feet being wet. Dogs who get cold easily may also find that they get chilly when out in the rain, which can make them reluctant to go outside."

Source: AKC, Training Dogs to Potty in Rain, Snow, or Other Bad Weather.

Small, short-coated and older dogs

The AKC says: "Dogs of all sizes who get cold easily including hairless and short coated breeds, and those dog breeds with low body fat, like Sighthounds, may also be particularly unhappy about having to go out in the rain."

Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine says: "A dog's cold tolerance will vary depending on age, size, nutritional status, health and coat thickness". For an older dog with new accidents, see Senior Dog Accidents: Cleanup Steps for an Older Dog.

Sources: AKC, Training Dogs to Potty in Rain, Snow, or Other Bad Weather; Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Winter safety tips.

Go out with your dog and reward it

The AKC says: "Instead of just taking your dog out to potty, plan to spend some time out in the rain doing things your dog enjoys." It adds: "If your dog stops to relieve themself, give lots of praise and treats just like you did when they were first learning potty training."

Source: AKC, Training Dogs to Potty in Rain, Snow, or Other Bad Weather.

Go back to house-training basics

The AKC says:

"If your dog refuses to potty in the rain, supervise them closely when you get back in the house to prevent the opportunity for accidents. To do this, confine your dog to a smaller area of the home. You can also keep your dog leashed to you. Then, offer frequent opportunities to go back outside to try and relieve themself."

On routine, the AKC's puppy guide says: "Keeping a consistent schedule is essential for successful housetraining." For a refresher, see Pet Cleanup Kit's potty training basics. See also Puppy Accidents: Cleanup Steps That Stop Repeat Spots and New Rescue Dog Peeing in the House: Cleanup and the First Weeks.

Sources: AKC, Training Dogs to Potty in Rain, Snow, or Other Bad Weather; AKC, How to Potty Train Your Puppy and Prevent Accidents Indoors.

Coats and boots

The AKC says: "Many dogs who don't like the sensation of rain or snow falling on them benefit from wearing a properly-fitted raincoat." It adds: "Similarly, properly fitted dog boots can help some dogs be more comfortable by allowing them to avoid the sensory discomfort of walking on wet ground."

Cornell says: "Especially for smaller breeds, older dogs or those with a thin coat, a jacket or sweater will help keep them warm in the winter."

The AKC's guide to walks in rain and snow says: "Be sure to allow dogs to wear protective gear only with supervision and remove jackets and shoes if your dog appears distressed in any way."

Sources: AKC, Training Dogs to Potty in Rain, Snow, or Other Bad Weather; Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Winter safety tips; AKC, How to Train Dogs to Walk in Rain and Snow.

A covered or cleared potty spot

The AKC says: "While your dog is learning to be more comfortable in the rain, it's useful to create opportunities for your dog to relieve themself under shelter." It adds: "If you have a covered patio area in your yard, a flower bed can serve as a potty area. You can also use a bit of sod in a planter or a plastic baby pool filled with dirt to create a temporary potty area."

For snow, Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine says: "To encourage your dog to eliminate outdoors when there is snow on the ground, clear a small path on your lawn."

Sources: AKC, Training Dogs to Potty in Rain, Snow, or Other Bad Weather; Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue Veterinarians Give Winter Weather Tips for Pet Owners.

Shorter trips and a potty cue

The AKC says: "If your dog is reluctant to go outside and walk in certain weather, don't force them to walk for long periods. Keep walks short, and start to increase their length only when your dog is comfortable."

On a potty cue, the AKC says: "Start this training during weather your dog is comfortable with. Once your dog has mastered going on cue, you can ask your dog to relieve themself during wet or cold weather."

Sources: AKC, How to Train Dogs to Walk in Rain and Snow; AKC, Training Dogs to Potty in Rain, Snow, or Other Bad Weather.

Indoor pads during bad weather

The AKC's puppy guide says: "Puppy pads can be useful in certain situations, such as when owners cannot get home frequently or for very small dogs during severe weather. However, they can sometimes slow the transition to outdoor elimination." If pads leak onto the floor, see Puppy Pads Leaking Onto the Floor: Cleanup and Setup.

Source: AKC, How to Potty Train Your Puppy and Prevent Accidents Indoors.

Do not punish after the fact

Humane World for Animals says: "Don't punish your pet. Punishment only increases their anxiety and may cause them to hide when they need to go to the bathroom, thereby decreasing their ability to give you a cue when they need to go outside."

For a dog that was already house trained and is peeing in unwanted spots, Humane World for Animals says: "Before doing anything else, take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for the behavior."

Source: Humane World for Animals, How to stop your dog from peeing in the house.

Wet paws by the door

In its winter care article, the AKC says: "Some people keep a bucket next to their front door to rinse their dog's feet when they come inside." No source we checked covers mud or wet paw prints on the floor by the door.

Source: AKC, How to Keep Your Dog Warm and Safe This Winter.

Clean the spots by the door

The AKC says: "Dogs frequently return to areas that still smell like previous accidents."

For a fresh spot on carpet, Humane World for Animals says: "Rinse the "accident zone" thoroughly with clean, cool water and blot dry." The CRI says "Blot; don't scrub." and "you should still pretest any cleaner on a scrap of carpet or in an out-of-the-way area of your carpet." Humane World for Animals warns:

"Avoid cleaning chemicals such as ammonia or vinegar. Strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area."

Hard floors: see How to Clean Dog Pee From Tile and Grout and How to Clean Pet Urine From Laminate and Vinyl Plank Floors. Rugs: How to Get Dog Pee Out of an Area Rug. Also see Why Do Dogs and Cats Keep Peeing in the Same Spot? and Pet Urine Smell Came Back After Cleaning: Why and What to Do.

Sources: AKC, How to Potty Train Your Puppy and Prevent Accidents Indoors; Humane World for Animals, Get urine smell and pet stains out of carpet; CRI, Cleaning and Maintenance.

Using P-Cleaner

P-Cleaner is the Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Foaming Liquid from Pet Cleanup Kit. The product listing says: "Our rinse-free, water-based formula tackles the toughest stains and odors from urine, feces, vomit, and other organic messes on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and hard surfaces." It also says: "Works on carpets, upholstery, tile, and more.", "No scrubbing necessary" and "Odor-Free & Residue-Free". Test it on a hidden spot first, as the CRI advises above. Follow the directions on the product label.

Buy P-Cleaner on petcleanupkit.com

Quoted from the petcleanupkit.com product listing.