Why Does My Dog Follow Me to the Bathroom? Is This Normal?

1. They’re Curious

Dogs are naturally inquisitive. If your four-legged friend has a tendency to follow you to the bathroom, they’re curious as to what you’re doing in there, says Wailani Sung, DVM, DACVB, owner of Bay Area Vet Behavior, in San Francisco, California.

This could be the case especially in households where people keep the bathroom door shut most of the time, adds Chris Anderson, DVM, veterinarian at Santa Fe Animal Hospital, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Not to mention that dogs experience smells on a level we can’t comprehend, he adds. So, it’s quite possible that any and every—yes, every—smell is worth sniffing out and exploring.

2. They Love You

Depending on your dog’s personality, they might prefer to be by your side at all times—even while you’re on the toilet—to show they love you. Some dogs are affectionately referred to as “Velcro dogs” for this very reason.

“The relationship between domestic dogs and people is closer than almost any relationships we have with members of the animal world, and many dogs are very connected to their people,” Dr. Anderson says.

Our furry friends aren’t hindered by the same social norms we are and don’t recognize the idea that privacy is important in the bathroom like we do, he notes.

3. They’re Looking for a Resource

In some cases, your dog might follow you to the bathroom because they’re seeking a temperature change or a water source, Dr. Anderson says. Examples of this include looking for a warm, cozy spot to rest during the wintertime or a cooler space when it’s warm.

4. They Have Separation Anxiety

Does your pooch keep a close eye on you and follow you everywhere you go (literally, in this case)? If it’s difficult for your dog to be away from you, even if just for a few minutes, this could be a telltale sign of separation anxiety.

“Some dogs with separation anxiety will follow their pet parents because they’re worried about them going out of sight,” Dr. Sung says.

In most cases, Dr. Sung doesn’t think pet parents need to stop their dogs from following them to the bathroom. However, certain undesirable behaviors could determine whether you opt for privacy in the bathroom, such as:

• Trying to engage with you while you’re sitting on the toilet and trying to do your business
• Attacking the hair dryer when you’re using it
• Trying to jump into the shower with you

A few pros and cons of letting your dog accompany you to the restroom, according to Dr. Sung, include:

Pros:

• You know where your dog is.
• They’re not out of sight getting into mischief, such as chewing on items you don’t want chewed on or eliminating in the house.

Cons:

• Your dog might want to jump on you or engage in play when you’re busy on the toilet or in the shower.
• They might open the cabinet or chew on soap or bottles of shampoo or bathroom cleaner when you’re busy in the bathroom.

Ultimately, whether you allow your dog in the bathroom comes down to your preference:

• If you do allow them into the bathroom, be mindful of the potential items your curious pup can get into and place them out of reach if possible.
• If you’d prefer to have some privacy, Dr. Sung says this is OK too.

How Do I Get My Dog To Stop?

No matter whether you’d like some alone time or you want to prevent your dog from getting into things they shouldn’t, here are a few expert recommendations for how to stop your dog from following you to the bathroom:

• Close the door. For dogs who are curious, Dr. Sung says shutting the door and preventing them from following you is easy to manage. They’ll either wander off or wait outside the bathroom for you to be done.
• Teach them to wait outside the bathroom. If your dog is eager to join you in the bathroom, consider teaching them to be OK with waiting while the bathroom is occupied. “The traditional foundational commands of sit, stay, and come for well-trained dogs would get a person who doesn’t dillydally enough time to go pee,” Dr. Anderson says.
• Ease their separation anxiety. Some dogs might become upset and show signs of distress (e.g., barking or scratching at the door) if they lose sight of their pet parent in the house, Dr. Sung says. To help them, she suggests leaving the bathroom door open and setting up a dog gate so your pup can see you while you’re in there. Additionally, you might be able to close the door but still speak to them to help them understand you’re there. You can also give them a food puzzle toy or long-lasting chew to keep them busy.