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

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.

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.

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 some cases, your dog might follow you to the bathroom because they’re seeking a temperature change, a water source or even a treat, 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. If you keep water bowls or food in the bathroom, this may also be appealing for your dog.

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.

As yourself the following questions: 

• Do you like knowing where your dog is at all times?
• Do you prefer privacy in the bathroom
• Does you dog behave calming in the bathroom?
• Are there items in the bathroom that could be dangerous, like cleaning supplies or medications?

If you don’t mind the company and your dog behaves appropriately, then there’s generally no reason to discourage the behavior. Just make sure potentially harmful items are stored safely out of reach.

If you’d prefer more privacy or your dog engages in disruptive or unsafe behaviors, then you may want to work on discouraging bathroom visits with a gate to block the door.

If your dog’s separation anxiety is affecting their or your quality of life, Dr. Anderson recommends consulting your vet or a behavioral specialist, as they’ll be able to share advice on calming techniques or prescribe anxiety medications.

Why does my dog follow me when I pee?

Your dog might follow you when you go to the bathroom because they’re curious about what you’re doing. In some cases, dogs might have separation anxiety.

Should I let my dog in the bathroom with me?

It depends! If you’d like to let your dog in the bathroom, you can. If you’d prefer some alone time, that’s OK too. It all comes down to preference and what you and your dog are comfortable with.

Why does my dog follow me but not other people to the bathroom?

This is most likely due to their attachment to you as their pet parent, Dr. Sung says. They might not care what other people are doing out of sight in another room but do care about what you’re doing or where you’re going. It might also be part of their routine that they follow you when you’re home.

This content was medically reviewed by Hannah Hart, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.