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One of the first questions my friends ask after getting a puppy is usually how many times their dog needs to eliminate. How often do puppies poop and pee? The short answer is 3-5 times a day. It’s not an exact science, but luckily there’s a guideline you can follow until you learn your dog’s habits, and I’ll explain to you how things usually work.
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How long can dogs hold their pee?
It all depends on their age, size, and health. Young puppies have no control over their bladders, so they need to eliminate roughly every 30-45 minutes. As your dog grows and you start potty training, she’ll learn to hold it for longer periods.
Usually, you can use your puppy’s age to count hours she can hold pee: two hours when she’s two months old, four hours at the age of four, and so on. Don’t let her hold it for more than 5-6 hours before she’s one year old.
Healthy adult dogs can hold their bladders up to eight, and even ten hours, when trained. However, you should take your dog outside more often than that, as holding for too long can cause incontinence and bladder stones.
Take your dog outside to eliminate a few times throughout the day:
- when she wakes up (in the morning and after a nap);
- after eating and drinking;
- after playing;
- before going to bed.
Some small breeds and toy dogs need to eliminate more often, because their bladders are smaller and they can’t hold it for too long.
Further reading
How often do dogs poop?
Dogs tend to eliminate after every meal, immediately or in the following 30 minutes. At first it’s better if you watch your dog during her meals and after she’s done, and take her out when she shows signs that she needs to eliminate.
Usually a dog poops once or twice a day, but there are dogs that need to go out three or four times, depending on their eating habits and on how much they’re exercised.
How long can a dog go without pooping? It depends on each situation, but if she hasn’t eliminated in two days your dog could be suffering from constipation, and you need to discuss treatment with your veterinarian immediately.
Keep in mind:
- too much food generates more stools;
- too much or too little fiber can cause constipation or diarrhea;
- changes in your dog’s waste usually indicates a health problem.
Conclusion
I find these guidelines useful for avoiding accidents and extra cleaning, especially when you’ve got no previous experience with pets. However each dog is different, and sometimes you need a few days to understand how your dog’s digestive system works.
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