How often should a dog poop and urinate is a question many new pet owners ask themselves, especially when they adopt or rescue a new puppy. While the question is partially a matter of convenience for owners who work or have busy schedules, it can also be a matter of canine health. The number of times a dog should poop each day can determine whether his diet is appropriate, and his digestive system is functioning properly.
While it is normal for a dog to poop and pee between 1 and 5 times a day, how often you should take your dog out depends on many factors. From what your pet has eaten or drank in the last 24 hours to fiber content in his diet to age, breed, medication and current activity levels, it’s important to understand your dog’s bowel movements.
Below, we will discuss what affects how many times a dog may poop or pee to give you the inside scoop.
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How Many Times Should A Dog or Puppy Poop?
If you have a puppy, you might be wondering if he is pooping more than he should be. Puppies actually do poop a lot more than adult dogs because they eat a lot more as growing pets. Both puppies and adult dogs should poop at least once every 24 hours, but you’ll likely have to take out your puppy or dog two or three times in total.
If your dog is maintaining a good weight, his feces are of normal consistency (meaning not too loose or hard), and your puppy doesn’t seem to be constipated, then you shouldn’t worry.
However, if your dog is not pooping every day or there is blood or mucus in his stool, it is a good idea to visit your veterinarian to find out what the problem is. If your dog is pooping a couple of hours after every meal, there is no cause to worry, as this is how long it takes for their digestive system to do its job.
One thing to keep in mind is that just like humans, every dog is an individual, and not all dogs poop the same. Generally, you should expect your a puppy to poop once in the morning, after each meal (2 to 3 times per day), and once before bedtime, so up to five times per day.
How Often Do Dogs Need To Pee?
Urination is a somewhat different issue. No matter what size or breed, almost all dogs need to pee at least once every 8 to 12 hours. That means most dogs should go pee two to three times per day to be healthy and avoid urinating in your house. A dog that goes uncontrollably may have issues with bladder control, and this problem is more common in overweight dogs. Known as urinary incontinence, this can signal that that the dog has lost the ability to control when he urinates, and that he may be more vulnerable to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Factors That Affect Poop Schedules and Frequency
Age is just one factor that plays a role in your dog’s bowel movements. One of the main factors is their diet, including how much food they are consuming, specifically how much fiber they are getting. If their food is high in fiber or if they eat a lot regularly, you can expect them to poop more frequently.
Health Issues That Can Affect Bowel Movements
Some health issues and illnesses, such as colitis or inflammatory bowel disease, will affect how often your dogs poop. If it seems like your dog is pooping too much, you may need to seek veterinary advice. This is something that you can’t let go on for too long, because too much pooping can lead to dehydration or unhealthy weight loss.
Medication Can Impact Frequency
There are many medications that can cause diarrhea or constipation. For instance, opioids can slow down a dog’s digestive system, which is going to make them poop less frequently. Check your pet’s medication for known side effects. This is likely the cause if you notice a change in your dog’s poop schedule after giving her medication.
Food Allergies
Similarly, if you think that your pet may have a food allergy, it could be time to switch his dog food to a product that specifically caters to canine’s with sensitive stomachs. There are a wide variety of ingredients in dog food that may be causing these allergies.
For example, some dogs are allergic to certain proteins, while others have a sensitivity to grains. A certain brand could even irritate your dog’s stomach if he isn’t getting all the right nutrition, including fats, vitamins and minerals, for proper digestion. Finding the best dog food can be a challenge, especially without some basic research into good and bad ingredients to look for.
If you suspect your dog has a food allergy because he’s experiencing skin irritation and irregular bowel movements, consider buying one of these best dog foods for sensitive stomachs.
How Often Do Dogs Poop?
There is probably nothing to worry about if your dog or puppy is pooping up to 5 times a day. Regularly going to poop soon after each meal is normal. If you think your puppy or adult dog is pooping too much, or you notice loose or hard stools, rapid weight loss, blood in the stool, consistent constipation or difficulty pooping, it’s likely time to call your vet and have your dogs examined.
