- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
The puppy stage comes with lots of firsts, some of them more confusing than others. Potty training in particular is filled with questions—one of the most common being why does my puppy poop so much?
Luckily, it won’t always be this way. We spoke with Dr. Joanne Fernandez, veterinarian (DVM) and Director of Veterinary Affairs at ABCs Puppy Zs, to learn more about puppy poop schedules, changes in frequency, setting up a routine, and when it’s time to see the vet.
How Often Should a Puppy Poop?
Puppies tend to poop more than adult dogs due to their small size and growing bodies.
“Puppies have smaller digestive systems and much faster metabolisms compared to adult dogs,” explains Dr. Fernandez. “Their bodies process food quickly, which means they need to eliminate more often.” Plus, on a puppy feeding schedule, they tend to eat more frequent small meals throughout the day.
“This is completely normal as their bodies grow and mature,” reassures Dr. Fernandez.
A puppy’s bathroom habits will change as they grow and can vary based on size, breed, diet, and health. Here’s about how often your puppy should poop based on their age.
| Age | Frequency |
| 2 Months | 3-5 times a day. At this age, puppies have little control over their digestive system and are adjusting to feeding schedules, so bowel movements will be more frequent. |
| 4 Months | 2-4 times a day. Puppies’ digestive systems “become more efficient,” according to Dr. Fernandez, and they start having fewer bowel movements. |
| 6 Months | 2-3 times a day (similar to adult dogs). |
Factors That Change Pooping Frequency
While puppy poop schedules may seem unpredictable, sometimes their frequency becomes even more chaotic. You may notice either an increase or a decrease, which can require adjustments to their diet or a visit to the vet.
Reasons your puppy might poop more
- Dietary changes. Like adult dogs, puppies may not respond well to switching to a new food too quickly. If you decide to change their food, gradually transition over a week to see how your puppy reacts.
- Overeating. Too much food can cause more frequent bowel movements. It’s important to measure to ensure your puppy is getting the right amount of food and not eating more than their tiny stomach can handle.
- Stress. Anxiety can cause an upset stomach and lead to puppy diarrhea. Puppies (like humans) can become stressed for a variety of reasons, including moving, meeting new people or pets, and even loud noises.
- Parasites or infections. Worms, giardia, or bacterial infections can cause loose stools, diarrhea, and more frequent pooping. Call your vet if you suspect your pup may have a parasite or infection.
- Food intolerance. Your puppy’s digestive system may not like certain ingredients. They could be allergic to certain foods, which can lead to an upset stomach and increased bowel movements.
Reasons your puppy might poop less
- Dehydration. “A lack of water intake slows digestion, potentially leading to constipation,” says Dr. Fernandez. To make sure your puppy is drinking enough, always have fresh water available for them to easily access.
- Constipation. Puppies may become constipated for many reasons, including lack of exercise, a low-fiber diet, or ingesting non-food materials, like toys or bones, that can cause blockages.
- Illness. “Intestinal blockages, systemic illnesses, or side effects of medications can reduce pooping frequency,” adds Dr. Fernandez.
Wavetop via iStock
How To Set a Puppy Poop Schedule
It’s possible to create a more predictable puppy poop schedule—usually by structuring your puppy’s day a little more consistently. “If you create a consistent schedule, you’ll establish a solid foundation for your puppy’s potty habits while recognizing when something might be wrong,” encourages Dr. Fernandez.
Here’s how to get more predictable puppy poops.
1. Establish consistent meal times
Creating an eating schedule will help with potty training overall. “Feed your puppy at the same times each day to create predictable digestion cycles,” advises Dr. Fernandez. It offers a lot more control than free feeding or responding to your puppy’s hunger cues.
2. Schedule regular potty breaks
It’s important to take your puppy out for bathroom breaks frequently—and it will help with puppy potty training, too. You should plan to take them out when:
- they wake up in the morning
- after a nap
- after they eat
- after playtime
- before bed
3. Keep a routine
Most puppies thrive on predictability and consistency, which are key elements in potty training. “Use the same spot for potty breaks to help them associate the area with elimination,” recommends Dr. Fernandez. “If using pee pads, have them located in the same area each day. This will help create the association and routine.”
4. Track patterns
“Keep a log of when your puppy eats, drinks, and eliminates to identify trends,” says Dr. Fernandez. That way, you’ll know if you need to modify your schedule to add additional potty breaks.
When To See the Vet
If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms in your puppy’s stools or behavior, it’s a good idea to call the vet.
- Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Not having a bowel movement for over 48 hours
- Blood or mucus in stool (this could be a sign of illness, infection, or injury)
- If your puppy’s bowel movements change rapidly (either increased or decreased) without a clear reason
- Abnormal poop, plus vomiting and/or fever
- Lethargic, puppy refuses to eat, and/or shows signs of pain
