Many will remember some sage wisdom from a classic children’s book: Everybody poops, including our dogs. “In general, a dog should [poop] at least once a day,” explains Shoshi Parks, a certified professional dog trainer.
Adult dogs should poop between two to three times per day, while puppies might poop more than three times a day. The number of bathroom breaks can vary based on factors like your dog’s diet and any underlying health issues.
Learn more about the ideal dog poop schedule and what to do if your dog poops too little or too much.
Do Dogs Poop At Specific Times of Day?
Ali Smith, a certified professional dog trainer and founder of Rebarkable, says dogs are great at adapting to your routine. So, if you typically let them out for toilet breaks at a certain time of day, like right after lunch, they’ll adapt to this schedule and poop at that time.
That said, Smith says it’s a good idea to let your dog out first thing in the morning and right before bed.
How Long After Eating Do Dogs Poop?
In general, Parks says most dogs will need to poop eight to 12 hours after digesting their previous meal. However, smaller dogs might have to go poop sooner.
To understand your dog’s individual digestion schedule, try to note when your dog needs a bathroom break and compare it with the timing of their last meal. Smith says signs that your dog needs to ‘go’ include sniffing the ground or circling a potential potty spot.
If you’re still potty training a dog or a puppy, you can train them to alert when they need to poop.
How Long Can A Dog Hold Their Poop?
Paige Adams, a veterinarian with Etowah Veterinary Hospital, says that most dogs can hold their poop for around 12 hours but adds that this can vary between different dogs. For instance, if your dog is having gastrointestinal (GI) issues, like diarrhoea, they may not be able to hold it in as long.
Meanwhile, Smith says a dog may also be more susceptible to ‘accidents’ if you deviate from your pup’s usual bathroom schedule.
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When To See a Vet About a Dog’s Poop Schedule
Certain health issues can affect your dog’s poop quality and how often they need to go, including the following. If these problems get severe enough, it’s time to see a vet.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea causes stool to move faster through your dog’s intestines. So, a dog dealing with diarrhoea may go more often than usual. Diarrhoea causes include:
In some cases, you can treat mild diarrhoea by switching your dog to a bland, easy-to-digest diet, like boiled chicken and rice. But if diarrhoea lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours, see a vet.
Constipation
Sometimes, a dog’s stool may be too hard and dry. Constipated dogs may poop less often than usual or have a tough time doing their business.
Parks says that in cases like these, constipated dogs may need extra help to poop normally again. Here are some suggestions to get your dog’s poop schedule back to normal:
- switch to high-fibre dog food
- prioritise exercise to aid digestion
- add high-fibre supplements to your dog’s diet
- keep your dog well-hydrated
That said, constipation could be due to an underlying medical issue, like hypothyroidism. So, if your dog goes 48 to 72 hours without pooping, bring in a professional.
Takeaway
When it comes to poop, most adult dogs go between one and three times per day. But puppies may go more often, thanks to their big appetites and quick metabolisms. No matter how many times your dog goes poop, make sure to have what you need to clean it up, dispose of it properly, and keep your pup clean, including the following:
- Poop bags
- Poop bag holders and dispensers
- Pooper scoopers
- Dog-safe wipes
