How Often Do Puppies Pee? A Guide to Puppy Bladder Habits
If you have a new puppy, you might be surprised by how often they need to go outside. It can feel like you’re constantly taking them out! Understanding your puppy’s bladder habits is a crucial step in house training and ensuring their health
Key Takeaways
- Puppies pee frequently due to small bladders but frequently decreases with age.
- A consistent potty routine with positive reinforcement is essential for successful house training.
- Excessive urination or accidents may signal underlying health issues that require a vet visit.
- Crate training can help, but puppies should not be crated too long.
- Pet insurance can help offset the cost of treating potential medical concerns—compare plans easily with Pawlicy Advisor to find coverage that fits your budget.
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Factors such as age, breed, and water intake affect how often your puppy needs to pee. Knowing what’s normal will help you create an effective potty training routine and identify potential health issues.
✔️ Reviewed by multiple licensed veterinarians
✔️ Updated with the latest medical data
✔️ Compiled from veterinary research
How often do puppies pee?
Like human infants, puppies must learn how to control their bodily functions. A puppy's ability to hold their urine depends on their age and bladder development.
Here’s a breakdown of typical urination frequency by age:
- Newborns: After every feeding (about every 30–45 minutes).
- 8 to 10 weeks: Every one to two hours.
- 3 to 4 months: Every two to four hours.
- 5 to 6 months: Every four to six hours.
- Older than 6 months: Can hold it for 6 hours or longer.
Recommended Reading: How To Take Care Of A Puppy
Factors that affect how often puppies pee
A few key factors affect your puppy’s urination frequency, and understanding them can help you better manage their potty needs:
- Water intake: The more your puppy drinks, the more often they’ll need to pee. Monitor their water intake throughout the day, but never limit their access to water.
- Diet: Puppies on high-moisture foods, such as wet food or a raw diet, will generally need to pee more often than those eating dry kibble.
- Activity level: The more active your puppy is, the more they’ll need to relieve themselves. Playtime, walks, and even excitement can increase their need to pee.
- Size and breed differences: Smaller breeds tend to have smaller bladders and need to pee more frequently than larger breeds.
If your puppy is peeing a lot or peeing frequently in small amounts, it may be due to one of these factors. However, frequent accidents could also indicate a medical issue.
“Consistency and timing are key for successful puppy potty training. As puppies grow, the frequency of breaks can decrease, but the habit of going outside at regular intervals should remain consistent.”
Dr. Ricky Walther
“Consistency and timing are key for successful puppy potty training. As puppies grow, the frequency of breaks can decrease, but the habit of going outside at regular intervals should remain consistent.”How to tell when your puppy needs to pee
Knowing when your puppy needs to go is key to effective potty training. Here are some common signs that it's time to take your pup outside:
- Sniffing the ground: Puppies often sniff the ground to find a spot to pee.
- Circling in one area: This is a sign that they’re looking for a place to do their business.
- Whining or suddenly stopping play: Puppies may vocalize when they need to go, or they might stop playing abruptly to let you know it’s time.
- Heading toward the door: Some puppies may naturally head to the door when they need to go outside.
If your puppy keeps peeing in the house, it could mean they haven’t fully grasped potty training, or they have an underlying health concern.
How long after drinking water does a puppy pee?
Puppies generally need to pee within 10 to 30 minutes after drinking water. The exact timing can vary depending on their age, activity level, and how much they drink. At night, puppies typically hold their pee longer, but you should take them out right before bed to minimize accidents.
Pro Tips for Potty Training:
- A regular potty schedule is key to successful house training.
- Using the same potty spot each time helps your puppy learn where to go.
- Always praise and reward them when they potty outside.
- Puppies instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a crate can help them learn to hold their pee.
- Accidents will happen. Never punish your puppy for having an accident, as this can cause fear and confusion. Use an enzymatic cleaner.
Dr. Ricky Walther explains, “Consistency and timing are key for successful puppy potty training. As puppies grow, the frequency of breaks can decrease, but the habit of going outside at regular intervals should remain consistent.”
When to be concerned about frequent urination
Excessive urination can be caused by several health issues, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and diabetes. If your puppy is peeing more frequently than usual, it’s important to monitor them for any accompanying symptoms, such as discomfort, blood in the urine, or changes in their behavior. These could be signs your pet needs immediate medical attention.
A visit to the vet will ensure your puppy gets the care they need and can prevent more serious health issues from developing.
Possible causes:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs can cause increased urination, which is often accompanied by discomfort.
- Diabetes or kidney issues: Both can cause excessive thirst and urination.
Signs to watch for:
- Peeing excessively or in small amounts
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult your vet to ensure your puppy gets the proper treatment.
Recommended Reading: Dog Health Issues: Common Conditions by Breed, Size, Age
How to save on unexpected veterinary costs
Veterinary bills can add up quickly, especially if your puppy develops health issues. Consider investing in pet insurance to help manage unexpected vet costs.
Pawlicy Advisor can help you compare the best pet insurance plans to fit your puppy’s needs and your budget, ensuring they get the best care possible without straining your wallet.
Your new puppy may be small — but their vet bills won't be.
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FAQs about how often puppies pee
How often should a puppy pee at night?
Most puppies can hold their pee for six to eight hours overnight, but younger puppies may need a mid-night potty break.
Do puppies pee out of excitement?
Yes! Some puppies urinate when they are excited, especially when greeting familiar people or during playtime. If your puppy pees when they get worked up, it’s likely due to excitement urination, which they may outgrow with training.
How frequently do puppies pee?
Puppies typically pee every one to two hours when they are young, but the frequency will decrease as they grow.
How often should a puppy pee?
The general rule regarding how long puppies can hold their urine is one hour per month of age. For example, a 3-month-old puppy should go every three hours.
Why do puppies pee so much?
If your puppy pees a lot, it’s likely due to their developing bladder. However, medical conditions can also cause frequent urination.
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DVM, FFCP
Dr. Angela Beal has worked in private practice and taught veterinary technicians for 15 years. Angela is a veterinarian who loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Since 2020, she has worked full-time within the veterinary education writing and editing industry. Angela lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and their spoiled Chihuahua mix, Yogi.
