You want to give your dog the best life possible, and that includes making sure he or she is comfortable with plenty of bathroom breaks throughout the day. But sometimes, in inclement weather, for example, taking your dog out to pee can become a real challenge. In addition, people who are away from their pets for long hours also need to figure out a bathroom breaks schedule. So, how long can dogs hold their pee?
Urinary frequency (how often a dog needs to pee) varies according to the dog’s age, sex, size, health status, and lifestyle factors. In general, older and smaller dogs need to urinate more often than younger and larger dogs.
Adult dogs can typically hold their pee for 6-8 hours. Senior dogs may need more frequent visits outdoors, typically every 4-6 hours. Dogs whose parents are gone for long hours are often able to hold their pee for longer durations, up to 10-12 hours.
Most dogs can hold their pee for 8-10 hours overnight while asleep. But all dogs need to be taken out for a bathroom break when they wake up.
Vets recommend that you should take your dog out 3-5 times a day to pee. That’s one bathroom break every 8 hours at least. Remember that your dog will need to pee after drinking water, play time, and in the morning when she wakes up.
If a dog holds his pee too long, it can lead to urinary tract infections and urinary stones. Not being able to pee when needed can also cause behavioral problems in some pooches. It is worth noting that some dogs, especially younger dogs, may be able to hold their pee for up to 12 hours. However, vets recommend a bathroom break every 6-8 hours at most to prevent health complications. Read more tips on pet health.
Puppies need to pee more often than adult dogs. And given that they are in the process of toilet training, frequent bathroom breaks are recommended. Vets recommend allowing one hour per month of age between bathroom breaks (so, 4 hours between bathroom breaks for a 4-month-old puppy). (Read more tips on puppy training).
Adult dogs (1 year old and above) can usually go 8 hours without peeing. Senior dogs may need to go outdoors every 2-6 hours.
03 December, 2022