How long can dogs hold their poop? It’s a question many dog owners have, and the answer may surprise you.
Depending on the size of your dog, it might take them only minutes to poop, or they could hold it in all day if they were feeling particularly shy.
So how long can dogs hold their poop? Let’s discuss this interesting fact and learn more about what’s happening inside our pups’ bodies when holding it in.
How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Poop?
Like humans, every dog is different regarding how often they need to relieve themselves.
Some dogs can hold their poop for eight hours or more, while others must go every few hours.
The key is to know your dog’s specific requirements and planning accordingly is crucial. If you’re ever unsure, err on the side of caution and take your pup out more often rather than less.
Additionally, don’t forget to visit your veterinarian. They’ll be able to proffer advice based on your dog’s age, weight, and other factors.
With that said, it’s not always possible to predict precisely how much time your pup will need before relieving himself.
For example, if your dog goes from drinking lots of water one day to not drinking the next day, his stomach will fill up, and he’ll need to go as soon as possible.
Medical conditions can also affect your pet’s bladder function and cause an emergency trip outside even if he has only held his pee for an hour or two (e.g., diabetes).
Always pay attention to changes in your pet’s behavior – those could indicate something more extensive behind the scenes.
What Happens If A Dog Holds His Poop Too Long?
A dog may hold his poop for various reasons, including not wanting to go outside in bad weather, being afraid of going to the vet, or simply being too lazy to go.
However, holding in feces can lead to health problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and even vomiting.
If your dog is holding his poop too long, take him to the vet to see if there is a primary medical condition causing the problem.
Sometimes, the vet will recommend giving a laxative to help move things along.
In other cases, the veterinarian may recommend surgery to remove fecal matter inside the intestines.
Another option is an enema. An enema uses warm water to flush the lower bowel clean, but only use this treatment on your pet with the supervision of a professional.
How Long Can A Dog Hold Its Poop After Eating?
According to experts, the average adult dog can hold its poop after eating for up to eight hours.
There is no sure fact that your dog will be able to do so – several factors come into play, including age, health, diet, exercise, and more.
So if you’re wondering how long your dog can go without pooping after eating, consider all these things.
What Can Prevent a Dog From Holding Their Poop?
Several things can affect a dog’s ability to control its bowels; a sudden change in diet, for example, can lead to diarrhea, making it difficult for a dog to hold it.
Stress can also be a factor, as can certain medical conditions. If your dog has trouble holding its poop, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
There are some home remedies that you can try to help keep your pup happy and healthy.
One easy fix is to increase the fiber content of their food. Some high-fiber treats might also do the trick.
If this doesn’t work, adding bran or psyllium husks to their water might help add some bulk to their stool and make it easier for them to go on time.
Make sure not to give them too much water at once, or they’ll likely fill up on liquid and continue straining without being able to go after all.
Too much exercise or anxiety will cause a similar effect. If you know your pup is getting anxious before they’re expected to use the bathroom, consider taking them inside first.
Lastly, please don’t force your dog to go when they’re uncomfortable. While we want our dogs to enjoy going outside and exploring the world around them, sometimes our pets would rather wait until they’re more comfortable in their environment.
After all, no one likes doing something they don’t feel comfortable doing.
FAQ
Can Dogs Hold Poop For 24 Hours?
Dogs can hold their poop for quite a while if they need to. The record is held by an Australian Cattle Dog who went 29 days without pooping.
However, most dogs will need to go within 24 hours. So if your dog hasn’t gone in a day, it’s time for a trip outside.
How Long Can A Dog Go Without Pooping?
Depending on the dog’s size, most adult dogs can hold it for anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. But that doesn’t mean they should go that long without a potty break.
A good practice is to take your dog out every two hours, regardless of whether they’ve pooped recently.
If you work long hours or cannot take your dog out frequently, consider hiring a professional dog walker to help them stay on schedule.
Can A Dog Hold Poop Overnight?
Many people believe dogs can’t hold their poop overnight, but that’s not necessarily true.
Some dogs can go all night without pooping. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need to go outside during that time. They may just need to go less frequently.
Conclusion
Dogs can control their bowel movements for much longer than we give them credit.
Adult dogs in good health can keep their feces for up to eight hours. So if you work eight hours, your dog can likely hold it until you come home.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, and some dogs may need to go more frequently due to health issues or other factors.
Talk to your veterinarian if you’re ever concerned about your dog’s ability to hold its poop.
We had so much fun writing this article, and we hope you have the same experience reading them.
We implore you to help share this piece across your social media platforms to aid others who might require the above information.