Dogs can only be relied on to hold their urine or feces one hour for every month old they are, until 8 hours at 8 months old. And remember that sick or older dogs won't be able to hold it as long as healthy young adult dogs. A two month old puppy can hold his bladder for up to 3 hours.
On average dogs can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours if they have to. If the need arises and your pet will be home alone for that long, most young dogs will manage, but asking them to do this on a regular basis may have some negative consequences.
Adult dogs that are one year or older should be able to hold their pee in for up to 6-8 hours. However, 8 hours is a bit of a stretch, and ideally, you should not expect your dog to hold their urine for longer than 6 hours.
According to vets how long a dog can hold their pee should not matter. They recommend letting your dog out every 6-8 hours. This would be 3-4 times a day. Vets say that just because a dog can hold their pee for +8 hours they shouldn't have to.
Most healthy, adult dogs will readily go to the bathroom an hour or so after a meal. They can, however, hold their stool much longer if necessary. In fact, for the most part, a healthy adult dog can hold their stool for 12 hours or more.
In most cases, healthy dogs without any underlying health conditions can go 48 hours without pooping (and sometimes longer) without any cause for serious concern. There's no hard and fast rule, but many veterinarians will recommend an exam if your dog goes more than 48 to 72 hours without pooping.
Consider the bladder
How long can a dog “hold it” before needing a potty break? Here are common time limits for dogs of different life stages: Puppies: one hour per every month of age (so a three month old puppy can wait three hours to pee) Adult dogs age one year and up: up to eight hours, but ideally no more than six.
Adult dogs require potty breaks every six to eight hours, while puppies can hold their bladders for one hour for each month of their age; for example, an eight-month-old puppy needs a potty break every eight hours.
Generally speaking, dogs will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to urinate after drinking water. Some may go as quickly as 15 minutes while others may need up to two hours.
There's potential health risks associated with forcing your dog to hold its pee for too long. Although he physically might be able to do so, extended periods of holding it in can lead to urinary tract infections or urinary crystals and stones. The inability to urine can also lead to behavioral issues.
As a general rule of thumb, adult dogs can be left alone for up to 6 hours a day. However, the amount of time a dog can spend safely alone will vary from dog to dog, as even the most laid-back dogs may become distressed when you leave them on their own for long periods of time.
With regard to companionship, it suggests that dogs should not be left alone for more than four hours a day depending on their age. However the survey revealed that 23% of respondents left their dog alone for more than five hours a day on a typical weekday.
So, in summary, even though an adult dog can go for a maximum of 10 to 15 hours without urinating, it's preferable that you allow them to relieve themselves every 6 to 8 hours. This applies to most dogs, excluding young pups (who need more bathroom breaks) and your senior dog who needs a bit more TLC in this area.
Puppies can hold it a little longer while they are sleeping. You will still need to make (at least) one trip halfway through the night for puppies under 4 months old, and maybe a little after that for some pups. Remember to set a (gentle) alarm for 4-5 hours after your puppy's bedtime.
Create a nighttime routine: TV off, hallway light off, outside light off, etc. This will let them know that they have to go potty because you are headed to bed. Try to wake up before they do. If they can wake you to potty, then they will learn that waking you up gets a reward of a bladder release.
Most puppies will be able to hold their urine through the night by the time they are 4 months old. However, some puppies may need to go out more frequently, especially if they are small breeds. You should consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your puppy's ability to hold its urine through the night.
Some signs are obvious, such as barking or scratching at the door, squatting, restlessness, sniffing around or circling. When you see these signs, immediately grab the leash and take them outside to their bathroom spot. If they eliminate, praise them and reward with a treat.
A musky scent distinguishes dog urine smell from other smells that may be in the house. Walk around, be more sensitive with your nose, and you'd perceive the musky, distinct scent that's unusual and overpowering in the house.
With that in mind, he advises that in general “defecating one to two times daily is considered normal.” He also notes that if your dog is eating a diet that is higher in fiber, they may regularly poop three times a day.
Getting out pent-up energy before bedtime will help your dog sleep better. When your dog sleeps soundly, you'll enjoy fewer nighttime distractions and sleep more soundly, too. Boosts your metabolism: Your body will benefit from your nighttime walks with your dog.
Adult dogs are generally okay on their own for 4-6 hours a day. But, many dogs are good at adapting to being alone for 8-9 hours while you are at work if they are provided with enough space to comfortably move around.
A younger dog or an older dog might have to pee more often. A dog that won't pee is just as serious as a dog not pooping. He could be experiencing any number of critical health issues. If your dog is truly unable to pee, the inability for the bladder to remove toxins from the body could quickly become fatal.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
If you notice that your dog has not peed once in a 24-hour period or that it is struggling or straining to urinate during bathroom breaks, you should call your vet and make an appointment right away. Early detection and treatment could save your dog a lot of discomfort and potential illness.