Dogs can hold their pee for a surprisingly long time, sometimes for days. But this isn’t advisable as holding it for too long can lead to urinary tract infections and bladder stones. The exact amount of time depends on a variety of factors, such as age, breed, and health. By learning about your pup’s individual needs, you can make sure they have plenty of opportunities to relieve themselves.
How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Pee?
The length of time a dog can hold their pee depends on several factors, including age, size, health, size of the bladder, and exposure to water. Generally speaking, most dogs will need to urinate at least every 8-10 hours, with puppies needing to go even more frequently. Small breeds and dogs that don’t drink much water can last longer without needing to pee, while large breeds may need to go more frequently. Some dogs can hold their pee for up to 12 hours but it is not recommended to do so since it can lead to various health issues.
Chart For How Long Dogs Can Hold Their Pee, According To Age, Size & Night Time
| Age | Size (Small Dogs) | Size (Medium to Large Dogs) | Night Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 week | 1 hour | 2 hours | 4 – 7 hours |
| 3 months | 1.5 to 2 hours | 3 hours | 5 – 8 hours |
| 4 months | 2 hours | 4 hours | 6 – 8 hours |
| 5 months | 2 – 4 hours | 5 hours | 6 – 8 hours |
| 6 months | 3 – 5 hours | 6 hours | 6 – 9 hours |
| 7 months | 4 – 6 hours | 6 to 8 hours | 8 – 10 hours |
| Over 7 months | 4 – 6 hours | 6 to 10 hours. However, this could lead to health issues) | 8 – 10 hours |
Factors That Affect How Long A Dog Can Hold Their Pee
- Age: Younger puppies will need to be taken out more frequently as their tiny bladders cannot hold urine for very long. As they get older, their body will be able to better manage their urge to pee and can hold it longer.
- Health: A dog’s health can also affect their bladder control. If they have a medical issue, their body may not be able to regulate the urge to go like a healthy dog.
- Breed: Some breeds are better able to hold their pee than others. Breeds like Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Terriers are known for having smaller bladders and may need to be taken out more often. On the other hand, larger breeds such as Great Danes and German Shepherds have a much higher bladder capacity and can usually wait longer.
- Size: Size also comes into play when it comes to a dog’s ability to hold its pee. Smaller dogs will generally need to be taken out more often than larger dogs since their bladders are simply not as large.
- Amount of Water Consumed: The amount of water that a dog drinks can affect how long they are able to hold their pee. A dog that drinks a lot of water will naturally need to urinate more often than one that does not drink much.
- Activity Level: A dog’s activity level can also impact its bladder control. If they have just spent a lot of time running and playing, they will likely need to relieve themselves sooner than a dog who has been sitting around all day.
Common Health Issues That Affect A Dog’s Peeing Schedule
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): UTIs are caused when bacteria find their way into the urinary tract and cause inflammation and infection. UTIs can cause pain, urgency, incontinence, and an inability to urinate. In some cases, a UTI can lead to a complete blockage of the urethra causing complete retention. Affected dogs may strain to urinate or pass only small amounts of urine at a time. UTIs also produce foul-smelling urine.
- Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can cause the body to have difficulty filtering waste products and toxins from the blood. This can also lead to an increase in thirst and urination. Affected dogs may urinate more frequently and in larger amounts as their body tries to rid themselves of the toxins. In some cases, the kidneys may not be able to keep up, causing a build-up of waste products to reach toxic levels. This can lead to anorexia, vomiting, and lethargy.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to produce or use insulin. Affected dogs will often urinate more frequently due to increased levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Additionally, dogs may urinate in larger amounts due to weaknesses in the bladder muscles. Diabetes can also lead to an increase in thirst, so dogs may be drinking more and need to urinate more often as a result of this.
- Cushing’s Disease: Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition in which the body produces too much cortisol. Affected dogs may drink more and, as a result, urinate more frequently. The increased cortisol levels can also lead to a decrease in the absorption of important electrolytes, which can also cause more frequent trips to the bathroom.
- Prostate Disorders: Prostate disorders such as prostate infections, abscesses, or enlargement can all lead to difficulty urinating. Dogs may strain to urinate and have an increased frequency of trips to the bathroom. They may also pass only small amounts of urine at a time.
How Often Do Dogs Need To Pee?
Typically, a healthy adult dog should relieve itself every 6 to 8 hours. However, this varies from dog to dog and is highly dependent on the individual’s habits, age, breed, diet, and health. Senior dogs, puppies, and small breeds tend to need to pee more often than larger, adult dogs.
Dog Holding Pee for 12 Hours Overnight
It is not recommended that you keep your dog from urinating for 12 hours overnight. Allowing your dog to do their business every 8-10 hours is best for their health and bladder control. If you have concerns about your dog having accidents in the house at night, it is best to seek professional advice from a vet, behaviorist, or a reputable dog trainer.
My Dog Holds His Pee for 12 Hours
It is certainly possible for a dog to hold their pee for 12 hours, depending on their age, size, and health. However, it is not recommended that you allow your dog to hold it for that long, as it can put a strain on their kidneys and over time lead to dehydration. If your dog needs to go longer than eight hours without going to the bathroom, it is best to consult your veterinarian for advice and help.
Why Does My Dog Hold His Pee for So Long?
There could be several reasons why your dog is holding their pee for so long. It may be because they are feeling stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable in their environment. They may also have a medical condition that is causing them to retain urine for longer periods of time. Additionally, they may have been trained to hold their bladder until it’s time for a potty break. Lastly, some breeds such as Dachshunds tend to be able to hold their bladders for much longer than other breeds.
What Happens When Dog Holds Pee Too Long?
If a dog holds their pee too long, they may experience urinary tract or bladder infections, dehydration, and even kidney problems if their body isn’t able to eliminate toxins properly. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and in severe cases, organ damage and death. It is important to provide dogs with frequent access to relieve themselves and to offer them plenty of fluids throughout the day if they are not able to go outside to urinate.
Types Of Peeing & How To Stop It
- House Soiling: House soiling occurs when a dog relieves himself indoors. This is generally caused by inadequate house training, anxiety, or medical reasons such as a urinary tract infection. To stop this type of peeing, start by providing frequent bathroom breaks outdoors, and reward your pup with treats and praise for going in the designated area. If there are medical issues present, consult your veterinarian.
- Marking: Marking behavior is when a pup urinates to mark its territory. This behavior is typically seen in male dogs and often manifests itself by peeing on objects or surfaces in the house such as furniture, walls, or other items. To stop marking, it is important to neutralize your male pup if he is not already. Additionally, provide chances for your pup to do outside marking, such as in designated play areas.
- Submissive Urination: Submissive urination is another common type of peeing seen in dogs, and it is a behavior that usually occurs when the pup is feeling intimidated or overly excited. This type of peeing can be stopped by working with your pup to develop self-confidence. Redirect any excitement and provide treats and praise when the pup behaves well. It is important to remember to stay calm, as any signs of aggression can exacerbate the behavior.
Signs Your Dog Has To Pee
- Sniffing around the house
- Scratching the floor or door
- Whining
- Circling around
- Going to the door or window
- Pawing at you
- Restlessness and pacing
- Sudden changes in behavior, including barking or scratching
- Lifting one or two legs while squatting
- A sudden burst of energy
How Can I Stop My Dog From Peeing So Often?
- Talk to your veterinarian: Bring your pup in for an examination to rule out any medical or physical issues that could be causing them to pee too often.
- Establish a routine and consistent potty schedule: Have your dog go to the bathroom at the same time every day so that their body gets used to it.
- Increase exercise: Taking your pup for a walk or participating in other physical activities can help them use up some of their excess energy and reduce the frequency of bathroom trips.
- Provide plenty of access to fresh drinking water: Keeping your dog hydrated can help them regulate their bathroom habits.
- Keep the area clean: Keep the area where your pup pees clean and free of urine odors that might attract them back to it.
- Consider a crate or a playpen: Dogs may be less likely to pee in their own space if they’re contained with a crate or playpen.
- Clean up accidents immediately: Cleaning up any accidents as soon as they happen can help prevent your pup from returning to the same spot to pee.
- Seek professional help: If you’ve tried all of these methods and your pup is still peeing too often, consider seeking out professional behavior training or talking to a veterinarian behaviorist.
FAQs
Q. How long can a dog hold their pee overnight?
A. Most adult dogs can hold their pee for 8-10 hours overnight, but this can vary depending on a number of factors such as age, health, and bladder size.
Q. Is it OK for dogs to hold their pee?
A. No, it is not OK for dogs to hold their pee, as doing so can lead to urinary tract infections or other health issues.
Q. Can dogs hold pee for 12 hours overnight?
A. No, dogs cannot usually hold their pee for 12 hours overnight.
Q. Can dogs hold their pee for 24 hours?
A. No, dogs cannot hold their urine for 24 hours. Most dogs need to urinate every 6-8 hours.
Q. How long can a dog go without peeing before it is dangerous?
A. It is generally recommended that a dog should be let out to urinate at least every 8-10 hours. If a dog goes longer than this without urinating, it can become dangerous and can lead to urinary tract infections and kidney damage.
Q. How long can small dogs hold their pee?
A. Small dogs can usually hold their pee for up to 4 to 6 hours, depending on their size, age, health, and stress levels.
Conclusion
The answer to how long can dogs hold their pee depends on several factors, such as size, age, breed, habits, and stress levels. While smaller and older dogs may not be able to hold their pee for long periods of time, larger and younger dogs can hold their pee for a few hours without needing to go. Additionally, certain types of dogs may have a naturally higher bladder capacity, resulting in their ability to hold their pee for longer periods of time. Ultimately, regular restroom breaks and access to water throughout the day can help keep your dog healthy and prevent bladder infections.