Your puppy went out for a stroll, and they had a couple of massive poops. However, you can see your pup squatting to pee right inside the front door. Sometimes, it may appear as if your puppy is a poop-filled mess!
Does this sound normal? Does a puppy really pee more often than dogs of adulthood, and how do they know? We have the answer to all you want to know about when puppies need to poop.
How Often Should a Puppy Poop?
It is usual for puppies to poop frequently. They’re small and have an intestinal tract that’s in the process of developing. Food gets processed exceptionally rapidly, and often, it’s not digested as well as it should. Generally, the older the dog is, the quicker food moves through their stomachs.
It’s not unusual for puppies to urinate every 5-6 hours. Certain breeds will even be eliminated more often.
It’s good to know that the frequency of peeing can slow down when the dog grows older. While a puppy of 2 weeks old may be able to urinate at each meal at 12 weeks, the dog may urinate four times per day. At 6 months, this might be three times a day. By one year of age, they are generally settling into “normal” habits. Adult dogs typically will poop once per day. However, they can do it up to three times a day.
When your puppy’s routine for pooping slows, you’ll be able to observe what’s “normal” for them. Any change regarding your puppy’s daily routine is expected to be gradual. Therefore, should you spot any sudden changes, contact your vet.
Be aware of the frequency and consistency of the color, texture, and coatings. Be aware of any item that isn’t a part of the stool, like small pieces of bugs (they could look like rice or spaghetti), as well as any fragments of toys or other objects your pet may have eaten.
What If Your Puppy Poops a Lot More Than the Average?
It’s challenging to evaluate puppies since there’s an array of what’s deemed “average.” Some puppies tend to poop more often, while others poop less often. One of the most important things to remember is your puppy’s normal behavior.
If you notice your puppy’s feces leaking more frequently than usual, check for any change in consistency, color, or coating, and pay close attention to how your dog behaves. Be aware of indications of discomfort and watch your puppy throughout the day. If changes to the stool continue or you notice that they’re not eating well, are active, or lively, then it’s time to contact your veterinarian.
A majority of puppies are affected by intestinal parasites. That’s one of the main reasons veterinarians suggest deworming and checking stool samples often as they grow. Infections with parasites could affect the puppy’s stool. It’s perfect to consult your veterinarian to identify and treat them.
What If Your Puppy Isn’t Pooping Enough?
It is not typical for a healthy puppy! If your dog suddenly begins having less poop or struggling in the same way, they may have eaten something that has caused an obstruction to their intestinal tract. The possibility of an intestinal blockage could be an urgent situation. For example, any chewing activity your puppy engages in, such as chunks of chew toys or squeakers, could cause obstruction in the intestinal tract.
A puppy that isn’t normal or eating well may also have lossless stool compared to a typical, active puppy.
If your dog’s feces aren’t flowing sufficiently, sufficiently or there’s an abrupt behavior change, contact your vet immediately.
When Should a Puppy Poop?
The majority of puppies have to pee immediately after eating; however, this may differ. It may take a while for them to recognize the body’s signals that they have to go, so getting your puppy trained to go outdoors might take some time.
Once you’ve fed your pup after eating, let them sit for a while, after which you can take them outside. Being outside with your dog until they’ve had a poop will lessen the chances of them coming back to the inside and then pooping immediately.
Find signs that indicate your dog needs to get out, like watching and beginning to sniff around the flooring. The puppy may start to circle and sway as if it will soon be going. If you see those signs that the puppy is getting ready for the day, take them out quickly, which will benefit you in training them to be house-trained!
What Should Your Puppy’s Poop Look Like?
The odor of puppy poo is diverse in its appearance. This could make it hard to know what’s expected. Your puppy’s stool must generally resemble the soft and large Tootsie roll. It should be brown and properly formed (not smooth, runny, or complex).
The length of the stool can vary based on the dog’s size, the time of day, and the food they eat. Be aware of particularly small or large stools. A small amount of mucus on the stool is common; however, it should not be blood-colored. Also, warrant nothing foreign or non-digested substance in your puppy’s stool.
Soon, you’ll get a clear idea of what’s typical for your dog. If you find an issue that isn’t quite normal, consult your vet promptly. Puppy’s elimination patterns and stool habits change over time, and while they’re changing, they should be slow. As time passes, your puppy’s poops machine will less and begin to settle into the same regular pattern.