How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Urine? What's Harmful for

One: How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Urine?

According to a survey by the authoritative magazine Rover, the frequency of urination for dogs of different ages varies. Puppies at one month old need to urinate every hour, while twomonthold dogs should urinate every two hours. For dogs older than three months, the duration they can hold their urine can be calculated using the formula: "Age in months + 2 hours = Urination Holding Time."

For instance, a threemonthold dog can hold their urine for up to 5 hours a day, while an eightmonthold dog can hold it for 10 hours.

Adult dogs generally have better selfcontrol and can hold their urine longer than puppies, with more stable situations. However, older dogs, due to a decline in physical fitness, may have a shorter urine holding time, usually around 4 to 5 hours. It's important to note that the data provided here is an approximate average and may not be consistent for every dog. It's essential for owners to observe their pets' habits closely.

Two: How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Urine Before It Becomes Harmful?

While male dogs generally have a stronger ability to hold their urine than female dogs, it's not recommended for any gender to hold urine for more than 10 hours. Under extreme conditions, owners should ensure that their dogs urinate at least once every 12 hours to avoid urinary system damage, which can increase the risk of urinary stones, crystals, kidney failure, and kidney stones, as well as symptoms like pain during urination, difficulty urinating, urethral obstruction, and anuria.

To reduce the risk of urinary system diseases in dogs, owners should ensure their pets drink plenty of water and train them to urinate at designated spots indoors. A potty training aid can be used to encourage dogs to use the bathroom, and some smart dogs may even learn to flush the toilet themselves! If a dog struggles to learn to urinate indoors, it's advisable for owners to take their pets for walks before and after leaving the house, ensuring at least two bathroom trips a day (ideally three) to prevent discomfort.

Given that many pet owners are working professionals, ensuring two bathroom trips a day can be challenging. Therefore, it's recommended to observe your dog's urination habits daily and seek veterinary care promptly if symptoms of urinary system diseases are observed. For detailed information on common canine urinary system diseases, their causes, and treatment options, refer to "Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Plans for Canine and Feline Urinary System Diseases" or consult an online veterinary doctor directly.