How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Pee

All dog owners who have steady jobs and not a lot of time are wondering how long can dogs hold their pee? Well, there is no single and simple answer we can provide here. As a matter of fact, the answer will depend on several factors and each one has huge importance. Anyway, we will give you all the answers you need to know.

How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Pee

Main factors

How long can dogs hold their pee? The answer will be based on the factors you can see below. You will need to answer each one and only then you can get an accurate time frame. As obvious, this will depend on your specific dog and you will need to adapt. Another fact to know is that the duration will change over the years so you will need to calculate it once again. 

• Age

Age is the first and the most important factor here. In general, too young and too old dogs are unable to hold their pee as long as young dogs. Puppies have small bladders and the muscle that releases the bladder is not developed yet. That’s why they cannot hold their pee as long as adult dogs. Senior dogs are unable to hold their pee because the aforementioned muscle will lose its strength over time.

In general, puppies under 67 months of age can hold their pee for 1-3 hours. Those aged 6+ can hold it for 2-6 hours. Adult dogs (under 7 years) can hold around 7-8 hours while senior dogs (more than 07 years of age) can hold it between 4-6 hours. Dogs older than 12 years of age can hold their pee for 2-4 hours. 

• Health

The health of your pet will determine the answer to this question as well. For instance, dogs that have kidney failure, issues with bladder, diabetes, and many more diseases and conditions will have to pee more frequently than healthy dogs. 

Keep in mind that certain medications have a role or act as diuretics. This means that a dog will have to pee after he gets the medication. This is perfectly normal and there is no need to worry about anything. 

Dogs who pee too often may have some issue that causes them to do this. It is a wise thing to take him to a vet and get him checked. If there is some issue, it must be resolved. Only a vet will be able to discover and diagnose the issue and he can help your pet. Believe it or not, peeing too often is one of the symptoms that can be linked to various health issues. 

• Size

Yes, the size of a dog is one of the factors. For instance, larger dogs will have bigger bladders. This doesn’t always mean they can hold their pee longer than smaller dogs. But, here is an interesting fact. Dogs will pee between 10 and 20 ml per 1 pound of the weight. As such we can see that a dog of 5 pounds in weight will pee between 1.7 and 3.5 ounces per day. Now imagine how small or big his balder is. 

This factor is more generic than any other. It simply means that a bigger dog will be able to hold his pee longer, most of the time. But, every single dog is unique and it is not something we can completely generalize. Your dog is an individual and you will have to know his needs. 

• Diet

Diet has a huge role in how long your pet can hold his pee. Those who eat moisture food will pee more often. This is actually a bit better option. They can use this advantage to flush the toxins from the body. Those who eat only dry food will pee less frequently but they won’t get this advantage.

You can tell a lot by looking at the color of the pee your dog has. For instance, those with a very dark color of pee usually have some issues. It may mean that your pet needs moisture food right now. You may want to add this to his diet and to help him with the issues. 

Options busy dog owners have at their disposal

If you have a job that requires you to be absent for 8+ hours per day, you will need an option. Luckily there are a lot of options available these days. Below we will cover the main ones. How long can dogs hold their pee question must be paired with these options! 

• Indoor dog bathroom

This is one of the best and most appealing methods. It is not the most affordable or the simplest to make but it does work well. Basically, you will make an indoor bathroom for your dog. He will be able to get to the bathroom whenever he likes. The best comparison is a litter box for cats. This option does exist and it is more common than ever before. After all, most people must work 8+ hours per day.

• Pee pads

These can be used for all dogs who are kennel trained and also for puppies. It is an effective method and one that works well, but only in these situations. It is an affordable method as well and it is one of the simplest to install and use. 

• Door for your dog

Those of you who are lucky enough to have a backyard will love this option. This means installing the door for your dog so he can get outside when he wants. It is a secure method (if you opt for a modern door that has a transmitter collar and door that opens to that frequency only). Sadly, this is an option for those with a backyard only. Most of those who don’t have a backyard will have to seek a different method or alternative.

• Dog sitter

Dog owners who can afford a dog sitter will love this option. It is as simple as it gets. A person will come to your home, take your dog for a walk where he can pee. This service is growing in popularity and we can see more and more people willing to do it. It is important to find a reliable and dedicated person who will care for your dog just like you do. 

• Daycare for dogs

If you can afford it and you have one close by, you will want this option. Your pet will be at daycare the entire day when you are working and he will usually have company all the time. For most dog owners this is the best and the most appealing option. While at daycare your dog will be able to pee when he wants, he will play meaning he will have physical activity as well. It is one of those options we prefer as well.

• Check your dog on a lunch break

If you live close to where you work, this is a valuable and cheap option. You will use your lunch break to get back home and check up on your dog. You can take him for a short walk where he can pee and you will return home. Sadly, those who work miles from their home cannot use this method. 

• Bring your pet to your work

This is one of the new methods that has been growing in popularity more than anything else. Yes, there are a lot of jobs where you can bring the dog with you. He will spend all the time with you and you can take him for a walk or to the bathroom when he needs it. The method works well and you will probably be the coolest employee out there. 

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Potty training problems you need to know about

This is one of those related and extremely important things you will have to know and consider. Basically what if your dog is healthy but makes a lot of accidents in a day? Well, there are a few reasons why this may happen.

Peeing when excited

This happens when your dog is too excited. When he sees you he will pee immediately. It is more common in puppies but adult dogs may do it as well. It is something you can change. Ignore your dog until he is calm enough and then show him your affection. It will need some time to work but it is very effective.

Marking the territory

This is another issue. It usually happens in intact dogs and most in males. The solution is to spay or neuter your pet and he should stop marking his territory. You will have to talk to your vet first and try to see will this option work and will it be effective. If he still does the same thing, there is another problem such as anxiety or stress. Proper physical activity, food, and time with your pet will resolve this issue.

The final word

How long can dogs hold their pee? If you still don’t know the answer to this question, read this content once again. We have provided all the essential and also rare facts you need to know. Now you can adapt your time to the needs of your pet better and without any issues. The goal is to be perfectly happy, you and your dog.

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