How Many Times Does a Dog Need To Go Out

Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pet parent, it’s a question you’ve likely asked yourself: “How many times does a dog need to go out?” After all, ensuring your furry friend gets ample time outside isn’t just about letting them relieve themselves—it’s also about providing them with necessary exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization.

However, determining the ideal frequency of these outdoor excursions can feel a bit like a balancing act, as it depends on various factors including your dog’s age, breed, health condition, and even your lifestyle. In this article, we delve into these considerations, offering you practical guidelines and tips to ensure you’re meeting your pet’s needs effectively. Let’s dive in!

How Many Times Does A Dog Need To Go Out?

Some will say once per day. Others will say every 3 hours and so on. An average of three times per day would be enough and at least 30 minutes every time, however, the reality is completely different.

The answer depends on age, gender, size, breed and so many more factors. In order to know the real answer, we must explain all of these variables.

How Many Times Does A Dog Need To Go Out To Pee?

Let’s start with the basics. In general, they need to go out five times. This applies to healthy and adult dogs in general. Puppies and senior dogs will need to go out more frequently.

Keep in mind that if your pet drinks a lot of water, has diabetes, or is old, he needs to go out more than five times per day. This is essential to remember when you travel with your pet. Don’t forget that a dog will produce 20 mL of pee per day.

Then we can see that small puppies and senior dogs need to go at least six times per day. Yes, they need to go out, even at night. Start by taking him out of the house before he goes to sleep. This refers to all puppies, especially the ones who are 3+ months of age. Younger puppies need to go out 3–4 times per night.

They have a small bladder, and they don’t know how to properly control it! You may want to start by taking him a few times during the night until your puppy realises that he should pee. Ideally, you will take him every 30 minutes, but this isn’t an option for most dog owners.

How Often Your Dog Needs To Go Out For A Walk?

A related question is this one. How often your dog needs to go outside and have a walk? However, this depends on several factors. The first thing to remember is that all dogs of all ages must go outside every single day. These are not animals that can be kept inside a house forever.

If you try this, you can see that your dog eats your shoes, chews everything, and is depressed. As such, you need to take him outside and walk with your pet. The two most important factors are the age and breed of your dog.

Breed Factor

All dog breeds want and need to go outside. They will play, run, and walk. Working breeds such as pointers and shepherds, especially the smaller ones, need a lot of exercise every single day. In general, smaller dog breeds need more time outside. Overall, dogs who were bred to work and be outside every single minute need to go out more often.

Large dogs are usually easier to keep because they need less physical activity. Don’t forget that all dogs can become your partners for jogging. All dog breeds have a lot of stamina, and they will want to spend a lot of time outside.

Depending on the breed, you should check and see if your pet is an active pet or a lapdog. Lapdogs are ideal for staying at home all day long and watching TV with you. Active dogs need to go outside every single day, at least once. Ideally, you will spend even more time with them outside, where you two can walk, run, and play.

Although this isn’t based on breed, if you have a dog who was used by the military or trained to work for hours, he won’t tolerate spending the entire day inside a house. He will want to go outside all the time.

Younger and Older Dogs

How much your pet needs to go outside is determined by his breed, as you saw earlier, and also by his age. Puppies have a lot of energy, and they need to go outside more often. They will play, learn new things, and have a lot of fun. Adult dogs also need to go outside every day, but they need less time than puppies.

Senior dogs don’t want to go outside all the time. They want to rest and sleep. Of course, they want to eat as well. Dogs with arthritis and other diseases don’t like to move much, and they are in pain when doing so. You should have a visit to a vet and see can you help your dog. 

Try to take your dog outside as often as you can. Puppies should be taken between three and 10 times per day. Adult dogs 1-3 times and senior dogs at least once. 

Stamina and Weight

A healthy dog will run all day long. In most cases, we can see that ahealthy pet will be active for 30 minutes without a single issue. Sick and old dogs will probably be active for a shorter period of time.

Anyway, you need to determine the stamina your pet has and keep an eye on his weight. Obese dogs won’t be able to walk for very long, and they will want to rest all the time. Start with 30 minutes and monitor the stamina level of your pet. If he gets tired, take a rest and continue.

A tired dog will just sit on the road and not move. Gradually increase the duration of activity, and you will have a healthy dog once again. They can develop stamina very quickly.

Warning Signs Your Dog Needs More Frequent Walks

Understanding your pet’s needs is vital to ensuring they live a healthy and fulfilled life. Your furry friend’s behaviors can often be a reliable indicator of whether they’re getting enough time outdoors. If your dog exhibits any of the following signs, they may require more frequent walks.

1. Excessive Energy

If your dog seems to be bouncing off the walls, destroying household items, or just can’t seem to sit still, it could be a sign of pent-up energy. Regular and more frequent walks can help expend this energy in a positive and healthy manner.

2. Weight Gain

Just like humans, dogs can pack on the pounds if they’re not getting enough exercise. If you’ve noticed your pet is gaining weight despite a healthy diet, it might be time to increase the number of walks they get.

3. Frequent Accidents

Dogs that have been house-trained should not usually have accidents inside the house. If you find that your dog is having frequent “oops” moments, it might be a sign they need more opportunities to relieve themselves outside.

4. Changes in Attitude or Behavior

A sudden change in your dog’s demeanor, such as becoming anxious, depressed, or exhibiting other unusual behaviors, could indicate a lack of time spent outdoors.

5. Boredom Indicators

Is your dog chewing on furniture, shoes, or other household items? This behavior often stems from boredom. More frequent walks can provide the mental stimulation they crave and steer their attention away from your precious belongings.

While these signs are potential indicators that your dog might need more frequent walks, if these or any other unusual behaviors persist, always consult with your vet. Outdoor time is vital for your dog’s health and happiness, but it should be part of a broader care regime that includes regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of love and attention.

The Final Word

How many times a dog needs to go out depends on numerous factors. Ideally, all dogs will go out at least three times per day, while some will spend the entire day outside. If you live in an apartment, make sure you take your pet outside to pee and have physical activity every single day.

Smaller and younger dogs need to go more often. Senior dogs are the same. Adult dogs can go outside less frequently.