Is it normal for a puppy to pee every 15 minutes

Why is my puppy peeing a lot?

Kidney infection

Although kidney infections can also be treated with antibiotics, time is of the essence in their case. Puppies can pee often because of this complication, but the amount of urine isnt necessarily large.

Getting your pet seen by a vet is very important in the event of a kidney infection as otherwise, the organs might become severely damaged.

Bladder stones

While bladder stones can also lead to frequent urination, puppies will usually show other signs, such as the presence of blood in their pee, abdominal pain, and general malaise.

Kidney stones

Renal stones can be another cause of frequent urination, but since they are much harder to treat, they call for immediate veterinary assistance.If they get dislodged from the kidney capsule and manage to block out your puppys ureter, your dog might lose their life in a matter of less than a couple of days.

Tumors

Depending on their exact location, some tumors might cause your pet to pee often. Naturally, all cancers of the urinary tract, whether the upper or the lower one, will influence your dogs peeing habits.

But theres also the possibility that cancer of a specific part of the nervous system might have been developed, such as the brain or the spine. In these locations, there are nuclei controlling your puppys reflexes, and if they become damaged in any way, you might see your pup peeing a lot.

Medications

Side effects are a reality of all medical drugs, and thats something that all humans know. Changes in the pups peeing habits and urine in terms of quantity, smell, and color, can happen if your puppy is getting treated for a health condition.

However, if you have any questions in this sense, dont hesitate to contact your veterinarian to find out if these side effects are normal or not.

Diabetes

Although less common in puppies, diabetes is a metabolic disorder that can affect all dogs whose pancreas is not functioning correctly. If your dog is diabetic, they will drink a lot of water, and as a result, they will pee a lot and frequently.Diabetes can be congenital, which means that a number of puppies can be born with it. These days, it is a highly manageable condition once the dog is diagnosed.

Why Does My Puppy Pee So Much?

Does it feel like you spend the whole day taking your puppy out to use the bathroom?

Youre not imagining it. Puppies actually do pee more often than adult dogs. But its also possible that your puppy could be going a lot due to an underlying condition. So when should you be actually worried?

The Dodo spoke to Dr. Sehaj Grewal, a veterinarian and CEO of The Melrose Vet, to find out how often puppies pee and how to know when to go to the vet.

Why does my puppy pee so much?

It might seem like youre constantly taking your puppy out to go to the bathroom, but thats pretty common with puppies since they actually go to the bathroom a lot more often than adult dogs.

Puppies urinate frequently because their bladders are small and [they] don't have enough control developed, Dr. Grewal told The Dodo.

Puppies are much smaller than adult dogs, so their bladders are smaller, which means they cant hold their urine for as long. And like human babies, puppies havent learned how to control their bladders yet so when they have to go, they have to go immediately at that moment.

How often do puppies pee?

According to Dr. Grewal, Depending on the age, a puppy urinates every few hours. The older they become, the less frequently they have to go.

Puppies can typically hold their bladders for about an hour for every month of their age. So your 3-month-old puppy should be able to wait about three hours to go out. If your puppy just drank a whole bowl of water, though, he might need to go out right away since puppies usually need to go to the bathroom within 1030 minutes after eating or drinking.

At around 9 months old, your puppy should be able to control his bladder and hold it for about as long as an adult dog can.

I would say that at around 910 months of age, they should be able to control their bladder [to hold it for] eight hours or so, Dr. Grewal said.

Medical causes of puppy frequent urination

If it seems like your puppys peeing way too much or suddenly starts going more than usual, there could be an underlying issue to blame.

Some health issues that can cause excessive urination are urinary tract infections (UTIs), ectopic ureters (a congenital birth defect of the urinary tract) and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, Dr. Grewal said.

Heres how to tell if your puppys peeing normally.

Diabetes

When a puppy has diabetes, either his pancreas doesnt produce enough insulin or his body doesnt process the insulin well enough.

When the blood glucose gets too high, the body passes it into the urine along with a bunch of extra water (since glucose attracts water), which is why some of the main symptoms of diabetes in dogs are drinking a lot and frequent urination.

Diabetes is more common in middle- and older-aged dogs, but younger pups can be diagnosed with it, too.

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria travel up the urethra to the bladder. If your puppy has a UTI, he might strain to pee or whine when peeing. He may also have blood in his urine and abdominal pain.

Ectopic ureters

Ureters are tubes that drain urine from the kidneys to the bladder. If your puppy has ectopic ureters, they dont attach properly to the bladder, which can cause incontinence.

The most common signs of ectopic ureters in puppies include an inability to hold their bladders and urine dripping, and they may also lick their gential areas frequently. Puppies with ectopic ureters are more prone to getting UTIs, too.

Bladder infections

Bladder infections are caused by bacteria traveling into your dogs bladder due to problems with urine flow, a weakened immune system or other causes. Signs of a bladder infection include frequent urination or having accidents in the house, painful urination and blood in the urine.

Kidney infections

Kidney infections are usually caused by bacteria getting past the bladder and traveling all the way to the kidneys. Signs of a kidney infection include vomiting, excessive thirst and urination, not eating, abdominal pain, and a fever.

Bladder or kidney stones

Bladder or kidney stones can cause your pup to have to pee frequently. Other common symptoms are blood in the urine and straining to pee.

If your puppy has a complete obstruction in his urinary tract, he might not be able to release any urine, or he may only able to release tiny amounts, which can be potentially life-threatening. If you notice your puppy straining to pee with not much coming out, contact your vet.

Medications

Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can make your puppy have to pee frequently. If your puppys taking medicine, his frequent urination should stop when hes done with it. Your vet can also let you know what any possible medication side effects might be.

Tumors

Tumors in the kidneys or lower urinary tract can make your dog have to go to the bathroom a lot. These are pretty uncommon, and urinary tract tumors usually occur in older dogs, so you likely wont have to worry about this with your puppy.

Behavioral causes of puppy frequent urination

If your puppy doesnt have any underlying medical problems, there can be some possible behavior-related explanations for why hes going so much.

Submissive urination

Submissive urination is when puppies involuntarily pee because theyre stressed, excited or scared. You might have noticed this if your puppy pees a little bit every time you come home because hes happy to see you. Dogs also urinate submissively to recognize dominance, so your puppy might pee to show that he knows youre his owner.

Puppies usually grow out of this behavior as they get older, and house training your puppy will help.

Anxiety or stress

According to Dr. Grewal, Non-medical [causes] could be anxiety or stress.

Dogs will sometimes regress in their potty training when theyre stressed. This can happen if youve just brought your new puppy home and he still needs to decompress. Since hes in an unfamiliar place and surrounded by new people and things, he might not be acting like his usual self.

Attention

Your puppy will quickly learn that you take him out every time he goes to the bathroom indoors, so he might be peeing to get your attention and spend time with you. A good way to stop this is to play with your puppy and take him on lots of walks so hell get to hang out with you without peeing all over the house.

Too much water

Puppies have to go to the bathroom soon after drinking water, so if youre giving him water all day long, he might need to constantly go.

If it seems like your puppys drinking too much water, though, he could have an underlying issue like one of the ones mentioned above, such as diabetes or a kidney infection.

Not house broken

Your puppy might just not be house broken yet, and he may not understand which areas are appropriate to go to the bathroom in, which can be solved by potty training him (tips on how to potty train your puppy below).

How to potty train a puppy

If your puppy keeps peeing in the house, here are some tips for potty training him:

• Watch for signs that your puppy might need to go out, like circling or sniffing the floor.
• Crate train your puppy, and keep him in his crate when youre not with him. You can get this crate that earned The Dodos Paw of Approval from Diggs for $375.
• Give your puppy treats and praise when he pees outside.
• Saying a trigger word, like potty, immediately before he goes can help train him to go on cue.
• Stop giving your puppy water about two hours before bed.
• Dont discipline your puppy for submissive urination, since its involuntary and hes unable to control it.

Puppies do have to go to the bathroom pretty often. But if your puppy suddenly starts going way more than normal, talk to your vet to see if there could be something else going on.

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Puppy Peeing a Lot: 15 Possible Causes and Solutions

Puppies are adorable, but they can also be a handful. One common issue new puppy owners face is their puppy peeing a lot. While its normal for puppies to pee frequently, excessive urination can indicate an underlying health problem.

Due to smaller bladders, young puppies naturally pee more than older dogs. This is why puppy owners invest in leak-proof puppy pads and a dog stain remover to avoid and deal with any stinky surprises. However, some puppies go overboard with their peeing, whether for medical or psychological reasons.

If your puppy is peeing a lot, its important to take them to the vet for a check-up to address underlying issues. We have drawn from puppy care books and excessive dog urination studies, we have answered why your puppy may be peeing excessively.

So, Why Is My Puppy Peeing A Lot?

There are several reasons why a puppy may be peeing a lot. One of the most common causes is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Other potential causes include diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, liver disease, and bladder stones. Puppies also naturally have smaller bladders and may drink more water during teething or increased activity.

Polyuria and Polydipsia In Puppies

Puppies may pee excessively due to polyuria and polydipsia. Diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and liver disease can cause these conditions.

Polyuria is a medical term used to describe excessive urination, while polydipsia refers to excessive thirst. Both conditions can occur in puppies, indicating an underlying health issue. Our article on why your dog is always thirsty will help if your puppy suffers from polydipsia.

One common cause of polyuria and polydipsia in puppies is diabetes mellitus. This condition occurs when the body cannot produce or properly use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Other potential causes of excessive urination and thirst in puppies include kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and liver disease.

If a puppy is peeing excessively, its essential to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. The veterinarian may perform blood, urine, and other diagnostic tests to identify health issues. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and may include medication, dietary changes, or other interventions.

Understanding Puppy Peeing Habits

Puppies have a lot of energy and a small bladder, which is why they tend to pee frequently. Understanding their peeing habits is vital for their health and your sanity.

Remember that puppies drink more water because they have faster metabolisms and move more. This translates to more peeing compared to older dogs, even when there arent underlying medical issues.

Frequency of Peeing

Puppies pee frequently, especially during the first few months of their lives. They need to pee every 30-45 minutes, depending on their age and size. They can hold their bladder for longer periods as they grow, but its essential to take them out frequently to avoid accidents.

Signs of Needing to Pee

Puppies show different signs when they need to pee. Common signs include sniffing around, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. It is essential to pay attention to these signs and take them out as soon as possible.

Training and Consistency

Training and consistency are crucial to helping your puppy develop good peeing habits. Its crucial to establish a routine and take them out at the same times every day.

Also, praise them when they pee outside and avoid punishment for accidents inside the house. Bell training and crate training your puppy are valuable tools when housetraining your puppy.

Health Concerns

If your puppy is peeing excessively or having accidents despite consistent training, it could be a sign of a health issue. Some common health concerns include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or diabetes.

15 Causes of Excessive Urination in Puppies (Polyuria)

Excessive urination is common in puppies for natural or medical reasons. Here are 15 reasons why your puppy may be peeing a lot:

1. Puppies Have Smaller Bladders and Faster Metabolisms

One of the main reasons puppies urinate a lot is their smaller bladders than adult dogs and faster metabolism. This means they must go to the bathroom more often, as they cannot hold as much urine as older dogs.

It is important to note that a puppys urination frequency can also depend on their age and breed. A good rule of thumb for puppies is that they can hold their pee for roughly one hour each month as they grow. Learn more about how long dogs hold pee in our article.

2. Eating Salty Foods

Eating salty foods can cause a puppy to drink more water, which, in turn, can lead to more frequent urination. This is because salt, or sodium, is a natural diuretic that promotes urine production. When a puppy consumes a large amount of salt, their body naturally tries to flush it out by increasing urine production.

Additionally, a study by the University of Connecticut showed that high protein diets can cause excessive thirst, in turn increasing peeing.

Puppy owners must be mindful of the salt their puppy consumes. Too much salt can lead to dehydration, with signs like drooling, panting, and restlessness. Additionally, excessive salt intake can also lead to an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections.

Some common salty foods to avoid giving to puppies include:

• Chips;
• Pretzels;
• Processed meats;
• Cheese; and
• Fast food.

Instead, puppy owners should focus on providing their puppies with a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.

3. Diabetes

Puppies with diabetes can experience increased urination due to the bodys inability to regulate blood sugar levels properly. This can lead to excessive thirst and frequent urination, including accidents in the house.

Diabetes in puppies is relatively rare, but it can occur. Some breeds, such as the Miniature Schnauzer and the Beagle, are more prone to developing diabetes than others. Additionally, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Puppies who pee excessively may be experiencing a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are common in dogs, and they can cause various symptoms, including frequent urination, incontinence, straining to urinate, and blood in the urine.

UTIs are caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract and multiply, leading to an infection. Female puppies are more susceptible to UTIs because their urethras are shorter than males, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.

5. Certain Medications (Diuretics)

Diuretics are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and other medical conditions. These medications work by increasing the amount of urine the body produces, which can help reduce fluid buildup in the body.

However, diuretics can also cause a puppy to pee more frequently. Research shows diuretic medication increases the amount of urine produced by the kidneys, which can lead to more frequent urination. Some diuretics are more potent, and some can cause more side effects.

6. Cushings Disease (Rare in Puppies)

Cushings disease is a condition caused by the overproduction of cortisol, a hormone that regulates metabolism and the immune system. While it is rare in puppies, it can occur in some cases.

Symptoms of Cushings disease in puppies are similar to those in adult dogs and can include excessive thirst and urination, increased appetite, panting, lethargy, and hair loss. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so its essential to have a veterinarian diagnose the underlying problem.

7. Dry Food

Dry food is a popular choice for many puppy owners. It is convenient, easy to store, and often less expensive than wet food. However, not all dry food is created equal. It is important to choose a high-quality, nutritionally balanced dry food for your puppy.

Research shows that dry food contains less than 11% moisture content, which is hard on a puppys hydration levels. This leads to more water intake to quench the thirst and, consequently, more urination.

8. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a condition that affects the proper functioning of the kidneys. One of the symptoms of kidney disease is increased urination and increased thirst, which can lead to your puppy peeing a lot. Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, infections, and toxins.

9. Liver Disease

Liver disease can cause excessive urination in puppies. The liver filters toxins from the blood and produces bile, which helps with digestion. When the liver is not functioning properly, toxins can build up in the body, leading to various health problems. These include increased urination, orange or green pee, lethargy, vomiting, and inappetence.

10. Congenital Renal Lesions

Puppies that pee excessively may have congenital renal lesions, which are abnormalities of the kidneys present at birth. These lesions can cause problems, including increased urine production and frequent urination.

One type of congenital renal lesion is renal dysplasia, which is a condition where the kidneys do not develop properly. The other is polycystic kidney disease, characterized by the growth of cysts on the kidneys.

11. Psychogenic Polydipsia in Puppies

Psychogenic polydipsia is a condition in which a puppy drinks an excessive amount of water due to psychological factors. Puppies with this condition may urinate frequently, leading to concerns about house training and potential health problems.

Expert sources show that psychogenic polydipsia in puppies is more common in large breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. It is also more prevalent in puppies that have experienced stress, anxiety, or boredom.

12. Drinking More Water Due to Cancer

Paraneoplastic syndromes are a group of disorders that affect some dogs with cancer. These syndromes are caused by the production of abnormal proteins by cancer cells that affect normal tissues in the body. In some cases, paraneoplastic syndromes can cause excessive urination and thirst in dogs.

13. Toxins and Poisons That Influence Thirst

Several toxins and poisons can cause excessive thirst in puppies, leading to frequent urination. These substances can be found in common household items or the environment and can harm your puppys health if ingested.

Common household toxins include:

• Antifreeze;
• Chocolate;
• Certain plants;
• Garlic and onions; and
• Artificial sweeteners (xylitol).

14. Submissive or Excited Peeing

Puppies may pee out of excitement or submission, which can be a common issue for pet owners.

Submissive Peeing

Submissive peeing is when a puppy urinates when they feel intimidated, scared, or uncomfortable. This behavior is common in puppies but can persist into adulthood if not addressed. Submissive peeing is often seen when the puppy feels threatened or anxious, such as meeting new people or animals.

To manage submissive peeing, it is important to avoid situations that trigger the behavior. Additionally, you can try the following tips:

• Avoid eye contact or direct attention when greeting the puppy.
• Use positive reinforcement and rewards for good behavior.
• Avoid scolding or punishment for submissive peeing, as this can worsen the behavior.
• Keep a consistent routine and environment to reduce anxiety.

Excited Peeing

Excited peeing is when a puppy urinates due to overstimulation or excitement. This behavior is common in puppies and is often seen when they greet their owners or visitors. Excited peeing is usually not a sign of a medical issue and can be managed with simple steps.

To manage excited peeing, you can try the following tips:

• Avoid overstimulating the puppy with loud noises or sudden movements.
• Keep greetings calm and low-key.
• Take the puppy outside to pee before exciting activities.
• Use positive reinforcement and rewards for good behavior.

Why does my dogs pupils get so big when he looks at me?

15. Inadequate Housetraining

Puppies that have not been properly housetrained may urinate frequently due to a lack of bladder control.

Symptoms to Watch For When Your Dog Pees A lot

If your puppy is peeing more frequently than usual or having accidents inside the house, it may indicate an underlying health issue. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

Frequent Urination

If your puppy is urinating more than usual, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection or bladder issue. Puppies should typically urinate every 2-4 hours, depending on their age and size.

Straining to Urinate

If your puppy is having trouble urinating or appears to be in pain, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or even a blockage. This is a serious issue that requires immediate medical attention.

Blood in Urine

If you notice blood in your puppys urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or even a more serious condition like bladder cancer. Its important to take your puppy to the vet right away if you notice this symptom.

Excessive Thirst

If your puppy drinks more water than usual, it could indicate a health issue like diabetes or kidney disease. This can lead to more frequent urination and accidents inside the house.

Changes in Appetite

Some puppies that pee excessively may refuse to eat. Others, like those with diabetes, may have an increased appetite.

Diagnosing Excessive Urination

Excessive urination in puppies can be a sign of an underlying health issue. It crucial to diagnose the underlying cause of excessive urination to provide appropriate treatment. Here are some ways to diagnose excessive urination in puppies:

Observation

Observing a puppys urination habits can provide valuable information. A puppy urinating more frequently than usual or producing more urine than normal may indicate excessive urination. Moreover, if a puppy is urinating in inappropriate places or exhibiting signs of discomfort, it may also suggest excessive urination.

Physical Examination

A physical examination by a veterinarian can help diagnose the underlying cause of excessive urination. The veterinarian may palpate the bladder to check for abnormalities or perform a urinalysis for signs of infection or other health issues.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can also help diagnose the underlying cause of excessive urination. Elevated blood glucose levels may indicate diabetes, while abnormal kidney function tests may suggest kidney disease.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests such as ultrasounds or X-rays may be necessary to diagnose the underlying cause of excessive urination. These tests can help identify any abnormalities in the urinary tract or other organs causing excessive urination.

Treatment and Prevention of Exessive Puppy Peeing

If a puppy is peeing excessively, it is vital to take them to a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Here are a few ways to treat excessive puppy urination:

Medical Treatments

The vet may perform a physical exam and run tests to determine if the puppy has a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or any other medical issue causing frequent urination.

If a medical condition is found, the vet will prescribe appropriate treatment, including antibiotics, surgery, or other medications.

Behavioral Interventions

If no medical condition is found, the puppys peeing may be due to behavioral issues. In this case, several interventions can be used to help prevent excessive urination.

• Establish a consistent routine for the puppy, with regular feeding times and bathroom breaks. This will help the puppy learn when it is appropriate to pee and when it is not.
• Crate training can help prevent excessive urination. A crate can provide a safe and comfortable space for the puppy and can also be used to limit access to the rest of the house when the puppy is not supervised.
• Positive reinforcement training can be used to encourage the puppy to pee in appropriate places. This involves rewarding the puppy with treats or praise when they pee outside and ignoring or redirecting them when they attempt to pee inside.
• Consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for further advice and guidance.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If a puppy is peeing a lot, there are times when it is necessary to consult a veterinarian. Its best to see your vet if your dog has blood in the urine, is struggling to urinate, and appetite changes. If your dog is otherwise fine, their excessive urination may reduce as their bladders mature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should a puppy pee?

Puppies have small bladders and must urinate frequently, especially during their first few months. A general guideline is that puppies need to pee about once every hour for each month of age. For example, a 3-month-old puppy may need to pee every three hours.

Why is my puppy peeing frequently in small amounts?

Frequent urination in small amounts can indicate a urinary tract infection or other medical issue. Its best to take your puppy to the vet for an evaluation.

What could be causing my male puppy to suddenly pee a lot?

Sudden increased urination in male puppies may indicate a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or other medical issues. Its essential to take your puppy to the vet for an evaluation.

Is it normal for an 8-week-old puppy to pee a lot?

Yes, its normal for an 8-week-old puppy to pee frequently. They have small bladders and need to urinate often. Establishing a regular potty routine is vital to help them learn where and when to go.

How often do 12-week-old puppies typically need to pee?

A 12-week-old puppy may need to pee every 2-3 hours during the day and once or twice at night. A regular potty routine is vital to help them learn where and when to go.

Conclusion

It is essential to understand that puppies peeing a lot is a common issue that many pet owners face. While it can be frustrating, it is vital to approach the situation with patience and understanding. One of the most important things to remember is that puppies have small bladders and may need to go outside frequently.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions.Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions.Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.