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The Ins and Outs of Your Dog's Pooping Schedule
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The Ins and Outs of Your Dog's Pooping Schedule

Critter Culture Staff

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Whether you're the pope or the late great Grumpy Cat, at some point, you'll have to respond when nature calls. Your puppy is no exception, and neither is your elderly and loyal longtime sidekick. But when it comes to dog pooping schedules, how often is too little or too much?

1

How often do adult dogs need to poop?

woman holding a waste bag and her dog on a leash Petko Ninov / Getty Images

While adult dogs need to pee up to five times a day, pooping that much is not as common. It comes down to poop consistency and whether your dog looks unwell. So, while most grown-up canine companions only need to do a number two about two or three times per day, if your dog poops more but seems happy and its poop is solid with no hint of blood, it should be okay.

2

How often do puppies poop?

puppy pooping in the graas Wavetop / Getty Images

Young dogs do tend to poop more than their adult counterparts. You can expect your fur baby to move its bowels around five times daily. Puppies defecate more often because they have high metabolisms and eat more frequently. They're also smaller, so there's not as much space in those little bodies.

3

Does breed affect flatulence?

pug lying on its back Alexandr Zhenzhirov / Getty Images

It does indeed! Dog breeds with flat faces or short heads, such as pugs and bulldogs, swallow more air than their canine relatives with longer, narrower skulls and differently-shaped jaws. Nose position and the additional air result in brachycephalic dogs being renowned passers of gas via frequent burps and farts.

4

Are my dog's farts normal?

man covering his nose while holding his dog ajr_images / Getty Images

Dogs pass gas loudly, inaudibly, and at any time of day. But when does farting become abnormal? And is there any way to make these explosions less traumatic for your nose? Chat to your vet about dog treats containing charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acetate to make dog farts less of an assault to your senses. Your dog may have a flatulence problem due to spoiled foods, a diet high in fat or fiber, dairy products, spices, or eating too quickly because of competition with another dog in the home. Bellies that gurgle unusually and bad-smelling gas could result from a medical problem. Consider whether your dog's weight has changed or if it is listless.

5

Is my dog constipated?

dog sitting at the grass

Your fully-grown dog should be pooping at least once a day. Constipation is rare in dogs, but you might notice your dog exhibit signs including but not limited to:

  • Nausea
  • Vocalizing in pain
  • Dragging its bottom against the ground
  • Licking its bum
  • Hard or dry feces in the shape of small balls

Dogs can become constipated when they drink less water and consume bone, hair, or various kinds of medications such as opioids and allergy treatments. Try canned pumpkin and see if that helps the situation. Days-long constipation or obstipation makes dogs, and humans for that matter, feel awful and requires medical treatment to clear out the colon and prevent sepsis.

6

Is my dog's poop healthy?

Owner cleaning up after the dog with plastic bag humonia / Getty Images

Pellets generally indicate dehydration. But loosey-goosey diarrhea may point to an intestinal problem or anxiety. Look out for mucus that could be related to a colon issue. And keep an eye on the color—dog poop should present like brown logs. That white object you see lodged in a brown stool could be a tapeworm, and a blackish stool could indicate internal bleeding. Pops of green grass also suggest your dog could have an upset stomach or be stressed out.

7

When can I start potty training?

A Jack Russell Terrier running in backyard wallaby68 / Getty Images

You can start potty training your puppy when it's three months old. At this point, you can teach your lil buddy to 'hold it' by using positive reinforcement and treats to reward them for desired behaviors. Remove food between mealtimes to establish a routine, and take your puppy to the same spot outside to do their business. They'll need to relieve themselves after meals and naps and before being left alone in the mornings and evenings.

8

What role does exercise play in healthy pooping?

Mature woman jogging with her dog Vesnaandjic / Getty Images

Ensuring your dog gets regular exercise is a great way to keep it regular in other ways. Longer workout sessions, including opportunities to run and play, help move the bowels and promote a healthy digestive system. Wait a while before giving your dog a post-workout snack, or you'll likely have to deal with excessive gas.

9

How does age affect pooping?

small puppy on absorbent diaper pad Yana Tikhonova / Getty Images

Puppies are clueless, and older dogs may also cause pooping accidents in your home. The muscles they use to control their bowels get weaker with age, or they might have cognitive issues that make them forget their usual routines. Keep senior dogs in areas of your home that are straightforward to clean, and let them out frequently for bathroom breaks.

10

Make a note of any changes

dog with a veterinarian FatCamera / Getty Images

When your dog's appetite or poop schedule and consistency change dramatically over a week, consider whether its diet has changed. Have you switched dog food brands, for example? If food intake is pretty much the same, but your dog is pooping much more or less than usual, follow your gut and take Fido to your vet for a consult. They'll analyze a stool sample and do a physical exam to diagnose the problem.

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