How often your dog pees might not seem like a big deal, but it can reveal a lot about their health. Since dogs can’t tell us when something feels off, changes in their bathroom habits can be one of the first signs that something’s wrong. Let’s break down what’s normal, what could be a concern, and when it’s time to get your vet involved.
How Much Should My Dog be Peeing?
Every dog is different, so there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer here. However, there are some general guidelines based on age that can help you figure out what’s normal for your pup.
Puppies
Puppies have small bladders and limited control, so they usually need to go out every two to six hours. A good rule is that they can hold it for as many hours as they are months old. As they grow, they’ll gradually be able to go longer between potty breaks.
Adult Dogs
Most adult dogs can hold their pee for six to eight hours and typically go three to five times a day. On average, they produce about 20 to 40 milliliters of urine per kilogram of body weight in a 24-hour period. For example, a 20-pound dog might pee about 6 to 12 ounces daily. While you don’t need to measure it, noticeable increases or decreases in frequency or volume are worth monitoring.
Senior Pups
Older dogs may start peeing more often due to changes in their kidneys, hormone levels, or memory. Some may forget they’ve already gone or lose awareness of when they need to. Incontinence in senior dogs is also a common issue later in a pup’s golden years. Talk to your vet if you notice new accidents or big changes in routine.
Causes of Excessive Urination in Dogs
If your dog seems to be peeing more often or in larger amounts, it could point to a medical issue. Here are a few common causes of increased bathroom breaks.
Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are common in dogs and are usually caused by bacteria, but they can also develop due to bladder stones or crystals. In addition to excessive peeing, signs of a UTI include increased thirst, straining to urinate, and bloody or strong-smelling urine. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to call the vet.
Diabetes
One of the early signs of diabetes is increased thirst and urination. Dogs with diabetes can’t properly process glucose, and the excess sugar in their blood pulls more water into the urine. If your dog is drinking more than usual and seems to be peeing constantly, a vet visit is definitely in order.
Kidney Disease
Kidney issues can cause dogs to urinate more often and in larger amounts because their kidneys can’t filter waste products effectively. Other early signs may include increased thirst, reduced appetite, or low energy. It can develop slowly with age or come on suddenly from illness or injury.
Pyometra
Pyometra is a serious infection that affects unspayed female dogs and can cause increased urination and thirst. It’s often accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, fevers, changes in appetite, weight loss, or vomiting. This condition is life-threatening and needs immediate veterinarian attention.
Age-Related Incontinence
As dogs get older, they may lose some bladder control due to weakened muscles or cognitive changes. You might notice accidents during rest or sleep, even if your dog seems otherwise healthy. Although it’s a good idea to discuss this with your pup’s vet, keep in mind that it’s a common part of aging.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications can cause dogs to pee more frequently, especially steroids, diuretics, or seizure medications. If you notice a sudden change after starting something new, it may just be a side effect. Still, it’s worth checking in with your vet to be sure.
When to See a Vet for Frequent or Excessive Urination
Not every change in urination is an emergency, but it’s always better to check if you’re unsure. It’s especially important to seek veterinary care if you notice additional symptoms. You should also seek immediate help if you notice symptoms like vomiting, blood in the urine, straining to pee with little or no urine produced, lethargy, or not eating for over a day.
Your vet can run a few simple tests to figure out what’s going on. Depending on the cause, they might recommend antibiotics, dietary changes, insulin for diabetes, or medication for incontinence or hormone-related conditions. In more serious cases, like bladder stones or infections of the uterus, surgery may be required. Regardless of the cause for excessive urination, getting the right diagnosis ensures your dog gets the help they need.
How Do Vets Diagnose Excessive Urination in Dogs?
When you visit the vet, they’ll start by asking questions about your dog’s recent behavior and health history. From there, they may run tests like bloodwork or a urinalysis to check for things like infections, kidney function, or diabetes. A urine culture may also be done to look for bacteria.
In some cases, your vet may use X-rays or an ultrasound to check for bladder stones, tumors, or changes to internal organs. Additional tests may be ordered to check for hormone issues or more complex conditions like Cushing’s disease. All of these steps help your vet find the root of the problem and choose the best treatment plan.
Keeping an eye on your dog’s bathroom habits might not be the most glamorous part of pet parenting, but it’s an important one. Changes in how often or how much your dog pees can be an early sign that something’s not quite right. While not every change is cause for concern, it’s always better to check in with your vet than to wait it out. After all, paying a little extra attention now can go a long way in keeping your pup healthy and happy!