How Long After Eating Do Small Puppies Have to Go to the Bathroom?

When it comes to determining when exactly to take your wee puppy outdoors post-mealtime, the Humane Society of the United States advises to do so immediately -- no need to wait around. Apart from just eating, puppies also need to go outside to eliminate immediately after a variety of other different activities, including drinking water, waking from sleep and energetic play.

Small puppies generally have to go both No. 1 and No. 2 very soon after eating. Expect your little one to urinate and defecate anywhere between 15 minutes and half an hour after eating, reports the Rock County Humane Society. However, some puppies may relieve themselves well before 15 minutes, and some make take longer than half an hour. It all depends on the individual cutie. The younger the puppy, the quicker she may need to eliminate, hence the need to head outside as soon as possible. This is especially important for pups that have not even reached the 3-month mark. Very young puppies may urinate and defecate a mere five minutes after eating, so take note.

Taking a small puppy outdoors to use the bathroom after eating and drinking is extremely important. According to the ASPCA, very young pups lack fully developed bowel and bladder management. Because of this fact, it can be extremely difficult for the little guys to control their potty urges. If a small puppy has to go to the bathroom, she has to go to the bathroom, and that's that. Taking your puppy outside immediately after a meal not only stops her from having to feel discomfort, it also prevents possible messy house soiling accidents -- definitely a good thing.

Similarly to small puppies, adult dogs tend to need to eliminate shortly after chowing down, although usually not quite as quickly. After all, adult dogs are usually very capable of managing their bathroom urges. Once your little pup develops into a fully grown, adult pooch, expect her to have to go to the bathroom approximately 30 minutes after eating, indicates the Ohlone Humane Society.