Puppies are adorable.
In fact, they’re little bundles of cuteness, joy, and curiosity!
But when it comes to their bowel movements, you might be surprised… because they have some habits that may not be as cute… such as how often they poop!
And one thing’s for sure…
They need to poop a lot.
In this guide, we’re going to answer all the questions you have about your pup’s poop schedule.
Let’s get started.
How Many Times a Day Should a Puppy Poop?
Normal, healthy puppies usually need to go potty about 5 or 6 times within a day.
By around three weeks old, that number drops down to roughly 4 or 5 bowel movements per day.
By the time your pup is ready for you to take home, they’ll often be going about 3 to 5 times a day.
However: They might even go less (or more!) than that, depending on the breed, activity level, and their food intake.
What About An 8 or 9-Week Old Puppy?
When puppies are ready to go home with their new owners at around eight or nine weeks old, they might poop more than usual.
That’s because they’ve grown used to their current schedule up until this point, so going from that controlled environment into a new house will sometimes throw off some of those bowel movements.
What can you do about it?
Luckily, there’s a simple solution to this problem: Just keep an eye on your new pup.
Observe their bowel movements and take note of how often they go potty. If you notice a change, you’ll want to adjust their food intake accordingly.
You might need to feed them more of the same type of kibble so they don’t go hungry and have an upset stomach, too.
How About a 6-Month-Old Puppy?
Typically, a healthy six-month-old pup will usually go 2 to 5 times a day.
If they’re going more than that, it’s probably because of their food intake and/or too much water consumption.
If they’re going fewer times, make sure to monitor their food and fiber intake.
What if My Puppy Only Poops Once A Day?
If your puppy only goes potty once per day, there’s a chance that they’re constipated.
How do you know? What does it look like if my puppy is constipated?
If your pup’s poop looks unusually hard or formed, with little pieces that are really difficult to pass (we call this “pebbles”), then their intestines might be backed up and causing some discomfort!
How Can I Make My Puppy Poop Less?
There are a few ways to make your pup poop less, but the easiest is by changing their food intake.
If they’re going too often and it’s causing some issues, you’ll want to cut back on how much food they eat in one sitting.
For example: Instead of feeding them two big meals per day (which can cause them to go twice), try splitting it into three, four, or even five small meals.
This should help balance out your pup’s digestive system and get their poop schedule back on track.
Another option is adding some additional fiber! You might be surprised how much of a difference that makes in helping them pass those stools.
Is My Puppy’s Poop Normal?
When it comes to your puppy’s poop, regular bowel movements are completely normal.
However, if you’re concerned about anything with the consistency of their stool or how often they go potty… make sure to consult a veterinarian for advice.
They can help you determine if your pup’s poop is normal or not.
When Will My Puppy Need To Poop The Most?
Typically, your pup will need to go potty the most after you feed your dog, and your puppy will poop around 30 minutes to an hour later.
Your pup may also like to poop right before bedtime or just when you’re getting home from work! Many pups will go in the morning as well, not long after breakfast or their first meal of the day.
How Can I Tell When My Puppy Needs To Poop?
Usually when your pup is whining or crying… they’ll need to go potty.
You might also notice that their “tummy” is rumbling! This can also mean it’s time for them to go potty.
Finally: If you’re taking your puppy on a walk, pay attention to when your dog starts sniffing around, circling, or acting restless in some way.
That moment is usually when they’ll need to poop.
This can be the perfect opportunity to start some house training at the same time.
How Can I Train My Puppy To Poop On Command?
This question gets asked a lot… so you’re not alone in thinking about “poop on command”!
Fortunately, this type of behavior training isn’t hard at all if you have plenty of patience (and treats on hand.)
You’ll want to start by teaching your pup the word “poop” or their name (for example, if you’re giving them a command).
Then, once they understand that it means something important… give your puppy lots of praise when they do go potty! This way, they will learn that they’ll get lots of love and affection when they do what you want.
Understanding Your Puppy’s Bowel Movements is More Important Than You Think!
A healthy pup will have regular bowel movements that are normal, not too loose or hard.
However: If you’re concerned about the frequency of your puppy’s pooping habits, just consult a vet to see if everything is alright.
That way, you can rest easy knowing that they’re on track to grow up healthy and strong.
Why Is My Puppy’s Poop Is Soft?
When a puppy’s poop is soft, it’s usually quite normal, especially if it’s just for 24 hours.
But if the situation persists over a longer period of time, it could be a result of a diet change.
It’s wise to monitor the situation and see if anything changes over the coming days.
When Does Puppy Poop Become Solid?
Around three or four weeks of age, puppies are usually able to poop without producing diarrhea and it’ll firm up nicely.
It’s at this point that you’ll see their stools become more solid and formed – which makes it easier for your pup to pass the stool, too.
How To Make Puppy Poop Solid
If you want to make your pup’s poop solid, it’s important that they’re consuming the right amount of food.
It also helps if their meals contain more fiber-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes or pumpkin!
But remember… If your pooch is eating plenty of fiber but still isn’t producing solid stools, then speak with your veterinarian.
They can help determine if there are any underlying health concerns you should be aware of.
Why Is My Puppy’s Poop Watery?
Diarrhea in puppies is often caused by food intolerance, stress, or an infection.
If your pup’s poop looks really watery, it’s wise to consult with your veterinarian.
They can run tests and determine if there are any underlying health concerns that may cause your pup to have diarrhea.
Why Is My Puppy’s Poop Green?
If your pup’s poop is green, it usually means that they’re not breaking down the pigments from their food properly.
For example, Chlorophyll can change the color of your pup’s poop if it’s passing through at a high frequency! So pay attention to whether your dog has been eating a lot of grass recently.
However, if the green poop isn’t being caused by what they’re eating, then it could be a sign of a different health problem… especially if there are also changes to consistency as well.
Why Is My Puppy’s Poop Black?
If you notice that your pup’s poop is black, it could be a sign of blood in their stool.
When this happens, it’s important to contact a veterinarian straight away.
It could be a sign of parasites, internal bleeding, or even a reaction to certain medications.
Why Is My Puppy’s Poop Yellow?
If your pup’s poop is yellow, it often means they have some kind of food intolerance present.
In this case, pay attention to what your dog’s been eating lately – especially if there have been any changes to their diet.
If the issue carries on, consult with your veterinarian about the possible causes. Often, it will involve exploring potential food intolerances your pup has.
Why Is There Mucus In My Puppy’s Poop?
If you notice a small about of mucus in your pup’s poop, then it’s usually just the natural lubrication from the intestines which makes it easier for your dog to pass the poop.
However, if there’s more than usual and it keeps happening on a regular basis, it could be colitis or inflammation of your dog’s colon.
Other factors may trigger changes in the consistency of your dog’s poop as well, such as stress, dietary changes, and food intolerances.
Is My Puppy Constipated?
Constipation in puppies usually presents itself with only a little bit of poop being produced.
Often, your pup will strain while trying to pass it – and it can be quite uncomfortable or painful. In the worst cases, they may yelp as well.
If you suspect your pup is constipated, it’s wise to speak with a veterinarian about the best way to resolve this issue.
They can provide advice on suitable changes that may help alleviate the problem for good – sometimes even prescribing medications if things are more serious.
Constipation can occur when your pup is eating too much (or too little) fiber, or they may have eaten something they shouldn’t have, and it’s now causing a blockage.
What If My Puppy Has Diarrhea?
If your pup has diarrhea, it’s usually a sign of the body trying to rid itself of something that isn’t right.
Stress and dietary changes are some of the common causes for this issue – but there could also be problems with parasites or an infection present in your dog’s intestinal tract.
If you notice that your pup has persistent diarrhea and you aren’t sure why it’s important to contact a veterinarian straight away.
Why Does My Puppy’s Poop Smell Bad?
Poop is never supposed to smell too wonderful… but if your pup’s poop smells particularly bad compared to usual, then it’s usually caused by dietary changes or parasites.
If your pup’s eating habits have recently changed, it might be the reason for their smelly poops.
On the other hand, if they’ve been experiencing recurring diarrhea and there’s a bad smell present each time – then this is an indication that your dog has parasites.
It’s important to speak with a veterinarian about the next steps you should take – especially if there are other symptoms present as well.
What Should “Normal” Dog Poop Look Like?
If your dog’s poops are the same size, shape, and consistency as usual, then it usually means they’re pretty healthy.
However… if there is anything out of the ordinary happening with their poop – such as changes to color or smell – then it can be a sign that something isn’t right.
When Should You Take Your Puppy To The Veterinarian?
If your pup is showing any of these signs, make sure to visit your local vet immediately:
- diarrhea for more than 24 hours
- blood in the stool
- mucus in the poop or vomit
- constipation for more than 24 hours
- vomiting.
These symptoms could be a sign of various issues that require immediate medical attention to resolve – including obstruction in your puppy’s intestines.
If you notice any changes in your pup’s poop color then it might be time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Your pup’s poop could be a sign of many health-related problems, but it can also help you learn more about their diet and lifestyle habits.
Certain changes in the consistency or color may indicate that something isn’t quite right, so it’s important to stay on top of this if you’re concerned about your puppy’s health.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has put your mind at ease and answered all of the questions you might have had about what’s normal when it comes to puppy poop.
You may be surprised to discover that poop can actually tell you a lot about your pooch’s health, so it pays to keep an eye on these changes… and it’s not just about how many times a day should a puppy poop… but also the color, consistency, and even the smell!
There are plenty of things that can cause changes in your pup’s digestion, so if you notice anything out of the ordinary make sure to speak with a vet for professional advice that’s customized to your situation.
It’s natural for dog owners to be concerned about the bowel movement of a new pup, especially if they’re new to the home and settling into their new surroundings.
During this time, the number of times your puppies poop can change quite a bit, so keep an eye on your pup and take note of these changes, so you have a better understanding of what’s going on.
