Health Reasons Why Your Dog Can’t Wait to Urinate

Can you hold your urine for 8 hours? Most people can’t. The same is true for dogs. When you gotta go, you gotta go!

Most adult dogs can go 8 – 10 hours without urinating, but this mainly depends on their age, sex, body size, and overall health. Smaller and younger dogs need to urinate more often than older, larger dogs.

It is unhealthy, however for dogs to go this long without peeing. Holding in urine can cause toxins to back up, weaken the bladder muscles, and more. Veterinarians have discovered that several health issues can develop when you require your dog to hold their urine for a prolonged time period, including:

In addition, dogs may feel uncomfortable when left alone for long periods of time with no access to a potty area. You may also notice frequent accidents, excessive licking of the genital area, increased thirst, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and other symptoms. On average, a healthy dog should be let out to urinate once every four to six hours. Smaller and senior dogs more often.

What options do you have?

Most people have full-time jobs and are away from home for extended hours. Here are some solutions to help your dog feel more comfortable and give you peace of mind.

Take your dog to work. Do you work for a pet-friendly company? If not, perhaps you can arrange a telecommuting situation a few days per week.
Take an extended lunch break. If you work close to home or have a flexible work schedule, take an extended lunch break. Take your dog for a walk and enjoy the exercise and fresh air. Your dog will thank you.
Install a doggy door. Install an exit and entry way allowing your dog to access a safe and secure area in the yard to relieve themselves.
Use biodegradable doggy lawn. Hydroponic porch potty grass for dogs that can be composted (under certain circumstances). Composting is not recommended if your dog is on a special diet or medications.
Send your dog to doggy daycare. A great way to socialize your dog, and give them fresh air and exercise, is to send them to doggy daycare. Check our resource list for local daycares we recommend.
Hire a professional pet sitter/dog walker. A professional pet care provider can create a customized exercise and stimulation plan created specifically for your pets’ individual needs. Learn more about professional pet sitter qualifications.
Establish an emergency pet contact. If you are stuck in traffic or the weather is making your commute longer than normal, it is a good idea to designate an emergency contact who is also a neighbor that you can call on to let you dog out for a break. Your local professional pet care provider may also offer same day and emergency services.