How Often Do Puppies Pee? A Potty Schedule by Age

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Young puppies need to pee a lot, because their bladders are small and they are still learning control. A common rule of thumb from the American Kennel Club is that a puppy can hold it for about one hour per month of age, so a 3-month-old may manage about 3 hours. Every puppy is different, so use this as a starting point.

Rough guide by age

Puppy age	About how long they can wait (awake)
8 weeks (2 months)	About 2 hours
3 months	About 3 hours
4 months	About 4 hours
6 months	About 6 hours

Few dogs should be expected to hold it much longer than that during the day, even as adults.

When to take your puppy out

First thing in the morning and last thing at night
Right after waking from a nap
Within a few minutes after eating or drinking
After play or excitement
Whenever they sniff and circle

Signs to call a vet

Peeing very often in small amounts, straining, accidents after being reliable, or blood in the urine can be signs of a urinary problem. Call your vet.

Make it easier

Use our puppy potty schedule tool to plan breaks. For apartments and overnight, a puppy pee pad or washable or disposable pads can help.

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