Just like humans, dogs have their digestive habits. When nature calls, it calls. And again, just like humans, most dogs can hold it for a bit, until you decide to take them out for a walk. Of course, things are different with puppies, especially if they are not potty trained and can go anywhere, anytime.
When does nature call then? How long does it take for a dog to poop after eating? Different individuals work in different ways.
Some dogs may go within minutes, while others take an hour. It is essential to know that they will not eliminate what they have just eaten, but yesterday’s food. You do not need to stimulate anything, yet some physical activity can help if your furry friend has problems.
How The Canine Digestive System Works
Understanding the canine digestive system will help you get an answer to your question. Digestion starts as soon as the dog starts eating. Dogs are quite desperate for good food. As you have probably noticed already, they fail to chew it properly. Luckily, they have plenty of salivae to help with digestion. Everything goes down to the stomach.
When the dog’s stomach is full, the colon is naturally triggered. The digestive process continues as the food heads into the small intestine. All nutrients are absorbed then. As it enters the large intestine, water is removed, and remains are sent out. The process in dogs is similar to how it works in humans; only it is usually faster. However, the second part of digestion is slower.
It helps to have a brief idea about the breed and know how much they need to eat or what kind of food they require – knowing how big their stomach will ensure proper nutrition – not too little, but not too much either. After all, every dog owner has been there – put out something functional, and your little friend will never stop.
Now, how long does it take for a dog to poop after eating? Getting a brief idea about their pooping schedule will help you plan your outside trips more efficiently. According to Pet MD , the magic should happen within half an hour only. Are there any exceptions?
Understanding The Canine Pooping Schedule Varieties
Just like people, dogs are different so that they will go at different times. Before getting into details, you must know they will eliminate food from previous meals, rather than the food they have just had. Here is what you need to know.
- Some dog’s poop/dog stool within minutes. Those with fast digestion will digest food while they still eat, so it happens already. Healthy and young dogs will go out right away. The stomach is full, so its nerves trigger the colon right away. When the stomach is full, the colon gets to work. In other words, if your dog is active and healthy, it will send yesterday’s food out immediately.
- If the animal is slow or old, it might take up to 30 minutes to eliminate a meal from a previous day. You still have to go out soon, though. Since the digestive system/ digestive health is slow, you will need to stimulate it a bit. A walk is ideal. Wait for 10 or 15 minutes, then go out for a walk. Your dog or younger dog should defecate within the next 15 minutes, so wait patiently.
- Most dogs will need to go out two or three times a day. Just because your dog goes out twice, it does not mean that you need to take it out after a meal only. Instead, they also need to urinate quite often, so short walks are highly recommended between the meals and the long pooping walks.
- Puppies need to go out more often. They might need to do it four to eight times a day. Since they are young and their dog digestive system or dog digestion works correctly, they will poop/dog poop within minutes after a meal. Therefore, it is a great idea to take them out straight away – it is also suitable for potty training. Take them inside and give them a small reward for doing it right.
- If your adult dog defecates more than three times a day (no dog’s diarrhea), you probably have to buy more qualitative dog food. When the food is filled with preservatives, fillers, and random ingredients, there are fewer nutrients in there. In other words, there will be much more waste. Quality food is good for the pooping schedule, as well as your dog’s health.
Solutions For a Healthy Digestion
According to Dogster, if a dog eliminates just minutes after eating, it will most likely reduce the food that was in the bowl at one of the previous meals – even a day before. Do not get the wrong idea. While digestion in dogs is faster than digestion in humans, food stays inside for longer.
The new food is pushing on top, and the system works right away, so the dog will have to clear the old remains before taking fresh food. A large calm dog is likely to have longer digestion/digestive issues than a small active one. Playing and walking can help, though.
If your dog does not defecate within an hour after eating, it might be constipated. It may not be such a big issue in people, but it is in dogs, so you need to see the vet right away. Some of the most common signs of constipation include:
- Licking the anal area
- Straining while trying to defecate
- Crying while defecating
- Passing hard feces that may look like small balls
To make it easier for the veterinarian, you might want to bring a sample with you.
Final Words
So, how long does it take for a dog to poop after eating? Depending on its character and active status, it could be anywhere between a few minutes to an hour. Going out as soon as your dog finishes can be an excellent idea.
Not only do you help digestion by stimulating it with activity, but it can also help if you are in the process of potty training. Your puppy will understand the process sooner or later; it will become a habit.
Keep an eye open for unexpected problems and situations, such as failing to poop within an hour. Never hesitate to call a vet if in doubt.
