How Long Before a Newborn Puppy Can Defecate on Its Own?

Newborn puppies start their lives out as vulnerable and defenseless creatures, totally unable to fend for themselves in this big world. Not only are neonate pups unable to hear and see, they don't even have the ability to pass stools or urinate without outside help, either. Thankfully, mama dogs usually save the day.

  1. Defecation Help

    • In the days and weeks following birth, puppies are unable to eliminate by themselves. Their muscles simply have not developed the sophistication required to handle bodily elimination processes yet. When mother dogs are present, they generally manage this by stimulating the functions using their tongues -- a part of grooming routines. By delicately licking a newborn puppy's anal region, a mother dog can usually quickly prompt the little one's body to "go." Mother dogs usually do this right after their little ones feed -- the times in which their bodies develop the need to defecate.

    Human Caretaker

    • If you're in charge of caring for a pup because his mom, for whatever reason, isn't around, you can take on the role of the mother by stimulating defecation using either warm, damp cotton or a warm, soft and thin cloth. Gently rub the lower belly and anal region of the newborn puppy immediately after all feeding sessions. It's important for puppies to defecate a minimum of once a day, though most puppies tend to do so a handful of times within a 24-hour span. If a newborn puppy skips a day of defecation, consult a veterinarian immediately.

    All By Himself

    • Most puppies' bodies are capable of defecating without outside assistance once they're between the ages of 3 and 4 weeks, notes the ASPCA. At this point, the mother dog's duties -- or your duties -- are no longer necessary. The pups are "big kids" now -- almost.

    Messes

    • Once young puppies are able to pass stools of their own choice, you may notice a lot of inevitable "potty" messes in their bedding area. Keep your puppy's sleeping area as tidy and clean as possible by frequently switching out and washing all of the bedding.