Last Updated on November 23, 2021 by Marco
Chi parents may ask how long can a Chihuahua hold its bladder. Luckily for you, we answer that and other queries in this guide!
Adopting an adorable chihuahua can mean tons of fun, but it also represents responsibility. And, if you work long hours, you need to be aware of many aspects of your dog, such as how long a dog can hold its bladder and how often you take your pooch out for walks.
Apart from such relevant information, you need also to know if it’s okay for your tiny furry friend to be on its own and whether or not your Chihuahua may suffer from health issues if it is holding its pee for longer hours than is suitable for it.
So, without any further delays, let’s get right to the heart of the matter – how often do chihuahuas really need to answer the call of Nature, and how long can your fur baby hold on to its bladder.
How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Pee
Typically, adult dogs can hold their bladder for long hours. On average, adult Chihuahuas need to take care of their business at least three to five times a day. Most well-renowned vets recommend that adult dogs ought to take walks outside after every 6-8 hours. However, several factors play a significant role in varying the amount of time any pooch can hold on to the waterworks. Here are some of the elements that can impact your dog’s pee stamina.
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Age Matters
The age of your doggo will significantly affect how long can a dog hold its bladder. Puppies have under-developed and undersized bladders, making it impossible for the tiny furballs to hold their pee for longer. Hence, pee-related accidents with puppies are a commonality.
However, you have to understand that the holding capacity of your pup depends upon the muscle that contracts and releases the bladder. Now, this muscle takes time to develop and strengthen.
As your puppy grows older, the muscle becomes more robust, and your doggo will learn to have better control over its bladder. But, on average, a chihuahua puppy can control their bladder one hour for every month of their age. If your Chihuahua is two months old, it’ll be able to prevent a wee-wee accident for two hours, after which all bets are off.
On the flip side, senior dogs also do not have much control over their bladders. You see, as dog’s age, they lose muscle control. Muscle weakening, inflammation, mobility limitation, and even other health conditions contribute to more pee-pee breaks.
While it is true that adult dogs can control their bladders for as long as 10-12 hours, most vets do not recommend allowing your pet to withstand such extreme pressure.
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Size Is Important
There is a misconception that large dog breeds can hold their urine for longer as they have larger bladders. Large dogs indeed have bigger bladders than a small dog breed such as a chihuahua. But, large dogs also have a far greater water intake and food consumption than smaller breeds of dogs.
So, you will find that your Chihuahua is as able to hold on to its bladder as a large dog. Yet, chiwawa potty training and regular exercise do affect your dog’s capacity to ‘hold it.’ And, as exercise is usually vital for large dogs, perhaps you will notice that your neighbor’s active Great Dane takes fewer walks than your own darling Chihuahua, who shirks exercise at every possible opportunity.
Learn more about: Why Do Dogs Rub Their Butts On The Carpet; The Definitive Guide
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Health Considerations
Chihuahuas are prone to obesity, bladder, and kidney stones. They’re also susceptible to luxating patella (dislocation of the kneecap), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and hydrocephalus (a large molera that causes spinal fluid to fill around the brain). Health conditions such as these are a significant reason for the weakening of the bladder. You can research the health concerns your Chi will face if you type in, ‘how long can a chihuahua hold its bladder,’ on the internet.
Furthermore, there are medications that canines have to take due to specific health problems. These medications may have a diuretic effect that may trigger more frequent bathroom visits. Hence, most vets state that if you notice a visible change in your doggo’s behavior, even if it is something as insignificant as more peeing breaks, you should discuss it with a vet on your regular medical visit.
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Diet
The diet that your Chihuahua eats also affects your Chi’s frequency and amount of urination. If your dog eats more wet and raw food, then your dog may be better hydrated. Hydration leads to proper digestion and flushing out of toxins and bacteria from your pet’s system.
On the other hand, if you prefer feeding kibble to your doggo, then it may take fewer wee-wee breaks. But, it certainly doesn’t mean that it is healthier. Also, you have to remember that urine color tells how well hydrated your Chi is; hence, dark-colored urine may spell dehydration.
What Happens If Your Chihuahua Holds Its Bladder For Too Long
As mentioned earlier, an adult Chihuahua can control its bladder. So, you need not be concerned about how long can a chihuahua hold its bladder. But, asking your pup to hold its bladder for ten hours for long periods can have grave repercussions on your Chi’s well-being.
You see, Chihuahuas can develop urinary tract infections, stone formations, and blockages due to holding their urine for long hours. And, such urinary issues can be life-threatening for your beloved Chihuahua.
The urination cycle allows for the body to expel toxins and bacteria from the system. But, when your baby Chi holds its pee for longer, it will give the toxins in the urine to interact with the cells of the bladder. Your furball can develop urinary cancer due to withholding toxins that might have been flushed out if your Chi peed more often.
Making your Chihuahua hold its pee for long can also cause over-distention. And this can weaken the bladder muscles, leading to incontinence. Yes, incontinence is usually found in senior dogs. But, making your dog wait to answer Nature’s call can be highly damaging for your doggo’s health.
Conclusion
Chihuahuas make fabulous pets. And, these canines are rated to have very high emotional intelligence, which tells you that your dog will be able to respond to the slightest shift in your moods. And, many pet parents of Chihuahuas vouch that their Chi is highly attuned to their emotional needs. But, as a pet parent, you are supposed to be equally attuned to the needs of your pet.
Making your doggo wait long hours to go pee or eliminate it can be grievously harmful to the well-being of your Chihuahua. So, as busy as your schedule may be, don’t wonder how long can a chihuahua hold its bladder. You must take time out for your Chi to be comfortable and live a happy and long life.
