How to Stimulate a Newborn Puppy to Pee and Poop

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

In the nest, the mother licks her puppies after feeding, and this stimulates urination and defecation. Puppies younger than about three weeks cannot do it themselves. If you are raising orphans or helping a mother who is not cleaning her litter, you will need to take on the job.

Why it matters

A puppy that cannot empty its bladder and bowels can become uncomfortable, bloated and sick. Toileting also gives you information. Normal urine and stool tell you the puppy is feeding and hydrated, while changes are an early warning sign.

What you need

• Warm water
• Soft cotton balls, pads or a clean soft cloth
• A towel to hold the puppy
• A warm room with no drafts
• Hand-washing supplies

Step-by-step

1. Feed first. Stimulate after feeding, as the mother would.
2. Warm a damp cotton pad in warm water, and squeeze out the excess.
3. Hold the puppy on a towel, on its stomach or supported on its back legs, in a natural position.
4. Gently stroke the genital area and then the anal area using small circular motions, similar to the mother's tongue.
5. Continue until it stops. Urine usually starts within a minute, followed by stool for some feeds. Keep going for a short time after it seems finished.
6. Dry the puppy gently so it does not get cold.
7. Return it to the warm nest.

Be gentle. Do not rub hard, and stop if the skin looks sore.

How often

After every feed, which in the first weeks may mean every two to three hours. Stool may not come after every feed, but urine usually should. As puppies grow, they begin to toilet without help. Most can by about three weeks, and at that point you can start encouraging toileting in a designated area. See our guide to potty training a puppy.

What is normal

• Urine: Pale yellow to clear and mild in smell.
• Stool: Soft, formed and yellowish brown for milk-fed puppies, produced once or a few times a day.
• Changes in stool can occur with different milk replacers.

What to watch for

• Dark, strong urine may indicate dehydration.
• Green, watery or bloody stool may be a sign of infection or overfeeding.
• No stool for a day or more can indicate constipation.
• Straining or crying while toileting needs checking.
• Sore skin from too much rubbing.

Call your vet for any of these. See our guide to newborn health signs.

Hygiene

Use a fresh cotton pad each time to avoid spreading bacteria, and wash your hands before and after. Wipe the puppy dry and change soiled bedding.

Transition

At around three weeks, puppies start to wander from the nest and may toilet on their own. Place a shallow tray or puppy pads away from the sleeping area and reward them for using it. Gradually, they become more independent.

Common mistakes

• Rubbing too hard. Newborn skin is delicate, and rough rubbing causes soreness.
• Using cold or dry pads. Warm, damp pads mimic the mother's tongue.
• Stopping too soon. Puppies may need a minute or two before anything happens.
• Skipping stimulation after a night feed. Every feed counts.
• Reusing pads, which spreads bacteria.

A note on constipation

If a puppy is not passing stool for a day, it may be constipated, particularly after a change of milk replacer. Do not give laxatives or home remedies. Ask your vet, who may check feeding amounts, hydration and the puppy's overall health. Persistent crying, a hard belly or lack of appetite means the puppy should be seen quickly, because newborns deteriorate fast.

The takeaway

Toileting stimulation is a short, gentle task that makes a big difference. Do it after every feed, watch the results and ask your vet if anything looks off. Our guide to caring for orphan puppies covers the whole routine.