Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my puppy pooping too much at night? Could it be their food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Why Does My Puppy Poop So Much at Night?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Courtney Connors

Certified Dog Trainer

Published on February 16th, 2015

While it is normal for a puppy to potty several times throughout the night until they gain control of their bladder muscles, it is unusual to be pooping 4 times a night. Lower quality kibbles have a lot of filler in them. This filler causes dogs to poop more. I don't know what brand you're feeding your pup, but there are so many brands out there to explore. It sounds like the one your pup is on now isn't entirely agreeing with him, even if it isn't a low quality food. http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/dry/5-star/ This website has all of the 5 star dog foods out there for you to explore. It is important to remember to gradually transition from one food to another. The transition should take at least a week. Just add a little tiny bit of the new food to the old food, and take out just a tiny bit of the old food. Continue to do this once every two days or so until the bowl consists entirely of the new food.

Vote icon

18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Young pups have poor bladder/bowel control. They cannot go all night without needing a 'potty break". Expect them to be able to "hold it" for 1 hour for every month of age plus 1. That means your pup can go about 3-4 hours before needing to eliminate. As they get older, that time will increase. This is all part of owning and house-training a puppy.

    Vote icon

    16Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Courtney Connors

    Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    While it is normal for a puppy to potty several times throughout the night until they gain control of their bladder muscles, it is unusual to be pooping 4 times a night. Lower quality kibbles have a lot of filler in them. This filler causes dogs to poop more. I don't know what brand you're feeding your pup, but there are so many brands out there to explore. It sounds like the one your pup is on now isn't entirely agreeing with him, even if it isn't a low quality food. It is important to remember to gradually transition from one food to another. The transition should take at least a week. Just add a tiny bit of the new food to the old food, and take out just a tiny bit of the old food. Continue to do this once every two days or so until the bowl consists entirely of the new food.

    Vote icon

    8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my chicken pale, tired, not laying, and pooping neon yellow?
Is your pet chicken pale, tired, or pooping neon yellow? A Licensed Vet Tech shares vital steps for your hen's concerning symptoms. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored