How to Toilet Newborn Puppies: A Must-Know for Breeders and Carers
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Toileting Newborn Puppies
Learn how to toilet newborn puppies, why it’s essential, and the best techniques for healthy development and hygiene.
Newborn puppies can’t toilet on their own—at least not for the first few weeks of life. In the wild, mum takes care of this instinctively. But if you're hand-rearing or supplementing their care, knowing how to toilet newborn puppies is crucial for their health and development.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your pups clean, comfortable and thriving.
Why Can’t Newborn Puppies Toilet Themselves?
Until around 3 weeks of age, puppies have immature nervous and muscular systems, meaning they can’t urinate or defecate voluntarily. They rely entirely on their mum—who licks their bottom and belly to stimulate elimination.
If mum is absent, unwilling, or unable to do this, you must step in to provide manual stimulation.
When and How Often Should You Stimulate Toileting?
You should toilet puppies:
- Before and after every feed (every 2–3 hours for neonates)
- Whenever they wake up
- After handling or activity
This mimics the natural rhythm they’d experience with their mother.
How to Toilet Newborn Puppies: Step-by-Step
- Wash your hands and set up a clean, warm space.
- Use a damp soft tissue, damp cotton pad, or warm damp cloth.
- Gently rub the puppy’s anogenital area in small circular motions.
- Stimulate both the genital and anal area.
- Continue until they wee and/or poo—this may take up to a minute.
- Wipe them clean, then dry gently with a soft microfibre towel.
Be gentle but firm — pups are fragile, but effective stimulation is necessary for success.
What Should the Output Look Like?
Urine should be pale yellow and odourless.
Stool should be yellowish and toothpaste-like in consistency (if bottle-fed), or mustard-like if nursing well.
If stool is green, white, grey, runny or absent, or if urine is dark or has a strong smell, consult a vet.
When Do Puppies Start Toileting on Their Own?
By 3 weeks of age, most puppies begin:
- Urinating and defecating voluntarily
- Move away from the sleeping area to do so
- Begin needing puppy pads or washable whelping area liners
At this point, you can slowly reduce manual stimulation—but monitor their toileting habits daily.
What If the Mother Isn’t Helping?
It’s not uncommon for
- First-time mums
- Caesarean births
- Unwell or nervous dams
…to ignore toileting. In those cases, continue doing it yourself, and consider adding calcium and supplement support to help mum settle and bond.
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