How Often Do I Take My Akita Outside To Pee?

Akitas are known for their majestic appearance, loyalty and independent character. Whether you’re the lucky owner of a puppy, an adult Akita, or a senior Akita, one of the most important aspects of caring for them is making sure they get enough toilet breaks. But how often do you need to take your Akita outside to pee, and does that frequency change with age? In this comprehensive guide, we explore the factors that influence how often you should take your Akita outside to relieve yourself, and provide recommendations for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.

Understanding the basics

Before diving into age guidelines, it’s important to understand some basic principles of Akita bladder control and how they differ from other dog breeds. Akitas are a large breed known for their strength and independence, which can affect their bathroom habits.

Bladder Capacity: Akitas, being larger dogs, usually have a larger bladder capacity compared to smaller breeds. This means that they can hold their urine for longer periods of time, but it does not mean that they should be forced to do so for longer periods of time.
Independence: Akitas are often more independent than some other breeds, and this independence can extend to their bathroom needs. They can’t always seek your attention to let you know they need to go out, so it’s imperative to establish a routine.
Training: Proper potty training is important for Akitas at all stages of life. Consistent training helps them understand where and when it is appropriate to relieve themselves.

With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at how often you should take your Akita outside to pee, given its age.

Akita puppy (from 8 weeks to 6 months)

Puppies are adorable bundles of energy and curiosity, and they’re known for their limited bladder control. For Akita puppies between 8 weeks and 6 months of age, a rule of thumb is to take them outside frequently, usually every 1-2 hours throughout the day. Here’s a breakdown of their needs:

Frequent walks: Puppies have a small bladder and a high metabolism, so they need to relieve themselves more often. Take your Akita puppy outside after waking up, after eating, after playing and before sleeping. Praise and reward them when they do outdoor activities.
Crate Training: Using a crate can be a valuable tool for potty training your Akita puppy. dogs tend not to soil their living space, so a properly sized crate can help contain them until you take them outside.
Watch for signs: Watch your puppy closely for signs that he needs to go out, such as sniffing, circling, or restlessness. If you notice this behavior, take them outside immediately to prevent accidents indoors.
Gradual Increase: As your Akita puppy gets older, it will begin to gain better bladder control. You can gradually increase the time between walks, but continue to be alert to their needs.
Sleeping: Akita puppies may not be able to hold their bladder for long periods of time at night. Plan to take them out once or twice a night until they can sleep without accidents.

Remember that potty training can be challenging, but the keys to success are patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. With time and effort, your Akita puppy will learn to signal when they need to go outside.

Adult Akitas (from 6 months to 7 years)

As your Akita reaches adulthood, its bladder control improves significantly and its bathroom needs become more predictable. Adult Akitas usually need fewer bath breaks than puppies, but you should still stick to a regular schedule to keep them comfortable and prevent accidents.

Schedule: For adult kitties, aim for a consistent toilet break schedule. Taking them out every 4-6 hours throughout the day is a good starting point. This graph explains their larger bladder capacity and improved control.
Morning and evening: Be sure to take your adult Akita outside in the morning and before going to bed. This is the time when they are most likely to need to relieve themselves after a night’s rest.
After eating: After your Akita has eaten, it is a good idea to take it outside for 30 minutes to an hour. Digestion can stimulate the need to eliminate.
Regular Exercise: Regular exercise for your adult Akita can help them maintain a healthy bladder. A tired dog may have less need to go outside during the day.
Urinary Signs: Although adult Akitas tend to hold their bladders better, they may still show signs of needing to go. Pay attention to their signals and get them outside immediately.
Aging Notes: As your Akitas get older, they may experience age-related changes that affect bladder control. Watch for any signs of incontinence or changes in bathroom habits and consult your vet if necessary.

Older Akitas (7 years and older)

As Akitas enter their older years, they may experience some mobility and bladder control issues. It is important to adapt your routine and adapt to their changing needs to ensure their comfort and well-being.

Frequent short walks: Elderly Akitas may have reduced mobility, so consider taking them for shorter walks more often instead of one long walk. This can help prevent fatigue and accidents.
Scheduled Breaks: Increase toileting frequency for summer akitas to every 4-5 hours throughout the day. Pay attention to their cues as they may need to come out more often.
Senior Health Checkups: Regular vet checkups become even more important for older Akitas. Discuss any changes in their bathroom habits, as this could be a sign of underlying health problems.
Treatment of urinary incontinence: Some elderly akites may develop urinary incontinence problems. Consult with your veterinarian to explore treatment options such as medications or special diets.
Adaptations: Make adaptations at home, such as providing easy access to the outdoors and placing puppy pads or absorbent mats in areas where accidents are more likely to occur.
Comfort and Patience: Senior Akitas deserve extra patience and care as they age. Be sensitive to their needs and provide a safe and comfortable environment.

Conclusion

Taking your Akita outside to pee is an important aspect of grooming at any age. Understanding their age-related needs and adjusting your routine accordingly is essential to their comfort and well-being. Remember that potty training and bladder control can vary from one Akita to another, so patience, consistency and positive reinforcement are key to success at any stage of life.

In summary, here are general guidelines for how often you should take your Akita outside to pee based on its age:

Akita puppy (8 weeks to 6 months): Every 1-2 hours during the day, with night walks as needed.
Adult Akitas (from 6 months to 7 years): every 4-6 hours during the day, with additional exits in the morning and before bedtime.
Senior Akitas (7 years and older): Every 4-5 hours throughout the day, paying extra attention to their changing needs and potential incontinence issues.

By following these guidelines and adapting them to your Akita’s special needs, you can ensure that your beloved companion remains happy and healthy for a lifetime.