If you have a Shih Tzu and especially if you have a new puppy, you might be wondering how long after eating do Shih Tzus go poop? It is important to understand how eating and other events affect your Shih Tzu’s bathroom schedule. It can help eliminate accidents in the house.
How Long After Eating Do Shih Tzus Go Poop?
When a dog eats, it stimulates its bowels.
That means they will have a bowel movement in the near future.
Knowing about when is important if you are housebreaking your puppy or adult Shih Tzu.
It can mean the difference between your pup going to the bathroom outside and having an accident inside that you have to clean up.
And let’s face it if your dog pees on your carpet it is very difficult to get it completely cleaned up as the urine soaks through the padding and onto the floor beneath your carpet.
Most of the time, you can expect your Shih Tzu to pee and poop about 15 to 20 minutes after they have eaten.
So, give them their breakfast or dinner and then plan on taking them out for a walk.
Keep in mind, it may take more or less time depending on your dog.
They are individuals, so they won’t go on machine precision.
I know with my Shih Tzu, Truman, when he was younger, he would take forever to go once we started our walk.
Sometimes, it seemed like we had to walk the county before he would finally go.
But regardless, the important point is to not wait too long after you feed your dog before you take them out, or you will be sorry and it won’t be your Shih Tzu’s fault if they mess up your carpet.
If your pooch does go inside, be sure to clean it up immediately.
It will be a bit easier to clean if you don’t wait until it is dry.
Also, if you don’t get all of it up and an odor remains, even if you can’t smell it, your dog will and it will encourage them to go in the same spot again.
If you’re having trouble getting your Shih Tzu to go outside, be sure to take them to the same spot outside each time to poop.
The same thing that attracts them to an accident spot inside will attract them to go outside.
The previous odor will also help stimulate them to go which if is it outside is a great thing.
How Often Should a Shih Tzu Have a Bowel Movement?
Most Shih Tzus and dogs, in general, will have a bowel movement between once and five times a day.
For most, you can expect once or twice unless they have diarrhea.
If your Shih Tzu has diarrhea it is typically because they have eaten something they shouldn’t have, or they have a little bug, or the dog food you are feeding them is of low quality.
High-quality adult food made for Shih Tzu and high-quality puppy food is the best option.
If they are having a real problem with diarrhea, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible as this could be a sign of something more serious and could be a medical issue.
And while your Shih Tzu’s favorite food might be human foods, do keep them to a minimum.
They can turn your dog into a picky eater
My neighbor has a Spanial. He tends to let the dog out to run wild and go the bathroom wherever it wants.
I see the poor thing trying to go potty and it always has diarrhea. It struggles and clearly, it has some gastrointestinal issues, but I have a feeling it is the type of food it is fed.
Can I Get My Dog to Poop Faster?
You can get your Shih Tzu to poop faster, but keep in mind that you wouldn’t like it if someone was bugging you to hurry up.
Exercise is key here.
Just like taking a walk can help get things moving for you, the same is true for your dog.
You might also have some success if you gently rub their belly before you take them out.
Once they do start to go, give them say something like “go potty” and praise them and then give them a treat afterward.
This will help them learn what you want them to do and where you want them to do it.
I’ve done this with Truman.
It seems to work well.
My other Shih Tzu, Sammy, tends to go right away, so no prodding is necessary.
You may also enjoy:
Should You Microchip Your Shih Tzu? Yes!
How Many Puppies Can a Shih Tzu Have?
Does Walking a Dog Help Them Poop?
Yes, walking will help your dog poop.
As mentioned before, just like walking helps you get things going in the bathroom department, it will help your dog as well.
Feeding your Shih Tzu at the same time each day and then taking them out for a 20 to 30-minute walk afterward should do the job and you’ll see fewer accidents in the house.
Keep in mind, you will also need to take them on potty breaks so they can pee outside several times a day as well.
The more they go outside, the less they go inside.
Shih Tzu puppies can hold their pee for one hour of each months of age they are.
So a two-month-old puppy will need to go out every two hours, for example.
You may also enjoy:
Is Loud Music Bad for Shih Tzus?
Does Your Shih Tzu Know Its Name?
To Sum it All Up:
Shih Tzus are known to be difficult to train. Potty training can be frustrating. Keeping them on a schedule for feeding and going outside will help keep indoor potties to a minimum. Positive reinforcement is key when they go when and where they are supposed to, and be sure you are giving them high-quality dog foods and treats.
Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.
