How Long Can a Jack Russell Hold Its Pee

The Jack Russell Terrier is an adorable little dog that appears to be a decent choice for new pet owners and apartment dwellers. However, the enthusiasm and intensity of this small pup will astound you. These dogs require a lot of exercise as well as consistent, firm training; otherwise, they may exhibit undesired behavior. Whether you’re in an apartment and don’t have a yard to let your new terrier run handle its business alone or whether your work schedule may limit how often you get to take him for a walk to relieve himself, you’ve found this article because you’re wondering:

how long can a jack russell hold its pee
How Long Can a Jack Russell Hold Its Pee

How long can a Jack Russell hold its pee? A healthy adult Jack Russell Terrier urinates three to five times each day, and it can hold its pee for up to 8 to 10 hours. The exact answer depends upon Jack Russell’s age, size, diet, and overall health because a dog’s bladder and pee holding capacity changes depending upon his age and stage of life and training.

Dogs’ bladders can typically hold urine in for a long time, but it’s crucial to know just how long this period lasts. Make sure that you understand your dog’s bathroom requirements and establish routines to keep him from holding it for too long.

The capacity of the urinary bladder to hold pee

The urinary bladder capacity is determined by the Jack Russell’s size, age, and—most critically—the amount of liquids consumed. An indoor Jack Russell Terrier, contrary to popular opinion, does not require an unlimited supply of water. If they live outside, the situation is significantly different because they are more active and, to regulate their body temperature, they must stay hydrated.

The most common determinant of how long your Jack Russell can go between toilet breaks is his or her age. Younger dogs, particularly untrained puppies, will not be able to hold their urine for as long as most adult dogs. It takes time for the muscles that contract to hold and release urine from the bladder to develop. Therefore, puppies require both longer and more frequent restroom breaks than adult Jack Russells. Building those muscles and learning to manage their bladders are part of the potty-training process.

As they get older, Jack Russell Terriers’ muscle control begins to deteriorate. Increased bathroom demands can be caused by muscle weakness, inflammation, movement restrictions, and even renal and liver function.

Size of the bladder

The size of a Jack Russell’s bladder determines its ability to hold pee. When a dog grows in size, so does his or her bladder, allowing him or her to hold pee for longer periods than during the puppy stage. The holding capacity of a Jack Russell Terrier reaches its peak at the juvenile stage (around 7 months) when it can typically hold pee for up to about 10 hours.

Water and food

The type of food that a dog eats has a big impact on their urinary health. Moisture-rich foods, such as raw and wet foods, can cause them to produce more pee and have more frequent instances of urination. Although Jack Russells may require more frequent urination trips when eating this type of diet, moist food aids in digestion and eliminates toxins and bacteria from their bodies, so it’s worth the extra walks and potty breaks.

Dogs that consume only dry food may urinate less, but that is not an indicator of their overall level of health. Dehydration can be indicated by the color of their urine, though. Urine that is dark yellow is not a healthy sign. If your Jack Russell’s pee is unusually dark, it is necessary to increase their hydration intake beyond water, such as incorporating broths, wet food, or even raw bones.

Important elements that influence peeing


Peeing and the urinary retention capacity of dogs—particularly Jack Russells—are influenced by a few common factors. As these aspects change, so does the amount of time it takes for them to pee.

  • Age
  • General health condition
  • Availability of water
  • Moisture content in the diet
  • Size of the Jack Russell
  • Potty training
  • Stress
  • Weather
  • Exercise
jack russell dog holding its pee
Jack Russell Dog Holding Its Pee

Related Questions

How do you stop a Jack Russell from peeing in the house?

Giving your Jack Russell proper and thorough potty training is the best option. The reward system is another basic and widely used strategy. Because Jack Russells want to please their owners (or “dog parents”), if you tell him or her that anything he or she did was fantastic and praise them enthusiastically, they will most likely do it again. Give your dog a treat or a belly rub if they urinate outside and encourage them to keep repeating this good behavior.

What is the reason for so much peeing?

When a Jack Russell is scared, anxious, or being verbally reprimanded, he/she will often urinate a lot. “Submissive urination” is the term for this occurrence. Your terrier may also just urinate because he or she is happy to see another pet or a close human partner and can’t contain his or her excitement.

Is there a risk of bladder stones in a Jack Russell?

Actually, yes. The Jack Russell Terrier is more likely than other dog breeds to get bladder and kidney stones. It has been found that Jack Russells develop a few different varieties of stones in their bladders, but the most common stones are calcium oxalate, magnesium, and phosphate.

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.