How Do Dogs Go to the Bathroom on a Plane? Prep, Training, & More
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You probably arrived at this article because you are planning on taking your dog on a flight. You wonder, how do dogs go to the bathroom on a plane? Or you might be worried about them being cooped up for so long.
You are in the right place because we’ve flown our small dog all the way from Africa to the US and between the US and South America in both cargo and in the cabin. Those are pretty long flights for our pup to go on and it took some planning.
This post will cover the one simple thing that will meet your dog’s biological needs when flying. Then I’ll walk you through other ways you can prepare any pup for the trip whether they are a puppy, a healthy adult, or a sick and/or senior dog. This includes tips all along the journey. How to get their crate ready, what to do in the airport, and what you can do while you are on the plane.
I’ll also share my journey of training my dogs who are trained to go outside to pee on command using puppy pads
How do dogs go to the bathroom on a plane?
If you have a healthy adult dog, the short answer is, they don’t! A healthy adult should have no problem flying from one side of the US to the other. It’s even possible they will be okay on a direct flight from San Francisco to Paris. Your pup will probably be pretty uncomfortable for the last part of the journey, but don’t be surprised if they hold it the entire way.
For our beloved seniors, wiggly puppies, and extra-long journeys, continue reading to learn how to prepare.
The only thing you really need to manage your dog’s needs to pee or poop on a plane
The best news is, you will already have it! Your dog’s crate is the most important thing you will need. Your dog will have to be in a crate in order to fly, since all commercial airlines require them. A dog crate is their bed, which taps into some very strong natural instincts and helps them to control themselves.
Did you use your crate to help potty train your puppy? If so, you were taking advantage of a natural instinct dogs have. We can take advantage of the same instinct to keep your dog from going to the bathroom on a flight.
Why dogs won’t poop or pee in their crate?
Dogs have this thing where they hate to relieve themselves where they sleep. It’s an instinct they are born with.
This means that, if a crate is the right size for your dog, they are unlikely to mess it up. The key is to choose a crate that is just large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
If the crib is too spacious, your dog might feel comfortable leaving their business in one corner and snoozing in the other.
But, if it’s the right size, your dog will think it’s their own den and try to hold it until you take them out. We use the crate training method to potty train all our dogs and it works brilliantly by taking advantage of their natural inclinations.
Since the soft carriers and the IATA regulations about crate type and size usually meet the instinctual “den size” requirement, your dog will have a natural instinct not to go to the bathroom in their crate unless it is absolutely unavoidable.
How long can a dog hold their pee?
You might have wondered how long your furry friend can hold their pee. The answer varies depending on several factors, such as the dog’s age, size, health, and diet. Generally, healthy adult dogs can hold their urine for about 6-8 hours with no problem.
While you wouldn’t want to stretch it this long on a regular basis, it is possible for your dog to hold it for a 10-12 hour flight. Puppies and senior dogs might need to go more frequently. Smaller dogs also have smaller bladders, so they may need to go out more often than larger breeds.
Puppies can hold their bladder about one hour for each month of their age. Since many international flights only allow dogs to fly after 16 weeks, that means the dog should be able to hold it for about 4 hours at least.
US domestic flights allow younger puppies, so they may not be able to hold it for the duration of the flight. The good thing is that most 8-10 week old puppies are still small enough to go in the airplane, so you can follow the tips below to take care of them.
How often does a dog need to poop?
You are going to know your specific dog, but in general, PetMD explains that most adult dogs poop once per day. Yours may have a habit to go more frequently. If that’s the case, you might want to see if there is a predictable pattern so you can make a plan depending on the timing of your flight.
Puppies usually need to poop more frequently, so puppies are the ones who deserve the most attention on this topic.
How to prepare your dog for their bathroom needs on a plane
How to prepare your dog’s crate if they are flying under the plane as cargo or excess baggage
Pee Pads (also called Training Pads)
If you’re planning to travel with your furry friend in their crate under the plane, it’s essential to prepare for any potential accidents.
Firstly, make sure the crate is the right size for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down, but not so spacious that they can use one area as a bathroom and the other to rest.
You can add a waterproof liner or pee pads to line the bottom of the crate in case your dog has an accident. You can tape the liner to the bottom of the crate if it is slipping around
Don’t use newspaper, shredded paper kitty litter, or woodchips. Your dog might chew it, and it may cause a problem with customs
Other bedding
Some cargo companies recommend only using the liner and not including a bed. This might be a good idea if you think your dog will pee during the flight.
If your dog is unlikely to wet the bed, use a thin comfortable bed that doesn’t fold up around the sides. One recommendation is to use a towel or a rug. If a bed has stuffing in it, your dog might chew it.
Freeze your dog’s water so they can only get a little bit at a time and won’t fill up their bladders too quickly.
Pro Tip: Mexico has strict rules compared to most other countries. They don’t want anything in the dog’s crate including toys or bedding. They might just throw it away. If you are flying to Mexico with your dog, just leave the crate empty. From the US, a healthy adult dog should be okay time-wise. If you are concerned, split your journey into 2 parts.
How to prepare your dog carrier if they are flying with you in the cabin
Your dog might be able to hold it for the duration of the flight, but it’s important to be prepared for any potential accidents. If you’re planning to bring your dog with you in the cabin in a soft carrier, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the possibility of pee or poop.
Pee Pads (also called training Pads, puppy pads, and absorbent pads)
You can add a waterproof liner or pee pads to the bottom of the carrier to protect it from any accidents.
It’s also a good idea to pack a few extra pee pads and duplicate bedding in case you need to change them during the flight. This is especially important if you have a puppy or a senior dog.
Pro tip from a frequent flier pet parent: Pack a gallon-size ziplock in your purse/backpack. If your dog messes up the original pee pad while you are on the plane, there isn’t a great place to throw it away because the plane bathroom trash cans are so small. Place the used pee pad in the ziplock and throw it away once you arrive at your destination airport.
Other bedding
The carriers are so small already, there isn’t a lot of room for extra bedding. Some carriers such as the Sherpa come with a thin wooly rug that provides a little comfort without being bulky. The one in the photo has a waterproof bottom with velcro, so a pee pad is unnecessary.
Freeze your dog’s water so they can only get a little bit at a time and won’t fill up their bladders too quickly.
How to prepare your dog for travel before you get to the airport
Things to help a healthy adult dog on longer flights
Take your dog for a long walk or play games with them before the flight, to help them get some exercise and work off any nervous energy.
Keep dog food and water to a minimum. You can always bring snacks and water for the plane if they need them later. A collapsable water bowl can be a good option for a dog flying in-cabin.
For dogs flying in excess baggage or cargo, make sure to read the rules for your specific airline. Some encourage you to put a little food and water on the crate door. Others don’t allow it. Unfortunately, few of the water containers for crates get particularly good reviews.
Freeze the water so your dog only has access to limited amounts at a time. That way the whole thing won’t spill into the crate making a mess when it gets transported. If you are using the rabbit-style water dispenser, you need to train your dog to use it a few weeks before the flight.
Try to get them to go potty before the flight, so they’re not anxious during the journey.
You can also teach your dog to pee on command, which can be a helpful skill for travel situations. By using a specific phrase like “go potty” or “do your business” and rewarding your dog when they go, they’ll eventually learn to go on command, making it easier for them to go before the flight.
We are working with Sam and Denver to learn to pee on command and on a variety of surfaces in preparation for upcoming long-haul flights.
By preparing your dog for travel before you get to the airport, you can make the journey a positive experience for both you and your furry friend.
If you are here because you are flying internationally, check out what it is like to have a dog and the regulations for your final destination on our ever-growing Countries pages.
Preparing for traveling with an old or sick dog
Traveling with an old dog or a dog with health issues requires a little extra preparation to ensure their comfort and well-being during the journey.
Before the flight, take your furry friend on a shorter walk or play a gentle game with them to avoid tiring them out or putting too much strain on their body.
It’s also important to give them plenty of opportunities to go potty before the flight, especially if they have bladder control issues.
In addition to teaching your dog to pee on command, you can also bring pee pads or a waterproof liner for their carrier or crate to prevent any accidents.
Finally, consult with your veterinarian before the trip to ensure your dog is healthy enough to fly and discuss any additional preparations you need to make.
By taking these extra steps to prepare your dog for travel, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your furry friend.
Preparing for traveling with a puppy on a plane
Many people who get puppies from breeders will have to fly back home. The breeder will often do a lot of the prep work to get the puppy ready.
Since your puppy may not have their vaccinations yet, you can play games in your hotel room before the flight.
They also don’t usually know how to walk on a leash, so follow the directions from the breeder if they have been trained on a puppy pad, etc.
Using puppy pads will be essential for lining the carrier or crate of a puppy.
Where do dogs pee in airports?
Bathrooms in the airport for a healthy adult dog
It’s a good idea to take your dog for a bathroom break right outside the airport before going through security since most dogs are used to peeing on bushes and grass.
Many airports have designated pet relief areas, where you can take your dog for a quick potty break. These areas are usually located outside the terminal or in a specific section of the airport. Most airports even have indoor pet relief stations. Google [name of airport] & “pet relief station” to find your local one.
This is why teaching your dog to use a pee pad and to pee on command is important. I know many pet parents who really wanted to give their dog one last chance to use the bathroom before a long flight, but their dog didn’t want to go inside the airport. They spent a stressed 30 minutes at the pet-relief station instead of lounging by their gate.
If your dog is flying cargo on a long flight, the employees may take your dog out of its crate for a stretch and bathroom break. It often depends on the route and capacity of the facilities and employees at the airport. For people flying to Europe, Lufthansa is a popular choice because they offer these services.
Bathrooms in the airport for a senior dog or a dog with health issues
They also need as many opportunities to use the bathroom as possible both outside the airport and at the pet relief areas.
Right before getting on the plane might be a good time to put on a disposable dog diaper (female) or belly band (male) that helps dogs with incontinence issues.
Bathrooms in the airport for a puppy
Puppies who haven’t completed all their vaccinations yet should not be exposed to all the germs in a pet-relief area.
Many puppies are not yet potty trained and are used to going on puppy pads. You can place the pad on the floor in the human bathrooms and let the puppy squat there.
Where do dogs pee on planes, especially on a 10-hour flight?
How do healthy adult dogs go to the bathroom on a plane?
For any flight less than 10 hours, it is unlikely your dog will need to pee while on the plane if you limit food and water before the flight. For longer flights, some companies including American Airlines require you to fill out a form that explains your plan for your dog’s bathroom needs on a long-haul flight.
If your dog is whining on the plane and you are concerned they might need to go to the bathroom, you can try to take them to the plane bathroom, lay down a pee pad, and see if they will go. This has a much higher chance of working if you trained your dog to pee on a pad before your flight.
If your dog is sleeping, don’t disturb them. Sleeping dogs won’t notice their bladder getting full like an awake dog will.
How do senior or ailing dogs go to the bathroom on a plane?
You may not be able to limit food and water for a senior or especially a dog whose illness requires management of food and water. If that’s the case, you should expect your dog will need to pee and possibly poop during travel.
You can take your dog into the plane bathroom and place puppy pads on the floor. Dogs who have issues may go regardless, but your chances of success increase if you train them to pee on command. Take the used pee pads with you in a ziplock to avoid overflowing the trash cans.
If your dog suffers from incontinence, a better solution might be to put on a disposable dog diaper (female) or belly band (male). Dogs with this problem often don’t alert their humans. Also, that way it won’t matter as much if they can’t go on command. Dispose of the used one once you get back to the airport for the same reason. The plane trash compartments are small.
If your dog is flying as cargo or excess baggage, you probably want to talk to your vet. There may be a medication that can help with issues such as incontinence or managing their illness during the flight.
Be mindful of the timing of the flight. It might also work best to break the journey into multiple legs. Pick a flight that matches the time your dog is normally sleeping.
How do puppies go to the bathroom on a plane?
Puppies are harder because they need to go to the bathroom more frequently and it isn’t always possible to predict.
The good thing about puppies is they sleep a lot especially if they aren’t disturbed.
If they pee or poop in their carrier, take the puppy in the carrier to the bathroom and change the absorbent pads in their carrier. Ziplock the used ones.
You might be tempted the unzip the carrier at your seat and take care of it there. Since most puppies are not trained to stay, they will likely try to escape and all kinds of excitement will come next.
Where do service dogs go to the bathroom on a plane?
Service dogs play a crucial role in the lives of many individuals with disabilities, and they are often trained to accompany their owners on airplanes. One of the questions frequently asked is how service dogs are accommodated for bathroom breaks during flights.
Service dogs follow most of the same patterns as healthy adult dogs.
They should get exercise before the flight.
Limit their food and water intake
Have them use the pet-relief area at the airport.
They can probably hold it on any flight for less than 10 hours. Service dogs are trained to relieve themselves on command, and this includes going to the bathroom on a specific surface or in a designated container, such as a pee pad but if necessary. This might be more of a squish if the service dog is large since those plane bathrooms are so small, but it can be done.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are no longer recognized by most airlines, so they will follow the same regulations as a pet.
What to do if your dog pees or poops while in the air?
If your dog is whining during the flight, you can see if going to the bathroom will help the situation.
If your dog already peed in their carrier, replace the absorbent pads with the extras you are carrying in your backpack. Ziplock the used pad.
If your dog pooped and it isn’t messy you could pick it up with toilet paper and throw it directly into the toilet and flush it. Otherwise use the doggie bags to pick it up the poop. You might have to throw it away when you get to the airport. Replace the absorbent pads.
If your dog is wearing a belly band or diaper, just put on a new clean one.
For those dogs flying under the airplane, there isn’t much anyone can do mid-flight. Your best bet is to do all the suggestions above related to preparing the crate, exercising, limiting food and water, using the bathroom at the last possible minute, etc.
Training Your Dog to Pee on Command
While I have done my fair share of puppy potty training, I haven’t specifically trained my dogs to pee on command. I believe they generally know what it means when I say “go pee”, but it wasn’t something I specifically taught or reinforced.
My senior dog, Sam is deaf. He knows lots of sign language, but we never paired a hand signal with the language, so this will be a new thing for him to learn.
I reviewed the suggestions from the AKC on teaching your dog to potty on cue. It’s a basic dog training system of pairing a cue (command) with a reward (positive reinforcement). I’m going to use their suggestions to train this skill.
Update:
After 2 weeks, Denver has learned to pee on command in any outside setting. Sam is still trying to understand the connection between the hand signal I am giving and what I am asking him to do.
Steps for training your dog to pee on command
- Pick a time when your dog is likely to go to the bathroom already
- Wait for your dog to find the right spot
- When your dog starts to go say your cue “go pee”, “potty” etc. In our situation, we need to stand so Sam can see us and use the hand signal we want him to learn.
- Right when they finish, provide positive reinforcement and give them a treat and praise.
- Once they start to get the concept, you can start saying the cue/giving the hand signal before they start going.
- Keep using the cue word when it is time to go to the bathroom. Provide rewards until it sticks.
Tip: Practice this skill in many different locations
Training Your Dog to Pee Inside and on a Pee Pad
My dogs are used to peeing on grass and bushes. Once they learn to pee on command, will move on to peeing on a pee pad. My biggest concern is the whole boy dogs peeing sideways thing. One dog trainer I worked with before said trained her male dogs to squat. I thought that was funny at the time, but now I can see the benefit.
The company Pet Parents where I bought my washable pee pads provides directions on how to train this skill.
Steps for training your dog to use a pee pad
- Implement a feeding bathroom schedule so you can predict when they will need to go
- Provide guidance to direct your dog to the pee pad. This might be calling them or using a leash to direct them.
- Use the cue you taught from the “pee on command” training to tell your dog this is where you want them to go
- Provide lots of positive reinforcement through praise and treats
Tip: Repeat in multiple locations so you can feel more confident they will be likely to go in the airport and in the plane bathroom
We are starting this training at least 3 months before our flight so we have lots of time for Sam and Denver to learn this new skill.
Wrapping Up: Now You Know How Dogs Go to the Bathroom on a Plane
It’s important to plan and prepare when traveling with your dog on a plane, especially when it comes to bathroom breaks. You can plan in advance by training your dog to pee on command.
Most healthy adult dogs can hold their pee for the duration of the flight, but accidents can happen. Advanced planning can make the journey more comfortable for them and can help them avoid accidents.
Puppies and senior dogs have special needs and may not be able to hold their pee for the entire flight, so it’s crucial to be prepared to change their bedding if necessary.
With proper training, preparation, and patience, you and your furry friend can have a safe and comfortable journey to your destination.
