How long until a puppy can defecate on its own?

Generally a puppy defecates on its own about 10 days after birth. Newborns cannot do so automatically and need the mother to lick the anus to stimulate elimination, but by about 10 days they can, and the mother stops licking.

If no mother stimulates them, the owner can gently touch the puppy’s anus with a water-moistened cotton swab to prompt defecation.