When Dog Drinks A Lot Of Water

dog drinking lot water panting

Increased water consumption in dogs, also known as polydipsia, can be a symptom of several underlying health issues, ranging from relatively benign to serious. It’s crucial to monitor your dog’s water intake and consult with a veterinarian if you notice a significant and persistent increase.

Normal Water Consumption

A healthy dog typically drinks about one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So, a 20-pound dog would normally consume around 20 ounces of water daily. Factors like activity level, diet (dry food versus wet food), and weather can influence this. Dogs that are more active, eat dry food, or live in warmer climates will naturally drink more.

Potential Causes of Increased Water Consumption

Here are some of the common reasons why a dog might drink excessively:

Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function is a frequent cause. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and regulating fluid balance. When they aren’t working properly, they can’t concentrate urine as effectively, leading to increased thirst to compensate for fluid loss.
Diabetes Mellitus: Similar to humans, dogs can develop diabetes. High blood sugar levels cause glucose to spill into the urine, drawing water along with it. This results in increased urination and, consequently, increased thirst.
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): This condition involves an overproduction of cortisol, a steroid hormone. Excess cortisol can affect kidney function and increase thirst.
Pyometra (Uterine Infection): This life-threatening infection primarily affects unspayed female dogs. The infection releases toxins into the bloodstream, which can affect kidney function and lead to increased thirst.
Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics (water pills) and steroids like prednisone, can significantly increase a dog’s thirst.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): While not always causing a dramatic increase in water intake, UTIs can sometimes lead to increased thirst as the dog tries to flush out the infection.
Liver Disease: Liver dysfunction can affect the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance, potentially causing increased thirst.
Electrolyte Imbalances: Conditions that disrupt the balance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) can trigger increased thirst.
Diet: As mentioned earlier, a dry food diet necessitates more water consumption than a wet food diet. Simply switching a dog to dry food can result in increased thirst.
Psychogenic Polydipsia: In rare cases, a dog may develop a behavioral condition where it drinks excessively out of habit or boredom, even without an underlying medical cause.

When to See a Veterinarian

If you notice a persistent increase in your dog’s water consumption, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like:

Increased urination
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Vomiting
Diarrhea

It is essential to schedule a veterinary appointment. Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination, blood tests (including a complete blood count and biochemistry profile), and a urinalysis to help determine the underlying cause of the increased thirst. Additional tests, such as X-rays or ultrasound, may also be necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition can significantly improve your dog’s health and quality of life.

Avoid restricting your dog’s water intake without consulting a veterinarian. While it’s important to monitor their drinking habits, depriving them of water can be dangerous, especially if they have an underlying medical condition that requires adequate hydration.