Why Is My Dog Drinking So Much Water

When a pet owner realizes that the dog is draining the water bowl at a rate that is significantly higher than normal can be disconcerting. It is a common symptom among canines that exhibit thirst. However, the condition should not be taken lightly. Occasionally, the reason can be attributed to the usual reaction to the environment. On other occasions, it could be one of the first indicators that the canine's body is out of whack.

The trick is, you have to know why it is happening, and at what point it stops being normal.

What Counts as Drinking Too Much?

The dog requires water, plenty of it.

Excessive drinking, however, also known as polydipsia, refers to a noticeable increase compared to your dog's normal habits.

General advice:

• A healthy dog drinks approximately 40–60 ml water per kilogram of body weight per day

• Sudden increases are more significant than correct numbers If you are refilling the bowl far more often than usual, that change itself is the signal.

Common, Non-Serious Reasons

• Not every refill of a full water bowl is a veterinary emergency.

Hot weather, exercise

• Dogs would tend to drink more when it is hot or after exercising. This is the way the body tries to control its temperatures.

Diet changes

• Dry foods, salty foods, or novel diets may stimulate thirst.

Stress or excitement

• Travel, new surroundings, or a different routine can be subtle water intake encouragers.

Medical Causes You Should Know About

But a gradual trend towards more drinking might also be a focus with cause

Pregnancy

• One of the classic early indicators. Dogs with diabetes drink more because of the body losing too much water due to the extra sugar.

Kidney disease

• Whenever the kidneys are not as efficient, the body tries to compensate for the problem by increasing the thirst to help get rid of the

Cushing's disease

• A hormonal disorder that causes high thirst, urine production, appetite, and the appearance of having a pot belly.

Urinary tract infections

• UTIs in dogs may result in increased drinking and more frequent urination, which in turn may be accompanied by discomfort.

Medicines

• Steroids and certain anti-inflammatory medications are well known for their ability to promote thirst.

When Is It Time to Worry?

It is recommended that you see a veterinarian if excessive fluid intake is accompanied by the following conditions:

• Incontinence or increased urination or urinary

• Weight Loss or Increased Appetite

• Lethargy and

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Changes occurring over more than a few days

Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with pre-existing health conditions would be a good place to start.

What You Can Do at Home

• Provide access to clean water

• Don't limit water intake unless directed by a vet

• Note changes in behavior, urination, and drinking habits

• Look for changes in diet, activities, or medication use

Hydration is a cue, and hydration is not the enemy.

The Bottom Line

If your dog consumes excessive water, you should take notice of it. This might just have simple and temporary causes. Other times, it can actually be its subtle call for assistance.

Early awareness begets early action, while early action promotes health.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice.