Why Is My Dog Drinking a Lot of Water?

As a responsible pet owner, you’re likely to notice changes in your dog’s behaviour, including their water intake. While drinking water is essential for your dog’s health, excessive thirst, also known as polydipsia, can sometimes signal an underlying issue. Understanding the reasons behind this behaviour can help you determine whether it’s a harmless habit or a cause for concern.

How Much Water Should a Dog Drink?

On average, a healthy dog needs about 50-60 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight daily. For instance, a 10 kg dog should consume around 500-600 ml of water per day. However, factors such as exercise, diet, and weather can influence this. Dogs eating dry kibble might drink more than those on a wet food diet, and warmer weather or physical activity can naturally increase their thirst.

Common Causes of Increased Water Intake

1. Normal Behavioural Factors
   Increased water consumption might simply be due to a hot day, strenuous exercise, or a salty snack. Puppies and lactating dogs may also drink more than usual.
2. Dietary Influence
   Foods high in sodium can make your dog thirstier. If you’ve recently switched to a diet with more dry food or salty treats, your dog may naturally drink more water.
3. Medical Conditions
   • Diabetes Mellitus: One of the most common causes of polydipsia in dogs. Increased thirst often accompanies symptoms like weight loss, increased appetite, or frequent urination.
   • Kidney Disease: If the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they may struggle to retain water, leading to dehydration and increased thirst.
   • Cushing’s Disease: Dogs with Cushing’s have elevated cortisol levels, which can lead to excessive drinking and urination.
   • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Frequent urination and increased water consumption can indicate a UTI.
   • Liver Disease: If your dog’s liver isn’t working efficiently, it may cause changes in thirst and urination habits.
   • Medications: Some drugs, such as corticosteroids or diuretics, can cause your dog to drink more water.
4. Psychogenic Polydipsia
   This is a behavioural condition where a dog drinks excessively without a medical reason. It’s rare but can occur in highly anxious or bored dogs.

What to Watch For

If your dog is drinking more than usual, observe for accompanying symptoms, such as:

• Increased urination or accidents in the house.
• Lethargy or unusual tiredness.
• Vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Weight loss or changes in appetite.
• Signs of pain or discomfort.

When to See a Vet

While some causes of increased thirst are harmless, others require prompt medical attention. If your dog’s excessive drinking persists for more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms, schedule a vet visit. Your vet may perform tests like blood work, urinalysis, or imaging to identify the cause.

How to Help Your Dog

• Monitor Intake: Measure how much water your dog drinks daily.
• Adjust Environment: Ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water and a cool environment.
• Dietary Review: Check your dog’s food for high sodium content or other changes.
• Seek Professional Advice: Never restrict water without consulting a vet, as this can lead to dehydration.

Conclusion

Increased water consumption in dogs can have many causes, ranging from harmless environmental factors to serious medical conditions. Paying attention to your dog’s behaviour, diet, and environment, and seeking veterinary care when needed, can help ensure their health and happiness.

Remember, early detection is key to managing potential health issues. If in doubt, always consult your vet for personalised advice.

For more tips on dog ownership and care, explore the Dog Blog at Dog Deals for valuable resources.