Like humans, your dog's body is approximately 70% percent water. Proper hydration ensures your four-legged best friend's body is optimally functioning and healthy. However, too much of a good thing, including water intake, can be dangerous for your pup. If you have noticed your dog taking extra trips to the water bowl, it may be the first clue they are suffering an underlying health problem. In some cases, excessive drinking may not be a cause for concern, especially if your dog has recently been in hot weather or played a marathon game of fetch at the park.
Understanding your dog's thirst and water intake habits is essential to responsible dog ownership. It will help you to determine whether it's time to seek veterinary care or if your dog is exhibiting regular water-drinking habits.
What is excessive thirst in dogs?
Excessive thirst, or polydipsia, in your dog should never be ignored. The amount of water your dog drinks is determined by various factors, including diet, environment, activity level, body weight, mental health, and overall organ health and function. Thirst and the body's water balance are regulated by releasing a pituitary hormone called anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). Although your dog's thirst response is controlled primarily by ADH; changes in your dog's water intake habits can be affected by the numerous factors above.
Generally, most dogs should drink at least one ounce of water per pound of body weight. For example, a 10-pound dog should drink 10 ounces of water daily. Understanding what is normal for your dog is the first step to determine if there is a potential underlying problem. There are a variety of tools pet owners can implement to monitor their dog's water intake, including:
- Keeping a log of the number of times you fill their water bowl each day
- Keeping a log of changes in activity level and diet that affect how thirsty your dog is
- Monitoring the number and amount of potty breaks (increased water intake usually coincides with increased urination)
- Measuring the amount of water left in the bowl at the end of each day
- Purchasing a "smart" water fountain that tracks your dog's water intake
Temporary causes for increased water intake
In some cases, changes in your dog's drinking habits may not be cause for concern, as it could be a natural reaction to their routine or diet variability. However, bringing your dog for a veterinary examination is always a good idea if you are concerned about their increased thirst.
Common temporary causes for increased water consumption may include:
- Warm or hot weather
- Increased physical activity or exercising in warmer climates
- Medication side effects (i.e., steroids and diuretics can cause increased urination, which stimulates thirst; this usually subsides when a dog is no longer taking them)
- Ingestion of a salty food or snack (excess salt is toxic to dogs, so seek immediate vet care if your dog ingests a large amount)
- Diet change from wet food to dry kibble or a different dry food containing higher salt content
- Recent surgical procedure
Medical conditions associated with excess water intake
Numerous medical conditions can affect the amount of water your dog drinks. Many will also be associated with polyuria (increased urination). If your dog has increased thirst for a few days and then returns to their regular intake, it's unlikely they are not suffering from a medical problem. However, chronic increased thirst could be the first sign of a problem.
The list of medically related causes for drinking excessive amounts of water is extensive; however, common causes may include:
- Diabetes –– Dogs with this condition cannot produce enough insulin or are insulin resistant, which is required to regulate blood sugar levels. The body will then attempt to eliminate excess sugar from the body by increasing urine output, leading to dehydration. Dogs with diabetes will have excess thirst and excess urination and will appear dehydrated in more advanced cases.
- Kidney disease –– Your dog's kidneys have numerous functions, including removing waste products from the blood, regulating some essential minerals, conserving water, and producing urine. Chronic kidney disease or failure affects your dog's water balance, increasing thirst and urination. Some affected dogs will also appear dehydrated, and experience weight loss.
- Hormone imbalances –– Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, causes an overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol, which can result in increased thirst. Other clinical signs include a pot-bellied appearance, excess panting, increased urination, and hair loss.
- Liver disease –– Liver failure, liver shunts, or bacterial infections of the liver, like leptospirosis, can affect the body's ability to regulate water balance, resulting in excess thirst. Certain liver-targeting toxins can also cause excess water intake.
- Pyometra –– Non-spayed female dogs are at risk for this life-threatening infection of the uterus. Clinical signs include lethargy, fever, and dehydration, which causes your dog to drink more water.
- Heat exhaustion –– Dogs who have recently been exposed to hot weather or who were overly active in warm weather are at risk for heat exhaustion, which will cause them to seek more water to cool themselves and correct dehydration. Excessive heat exposure can put them at risk for life-threatening heat stroke. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog is excessively panting, lethargic, or weak after spending time outdoors.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – Bacterial or fungal bladder infections can result in more frequent peeing in affected dogs. Dogs with more severe UTIs may also exhibit a fever, causing increased thirst.
- Behavioral problems – Dogs with excess stress or anxiety may be suffering from a condition called psychogenic water drinking. Triggers include when the owner leaves the house for extended periods or when they return home after being gone.
Signs your dog needs a veterinary check-up for excessive thirst
Regular veterinary examinations are always a good idea to ensure your dog remains healthy and to identify potential medical problems. While a temporary increase in your dog's water intake may not be cause to rush to your DVM, it's critical to bring your dog for an examination if they have any of the following associated signs:
- Lethargy
- Excessive panting
- Labored or difficulty breathing
- Increased urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Bloody urine
- Difficulty or straining to urinate
- Increased urination
- Changes in gum color (bright red, pale, yellow)
Diagnosing and treating excessive thirst in dogs
Providing your veterinarian with a detailed history of your dog's water intake, environment, diet, and when you first noticed the increased thirst will help them determine the underlying problem. Your vet will perform a nose-to-tail examination and recommend diagnostic testing, which may include:
- Complete blood count and blood chemistry –– This blood work will identify the presence of infection, electrolyte levels, blood sugar levels, and liver and kidney function.
- Urinalysis—A urine sample test will help rule out a UTI-caused increase in thirst and determine if the kidneys are properly functioning.
- Urine culture –– If a UTI is present, this identifies the specific source of the infection and what antibiotic treatment is recommended.
- Hormone testing –– Specialized cortisol testing will rule out Cushing's disease.
- Imaging –– X-rays or ultrasounds will help rule out underlying issues, including bladder stones, masses, or problems with the kidneys, liver, or other organ systems.
Treatment will depend on the diagnostic findings and may include:
- Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration or electrolyte imbalances
- Diet changes
- Long-term insulin injections
- Antibiotics
- Hormone-regulating medication
- Surgery to remove an infected uterus, bladder stones, or other masses
Managing your dog's hydration and overall health
Water is essential for all life forms to remain healthy and properly functioning. Monitoring your dog's thirst and urination habits at home is an important and simple way to determine the first sign of a potential problem. Never deprive your dog of water, even if you think they are drinking too much, and consult with your veterinarian before changing their diet or water intake. Once medical problems have been ruled out, you can encourage your dog to drink water with veterinary-approved supplements like Native Pet Bone Broth. Other ways to support your dog's health and hydration include:
- Bringing them for annual or more frequent veterinary check-ups
- Clean their food and water bowls daily to prevent bacterial growth that can make them sick
- Ensure clean, fresh, cool water is always readily available
- Provide frequent water breaks during play sessions
- Avoid exercising your dog outside during hot days
Monitoring your dog's water intake is essential to understanding their habits and a vital step pet owners can take in caring for their pup. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog's water intake or urination, even if you think it may not be problematic.
For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.
