You might have assumed this is only a natural phenomenon, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Therefore, to help you out with the reasons behind this unusual behavior, we have written this article.
This will help you understand the reasons behind your dog’s drinking behavior and give you tips on what to do if such a problem occurs.
Reasons Why Your Dog Is Drinking Excessive Water
Drinking water excessively can be a sign of many different conditions, some of which are described below –
Dehydration
One of the main conditions you should look out for in your dog is dehydration. Summer heat, playing for a long time, different kinds of diseases, and infection can all cause dehydration in dogs, prompting them to consume a lot of water.
Some of the symptoms of dehydration are – lethargy, dry gums and tongue, and thick saliva, in addition to increased thirst.
If you think your dog is dehydrated, get it to the clinic right away since dehydration can be life-threatening. However, in case your dog appears only somewhat dehydrated, give it little water every ten minutes for a few hours — one teaspoon for a small dog, 1-2 teaspoons for larger dogs.
However, refrain from giving unrestricted access to water to dehydrated dogs. When thirsty, they usually consume a lot of water without paying attention to whether they need any more. This can lead them to feel really lethargic all day, and even to vomit.
Medication
Dogs are often put on medication for particular illnesses. Besides making sure that it is responding well to the meds, you should also keep an eye on his water intake during this time. Some medicines might cause your dog to become thirstier than normal. These include prednisone and other anti-inflammatory medicines which are used to treat a variety of illnesses in dogs, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergies.
Drugs for heart failure, such as furosemide, may cause more urine output and thirst as a result.
Excessive thirst and urination and an unusual appetite are also possible side effects of seizure drugs like phenobarbital.
Illness
Unfortunately, increased water consumption might also be a sign that a much severe problem lies underneath. This may include:
Kidney Problems
The kidney, one of the integral parts of the body, might be affected severely if we do not drink enough water. One of the functions of the kidneys is to save water. The body’s hydration is determined by both the amount of water consumed and the amount of water removed.
When you are dehydrated, your kidneys have to conserve water. This means that all of the substances the body needs to eliminate must still be eliminated, but the kidney must do so with the least amount of water feasible.
Similarly, a pet with poor kidney function may have trouble concentrating urine. Therefore, he will need to consume more water to digest the waste chemicals in the body. So he might not be drinking out of fun, rather out of necessity.
Diabetes Mellitus
In our bodies, insulin is required to eliminate glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream, and when it is insufficient or absent, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. A lack of insulin in the body is the cause of diabetes mellitus.
Normally, the kidneys store the glucose in the bloodstream, but when they are overworked, the glucose spills into the urine in large volumes. Glucose will attract water with it, resulting in the classic signs of increased thirst and urination. So if your dog has diabetes, thirst will accompany it naturally.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Hyperadrenocorticism, often known as Cushing’s syndrome, is a hormonal imbalance due to excess cortisol in the bloodstream. Your dog might be more dehydrated and urinate a lot due to this disease.
However, these signs usually appear gradually, leading owners to believe they are simply part of aging. It is your job to differentiate between this syndrome and aging by simply taking the dog to its regular vet visits.
Also, there are some additional signs that you must look out for, such as an unusual appetite in your dog, dystrophy of muscles, and development of skin diseases. As soon as you see any of these symptoms, consult a vet without further ado.
Pyometra
Only female dogs who have not been spayed are affected by pyometra. So if you have a male dog, you can sit this section out. In basic terms, pyometra means an infected uterus. Pyometra is a life-threatening illness that requires immediate surgical treatment, antibiotics, and intravenous fluid therapy to rehydrate. Again, noticing it might not be a cup of tea, so make sure that you take your pet to its regular checkups.
Diet
You should take special care regarding your dog’s diet. A dry food diet can make your dog noticeably thirsty. This might happen more if you feed it high-sodium foods. Make sure the percentage of water in your dog’s food is at least higher than 10%.
Salty “human” food can be dangerous to your dog, so keep those away from it. In fact, tremors, diarrhea, and vomiting are all symptoms of your dog eating too many sodium-rich treats.
How Much Water Should a Dog Intake?
Water consumption varies a little depending on the diet. Dogs fed wet food may drink less, whereas dogs fed dry food or salty treats need to make up for lost water and appear to drink more than usual.
A healthy dog should drink between 20 and 70 milliliters per kilogram each day. It is crucial to keep track of your dog’s water intake since drinking too little water can induce dehydration, while drinking too much water can indicate organ damage.
If your dog drinks more, it will probably pee more as well (another sign of a potential problem). Increased consumption of water is frequently a result of this excessive peeing.
What to Do If My Dog Is Drinking a Lot?
The first and foremost step is to notice your dog’s drinking behavior to detect any unusual pattern. If you establish a water bowl routine, you can track your pet’s drinking behavior, which will help you notice any changes.
To make this work, be sure to fill the bowl at the same time every day. Each time, fill the dish at about the same level. Keep track of how much you put in each day and how much you have left. In case you notice any unusual level of drinking, it is time to consult a veterinary as soon as possible.
One important thing to remember is – never deny your dog access to water in order to cut down on its water intake. Limiting water could lead to dehydration worsening the situation.
Final Words
As you have understood by now, your dog’s drinking behavior is not something you should take lightly. It could give you many indications about his physical health when noticed properly.
Therefore, make a mental note to observe this part of your dog’s routine more, and take immediate steps in case you see any unusual pattern.
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