It’s normal for dogs to drink more water during hot weather, after exercise, or if they’ve been losing water through panting or diarrhea. But if you observe that your dog starts drinking a lot of water It’s a good idea to watch their water intake and other related symptoms.
Excessive thirst in dogs, also known as polydipsia, can be a symptom of a more serious underlying health problem. Such as kidney disease, diabetes, or a urinary tract infection.
In some cases, polydipsia can also be a side effect of certain medications. A sign of an underlying hormonal disorder such as Cushing’s disease.
How Much Water Should a Dog Drink Daily
The amount of water your dog needs to drink is dependent on their age and activity level. It is also dependent on the climate in which they live. For example, if you live in a hot climate where there’s little shade outside during the summer months, your dog will need more water than usual.
Remember that indoor pets still need access to fresh water at all times. Even if they’re not always drinking from it. Generally, a dog should drink around 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight as a general rule. A 10-pound dog, for instance, has to consume roughly 10 ounces of water each day.
Puppies, dogs who are very active, lactating dogs, and canines in warm areas will often consume more water than the recommended amount. If your dog consumes water-containing canned food, it may also drink less than usual.
Causes of Increased Water Consumption in Dogs
Kidney disease:
The kidneys filter blood, producing urine, and removing waste products from it. A damaged organ can’t perform these functions as well. As a result, your pet may have to drink more water than usual to meet its needs.
Hyperthyroidism
A common symptom of hyperthyroidism is an urge to drink water, because your dog’s thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone. This results in a higher heart rate and metabolism. When these levels are too high, your pet needs more water than usual to help regulate its body temperature.
Diarrhea
Any dog experiencing vomiting or diarrhea will lose body fluids. Dogs who have recently experienced diarrhea and/or vomiting may drink more than usual to prevent dehydration. Do not give dairy products to your dog, this might result in gastroenteritis, which includes vomiting and diarrhea.
Diabetes mellitus (insulin deficiency)
A disease that affects your pet’s ability to maintain normal blood sugar levels. When this happens, they may have to drink more water than usual to keep their body hydrated.
Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
Cushing’s disease is a condition that affects your pet’s adrenal glands, causing them to produce too much cortisol. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels. This helps control metabolism, so when it’s overproduced, your pet needs more water than usual to regulate its body temperature.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A UTI is an infection in your dog’s urinary tract, which can cause them to have to urinate more often than usual. When they go outside, they need water to flush out their system and get rid of any bacteria that could be causing the infection.
Adrenal gland disease
The Adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones. They regulate blood sugar levels, fight off infections and keep your pet’s metabolism in check. When your dog’s adrenal glands become inflamed or damaged. They can produce too much cortisol in their bodies. This hormone causes them to need more water than usual to maintain healthy levels.
Heat Stroke -Dehydration
Many things, including a loss of blood or urine, vomiting, diarrhea, and high temperatures can cause dehydration. If your dog dehydrates, it may have dry gums and tongue irritation. If their skin feels sticky when touched instead of smooth or elastic, this could also be a sign of dehydration.
Certain Medications
Some medications can cause dogs to become dehydrated. These include steroids and chemotherapy drugs, which reduce the amount of water in their bodies.
Increased Activity
If your pet is very active in the summer and you do not provide them with enough water, they can become dehydrated. This is especially true if they are playing outside or running around. You should always make sure that your dog has access to fresh water when they need it.
Consult a Veterinarian
See a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice any significant changes in your dog’s water intake. Or if they show any symptoms of illness. Some signs that your dog may need to see a vet include:
1. Increased thirst:
If you notice that your dog is drinking a lot more water than usual, it’s important to consult a vet. This could be a sign of a more serious health issue.
2. Frequent urination:
If your dog is drinking more water and urinating more. This could be a sign of a problem such as diabetes or kidney disease.
3. Increased appetite:
Along with increased water intake, an increased appetite could be a sign of health issues such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease.
4. Weight loss:
If your dog is drinking more water and losing weight. This could show a serious health issue and a prompt visit to the vet is necessary.
5. Changes in behavior:
If your dog is showing any changes in behavior, such as lethargy or lack of energy. Keep in mind that these symptoms can have many causes. Only a veterinarian can diagnose and treat any health problems your dog may have.
Consulting a vet will ensure that your dog receives the proper care and treatment.
Conclusion
Monitoring your dog’s water intake and being aware of any changes or symptoms is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Excessive thirst in dogs can be a sign of an underlying health issue and it’s important to address it by seeking veterinary care. Common reasons for increased water consumption are increased activity levels, changes in diet, illnesses, medications, and environmental factors. Your dog’s health and well-being are a top priority, and taking care of them should always be a priority for all pet owners.
