While a number of diseases result in excess water intake and urine output, the most common of these diseases include kidney failure, diabetes mellitus and Cushing's disease. An uncommon cause of dogs drinking more is called psychogenic polydipsia.
The common causes of a dog suddenly drinking a lot more water are kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, or simply dehydration, all of which need to be addressed. If your senior dog is drinking an excessive amount of water, plan a visit to the vet.
Many dogs will drink water until just before death and some will even show increased thirst in dogs. Don't assume your dog is well because he is still drinking. Evaluate other signs and behaviors for a more accurate assessment.
One of the most common signs that something medically is amiss with a senior dog is increased water intake. As dog's age, their kidneys do not function as efficiently as when they were younger, which is one reason for the additional water intake.
Drinking too much water and urinating too much can also be signs of an underlying medical condition. These conditions may include diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, and infection. Therefore, you must make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice your dog drinking more than usual.
If your dog is suddenly very thirsty for a day or so, it's usually not a cause for concern. Dogs may drink more if they're very hot, bored, have eaten certain foods, or have recently exercised. Very active dogs and nursing dogs drink more than other dogs.
Excessive thirst can be of particular concern for senior pets, as it can be a symptom of disease or a more serious medical condition. If there is no obvious reason for your pet's increased thirst, such as exercise or weather, then you may need to consult a veterinarian for a check-up.
Signs of pain in dogs tend to be very subtle. It usually starts as reluctance to do what they have done easily in the past, like jumping up on furniture or in the car, that then progresses to inability to do these things at all. Walks become shorter, or their gait changes during the walks.
Behavior Changes
Some dogs will become restless, wandering the house and seeming unable to settle or get comfortable. Others will be abnormally still and may even be unresponsive. Your dog's sleeping patterns may change. He may become cranky and difficult to handle, either due to pain or disorientation.
Many dogs with CHF will tire out more easily, have reduced stamina, and do not engage in playing or walking as they once did. Coughing when at rest or sleeping, excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, and pale or bluish gums are also signs associated with heart failure.
Many conditions can lead to excessive thirst or dehydration in your dog, including diabetes, Cushing's disease, cancer, diarrhea, fever, infection, kidney disease, and liver disease. Sometimes, however, it may not be the condition itself causing your dog's excessive thirst, but the medication used to treat it.
Many senior dogs eat and walk less, but sleep and drink more. Depending on the climate of your city and the temperature of your house, your dog may naturally drink a lot of water.
Do dogs eat more as they get older? Yes. Sometimes this is due to underlying health conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or Cushing's disease, or a medication they're taking, like prednisone.
The lifespan of a dog with diabetes will vary massively from case to case, but the 'average' time frame, given by vets and medical experts, is two to three years following diagnosis.
Cushing's Disease: Dogs with Cushing's disease have many of the same signs as a dog with diabetes. They have increased thirst and urination and an increased appetite. However, unlikely diabetes, Cushing's disease does not cause weight loss. It is common for dogs with diabetes to have concurrent Cushing's disease.
Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a serious health condition in dogs that occurs when the adrenal glands overproduce cortisol (cortisone) in the animal's body. Excess cortisol can put a dog at risk of several serious conditions and illnesses, from kidney damage to diabetes, and can be life-threatening.
Dogs too need plenty of water. Although it depends on your dog's size, activity level and age, the general rule of thumb is that dogs need to drink between 8.5 to 17 ounces of water per 10 pounds, meaning a 50-pound dog needs between 42 and 84 ounces of liquid refreshment to stay happy and hydrated.
A person with polydipsia will drink 6 liters (L) or more of fluid a day. Polyuria, which is frequent urination, usually accompanies polydipsia. A doctor is likely to say that an adult has polyuria if they pass at least 2.5 L of urine in 24 hours.
Dogs with pancreatitis, parvovirus, or leptospirosis tend not to drink much water, but a brewing bladder infection, other types of infection, or a metabolic problem such as Cushing's disease, and diabetes can cause excessive thirst and water consumption.
When dogs become stressed or anxious, they will often pant and sweat more, causing greater loss of water than just through urination. To replace the fluids they lack, they will drink more water. A stressed dog may also urinate inappropriately.