Amelia Taylor – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
If you’ve spotted your dog draining their water bowl at a higher rate than normal or sipping water all day long, it’s understandable to worry. Dogs do, indeed, drink a fair amount of water, particularly after exercise, playtime, or on very warm days but persistent thirst (also called polydipsia) can be a sign of a problem. Knowing why your dog is drinking so much water informs you on whether it’s normal or not and whether it’s time to see the vet.
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Normal Reasons for Increased Thirst
Before getting alarmed, check if your dog’s surroundings or activity level has changed.
- Weather: Dogs pant to lose heat and shed moisture by evaporation and thus drink more during hot weather.
- Exercise: After play or exercise, dogs have to rehydrate, particularly after long walks or play outside.
- Diet: Dehydrating kibble and salty snacks can cause dogs to be thirsty. Wet food contains more water, so dogs that eat it will drink less.
- Age: Senior dogs may drink slightly more, particularly if they’re less active or if kidney function is just starting to decline.
If your dog’s thirst occurs only occasionally or fits one of these explanations, then it’s probably normal.
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Diabetes Mellitus
One of the most prevalent medical reasons for excessive dog thirst is diabetes. As blood sugar increases, the body attempts to eliminate the excess glucose via urine, resulting in dehydration and more drinking.
Look for:
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss despite consuming well
- Increased appetite or fatigue
What to do: Have your vet administer a blood and urine test. Diabetes can be controlled by dietary adjustments and insulin therapy following diagnosis.
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Kidney Disease
The kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste in the blood. If they are not working correctly, your dog will urinate more and drink more to keep himself hydrated.
Other signs:
- A loss of appetite
- Vomiting or halitosis
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
What to do: Kidney disease in its early stages can be treated with a special diet and hydration, so veterinary care early on is a must.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is when your dog’s body overproduces cortisol (the stress hormone). Middle-aged and older dogs tend to develop it.
Symptoms are:
• Excessive urination and thirst
• Increased appetite
• Panting
• Thin hair or pot-bellied condition
What to do: A vet will diagnose with blood tests and prescribe medication to even out the hormones.
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A UTI may create both excessive thirst and a need to urinate more often. UTI dogs might also strain while peeing or have accidents in the house.
Symptoms to look out for:
• Whimpering while urinating
• Frothy or pungent urine
• Licking the genital area frequently
What to do: Get a urinalysis from your vet. Most UTIs resolve easily with antibiotics.
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Medications
Some medications, such as steroids or diuretics, will make dogs drink and pee more. If your dog just began a new medication, ask your vet if increased thirst is an expected side effect.
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Liver Disease
The liver processes toxins and aids in metabolism. When it malfunctions, dogs become thirsty and pee a lot.
Other symptoms are:
• Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellow eyes or gums)
• Confusion or disorientation
If you see these signs, get veterinary attention right away.
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Psychological Factors
Occasionally, the reason is behavioral instead of medical. Dogs may drink more water out of habit or reassurance from boredom, anxiety, or stress.
What to do: Provide your dog with mental stimulation, playtime, and attention during the day. If stress-related water intake continues, see a vet or behaviorist.
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How Much Water Is Normal for Dogs?
Dogs on average require approximately 1 ounce of water for every pound of body weight daily. So, if your dog weighs 40 pounds, it should have approximately 40 ounces (about 5 cups) every day. If your dog is drinking significantly more than that on a regular basis, it’s probably worth looking into.
