Staying hydrated is important to all of us – so are our dogs. The amount of water our dogs are drinking can really tell us a lot about their general health.
Excessive thirst in dogs can range from something as simple as recent exercise to a more complex underlying medical condition.
Dr. Annette Louviere, of Wisdom Board The Pet DNA Testing Service says that while dogs can vary their water intake on a daily basis, any prolonged fluctuations or any sudden, drastic changes in their habits can be signs of an underlying health condition.
What causes extreme thirst and urination in dogs?
Dr. Louviere says other causes for dogs to eat a lot of water include the type of food they’re eating (dry food can make them thirstier), hot weather, play, certain medications, infections, and more. even bored.
She says that more urinating in dogs can be due to a number of reasons. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or urinary stones can be the culprit in many cases. Kidney disorders or more serious endocrine conditions such as Cushing’s disease may also occur.
Signs of kidney disease in dogs
Excessive thirst can also be a sign of kidney disease in dogs. Other signs of kidney disease in dogs may include:
- Increased (or sometimes decreased) urination
- Comatose
- Anorexia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
Signs of diabetes in dogs
Signs of diabetes in dogs also include drinking too much alcohol, along with:
- Increased urination
- Weight loss – especially coupled with increased appetite
- Chronic or recurrent infections
But drinking more water is not always a sign of a larger medical problem. Louviere says it’s good to look at the big picture and consider if there are any other noticeable changes – like appetite or energy levels – as well as the dog’s age and lifestyle.
When should you care?
Dr. Louviere says to see your vet if you notice any lingering fluctuations from your dog’s normal water intake — or if you see sudden, drastic changes in routine. dog water. If your dog is drinking more water than usual and they are an older adult, you should see your veterinarian. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Note any other unusual symptoms your dog is exhibiting – like changes in appetite and urination.
She says the vet will likely start with a physical exam to determine the best course of action. Then, blood tests and urinalysis are done to help rule out (or rule out) various conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease.
Drunkenness in dogs
While staying hydrated is important, our dogs can get too much water. Dr. Louviere says there’s a condition called water sickness that’s common in dogs who enjoy playing in water for long periods of time – especially those that are constantly immersed in water while playing in it. Very rare but potentially fatal cases.
Symptoms of water intoxication may include:
- Comatose
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flowing too much foam
- Enlargement
- Dilated pupils
- Shortness of breath
- Convulsions
- Comatose
What you need to know about your dog’s drinking water
Tracking how much water your dog is drinking can help pet parents gain valuable information about their dog’s health. But it doesn’t always mean something serious. Sometimes it just means your dog is hot.
For patriotic dog parents who enjoy playing in the pool regularly, water intoxication is something to watch out for. Dogs can swallow too much water while playing in the water which can lead to this potentially fatal condition. Track how much water your dog drinks during water play and give them plenty of rest to cool off.
In general, if you notice any major changes in your dog’s water intake, visit your veterinarian and note any other changes in your dog to help determine if there is an underlying medical problem. hidden or not.
