Why Is My Older Dog Drinking So Much Water? A Complete Guide
Dog health at all phases of life depends on hydration. Your veterinarian should be contacted if your elderly dog suddenly consumes more water than normal and exhibits constant thirst. There may be a medical problem.
Naturally, your dog's water intake will vary depending on factors such nutrition, degree of activity and exercise, weather, and so on. It's time for a visit to your veterinarian, though, if you have been observing your dog drinking a whole bowl of water at once for more than a day at a time and it seems unconnected to weather or exercise. Eliminating your dog's water bowl won't solve the problem; rather, it could aggravate an underlying illness by limiting access.
This is a guidance on what is normal—and what to do if the water consumption of your senior dog seems excessive.
How Much Water Should My Senior Dog Be Drinking Each Day?
Dogs of different ages, breeds, and sizes will have variable typical water intake. Dogs may also want to drink far more water on a hot summer day or following intense exercise—that is quite natural, just as humans would.
Usually, most dogs drink roughly an ounce of water for every pound they weigh on a regular basis. A 60-pound golden retriever should so be consuming at least 60 ounces of water daily. A 25-pound dachshund should sip about 25 ounces of water per day. A little more or less water is OK; but, the quantity should fall within that range to be regarded as "normal."
Puppies drink more than senior dogs as their bodies are still developing and because of their great daily activity level they are burning off far more energy.
Is your dog dehydrated?
Dehydration may be the reason your dog drinks too much water. Your dog might be dehydrated if they have been outside in hot weather, have been very active (or both), or have experienced diarrhoea, vomiting, or another sickness.
Here are some warning indicators of dehydration:
- Low energy, lethargy
- Panting, dry mouth
- Less or none at all in eating
- Reduced energy content
- Viguity, nausea, vomiting
- Excessive salivation
Opening your dog's mouth softly and lightly pressing on the gums will help you to check for dehydration. Lack of moist or slick sensation suggests dehydration. A "skin tent" test—gently grab some skin on your dog's neck and tug it up—may also be a sign of dehydration if it doesn't snap back and flattens out soon. A sturdy dog collar and a slip leash may be helpful here.
Make sure your dog has had exercise or been in hot weather; they have an opportunity to cool off and sip plenty of fresh, pure water. Notably for older dogs, overheating and dehydration can be fatal.
See a veterinarian if your dog is drinking too much water for more than a day or so or if you are noticing any of the indicators above.
How to Monitor Your Dog’s Water Intake?
Find out whether your dog is drinking too much:
- Every day measure the water you pour into their bowl.
- To figure daily consumption, subtract the remaining at end of the day.
- More precisely track intake with a metered water dish or a smart water fountain.
- See your veterinarian if you find frequent urination or an abrupt rise in water consumption. These could point to a more general health problem.
Why Is My Older Dog Drinking So Much Water
1. Dietary Factors
Dogs fed canned food might drink less water. This is so because water content in canned food is higher than that of dry kibble. Your dog may thus drink more to offset the lower moisture in their meal if you recently changed their diet to one based on dry foods.
2. Age-Related Changes
Puppies' high activity levels and developing bodies mean they often drink more water. Older dogs, on the other hand, may fluctuate in thirst depending on age-related diseases or medical problems. Maintaining the welfare of your dog depends on your constant observation of these developments.
3. Medication Side Effects
Some drugs can cause a dog to urinate more and become thirsty. Diuretics such as furosemide, used in heart diseases, for example, can cause higher water intake. Additionally known to produce comparable effects are anti-seizure drugs including phenobarbital and corticosteroids like prednisone. See your veterinarian concerning side effects if your dog takes any of these drugs.
4. Environmental Factors Hot Climates
Dogs living in warmer climates may become dehydrated more readily. They might so sip more water in order to fight this. To avoid dehydration, make sure your dog always has fresh water available—especially in hot weather.
5. Increased Activity
Active dogs by nature need more water. The increased thirst could be explained if your elderly dog has lately become more active or exercised. To keep them hydrated, always offer water both before and after exercise.
6. Health Conditions
Electrolytes Unbalances
Unbalances in electrolytes—especially sodium—may cause more urine and thirst. Medical disorders, some pollutants, and high-sodium diets can all upset electrolyte balance. Vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness, and weakness could be among symptoms. If you see these symptoms, see a veterinarian right away.
Dehydration
Dehydration can be brought on by several things including illness, exertion, or heat. Lethargy, sticky gums, heavy saliva, bright red gums, too much panting, and skin that doesn't rapidly revert to normal following pinching are among the signs. Severe dehydration calls for quick veterinarian intervention and is quite risky.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
These symptoms can cause fluid loss, which would encourage your dog to sip extra water. Still, drinking too much water right after could aggravate vomiting. Severe or ongoing stomach problems call for a veterinary appointment.
Hyperthermia or Fever
Increased thirst can be brought on by raised body temperatures from infections, inflammation, pain, immune-mediated disorders, toxins, too much exertion, or heatstroke. Signs include bright red gums, copious saliva, drowsiness, and too frequent panting. In such situations, immediate veterinary review is quite vital.
Kidney Failure
Chronic renal failure reduces the kidneys' capacity to filter waste, which increases urine and causes later dehydration. Dogs so drink more water. While late stages may call for hospitalisation, early stages could just need dietary adjustments and observation.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes results from insufficient insulin produced by the pancreas raising blood sugar levels. Increased urination and thirst result from the body trying to eliminate extra sugar by urine. Lethargy, a loss of appetite, weakness, odd breath smell, and vomiting are more symptoms. Since untreated diabetes can be fatal, quick veterinary treatment is absolutely essential.
Diabetes Insipidus
This rare disorder results in too much pee and great thirst. Dogs can get dehydrated from their considerable pee output even if they drink plenty. Although it's not an emergency, a veterinarian should be seen to find the reason of rising thirst and urination.
Cushing's Disease
Known also as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing's disease is caused by adrenal gland overproduction of cortisol. Among the symptoms include panting, thin skin, hair loss, a pot-bellied look, more thirst and urine. Clinical indicators and testing form the foundation of diagnosis. Although your dog's quality of life depends more on management than on quick treatment.
Pyometra
For unspayed female dogs, pyometra is a serious uterine infection. Released into the bloodstream toxins compromise the kidneys' capacity to retain water, which increases urine and thirst. Other symptoms include fever, tiredness, appetite changes, vulval pus discharge, and vomiting. Life-threatening pyometra calls for quick surgical intervention.
Liver Illness
Leptospirosis and other bacterial liver infections can raise urine output and thirst. Usually acquired by contact with contaminated water sources, this infection can be lethal if treated improperly. There are vaccinations meant to guard against leptospirosis. See veterinarian treatment right away if your dog exhibits signs of increased thirst following possible exposure.
Treatment Approaches for Dogs Exhibiting Excessive Thirst
Dehydration
Usually resulting from heat, exertion, or disease, dehydration is the condition whereby a dog loses more fluids than it consumes. Giving fresh water often helps to control mild instances. To restore appropriate hydration levels, moderate to severe dehydration may, nevertheless, call for veterinary-administered subcutaneous or intravenous fluid therapy.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Significant fluid loss from gastrointestinal problems including diarrhoea and vomiting might cause increased thirst. Treatment emphasises the underlying cause and may call for dietary changes, anti-diarrheal drugs, antiemetic (anti-nausea) medications, fluid therapy to prevent dehydration.
Hyperthermia or Fever
Whether from external heat or internal causes like infection, raised body temperatures might lead to too much thirst. Managing hyperthermia calls both intravenous fluids and cooling techniques. Infections-related fevers could call for both antibiotic treatment and supportive care to lower body temperature and target the underlying cause.
Kidney Failure
Increased urination and thirst follow from the kidneys' inability to filter waste caused by chronic renal disease. The course of the condition will determine the treatment; dietary adjustments to lower phosphorous consumption, hunger stimulation, gastroprotective drugs, blood pressure control, and maybe antibiotic therapy should an infection be present.
Medication Side Effects
Some pharmaceuticals, including anti-seizure medications, diuretics, and corticosteroids, might produce more urine and thirst. Usually transient as the body adapts, these adverse effects are Should too frequent urination cause mishaps, a veterinarian may change the dosage or provide different drugs to minimise these side effects.
Diabetes Mellitus
This disorder causes too low insulin production, which raises blood sugar levels. The main treatment is insulin; a veterinarian will customise the type and amount. Early on phases could call for regular changes to steady blood glucose levels. Severe cases may call for hospitalisation, particularly if complications including diabetic ketoacidosis arise.
Diabetes Insipidus
A rare condition whereby the kidneys lose water-conserving ability, causing too much urine and thirst. Treatment depends on the kind; synthetic hormone desmopressin (DDAVP) is used to treat central diabetes insipidus; nephrogenic diabetes insipidus may be treated with drugs like hydrochlorothiazide and a low-sodium diet to lower urine output.
Cushing’s Disease
Often referred to as hyperadrenocorticism, this disorder causes too high cortisol production. Usually, treatment consists in drugs to lower cortisol levels, either trilostane or mitotane. Though it's a difficult operation needing thorough examination, surgical removal of an adrenal tumour may occasionally be taken under consideration.
Pyometra
In unspayed female canines, a severe uterine infection calls for quick intervention. Pyometra also requires it. Standard treatment is ovariohysterectomy, surgical removal of the infected uterus and ovaries. Under some circumstances, particularly with an open cervix, extended antibiotic treatment may be tried, but surgery is the only sure way to stop recurrence and major problems.
Leptospirosis Infection
Increased thirst and urination follow from this bacterial illness affecting the kidneys and liver. Treatment calls for hospitalisation with intravenous antibiotics, hydration treatment, and supportive care most of which A good outcome depends critically on early diagnosis and action. Where leptospirosis is common, preventative immunisation is advised and available.
Electrolyte Imbalances
Unbalances in minerals such as sodium and potassium might lead to too strong thirst. Treatment depends on the particular imbalance and its source; from dietary changes to intravenous fluid therapy in more severe situations. Restoring and preserving correct electrolyte levels depends on regular monitoring and veterinary advice.
It Could Be More Than Just the Excessive Thirst!
Watch daily behaviours of your dog including energy, potty habits, mood, and food patterns. You should definitely call your veterinarian if you observe they are drinking more water and behaving differently. Not too much should bother you; calmness helps your pet feel protected. If discovered early, many health problems can be managed or cured rather easily.