Click to Skip Ahead
Have you noticed lately that you are refilling your dog’s water bowl more frequently? Or perhaps you’ve caught your dog drinking from the toilet, the pool, a hose, or a puddle. This could be a clear sign that something is going on.
Under normal conditions, dogs should drink between 25 and 50 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight over a period of 24 hours. This is equal to about 1–1.5 ounces of water per pound of body weight daily. It is normal that during hot days after exercise, dogs might drink a little more. It is also normal (and desirable) for a dog that has suffered from diarrhea or vomiting to drink more water in an attempt to compensate for the amount of fluid lost.
Let’s dig into the possible reasons that a dog might be drinking more water and when you should take action regarding your pet’s increased thirst.
Canine Biology 101
The water balance in a dog’s body is regulated by the amount of water intake between food and drinks and by the amount of water lost through urine excretion and panting.
Increased water loss or decreased water intake triggers a part of the brain called the hypothalamus to secrete the antidiuretic hormone to avoid dehydration. This hormone signals the kidneys to preserve water by concentrating urine. Thirst is also regulated by the hypothalamus and is activated by the antidiuretic hormone. This is not a straightforward process; it involves the blood vessels, blood pressure, several liver pathways, the urinary tract, etc. We’ll spare you from too many nitty-gritty scientific details!
But if your dog is drinking too much water, this is an indication that something may be wrong. The medical term for this condition is polydipsia. A dog drinking more than 100 milliliters per kilogram of body weight in a day is considered to have polydipsia.
Examples of issues causing polydipsia include the kidneys not responding to the antidiuretic hormone, the kidneys not being able to concentrate urine, and problems with the production of the antidiuretic hormone, among others. Polydipsia is a sign that some of the many mechanisms that regulate the water balance in the body are not functioning properly.
Several Medical Issues That Can Cause Polydipsia
- Encephalopathy
- Neurologic disorders
- Pain
- Fever
- Psychogenic polydipsia
- Intoxications
Polydipsia & Polyuria
In most cases, an increase in water intake will also present with an increase in urination. The medical term for this is polyuria. Polydipsia and polyuria are characteristic signs of most of the following illnesses:
- Urinary tract infections
- Diabetes mellitus
- Diabetes insipidus
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Addison’s disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Thyroid issues
- Pyometra
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Drug secondary effects
Should I Act?
Some younger and active dogs that lose a lot of water through panting might drink more water than sedentary dogs, and it is normal for all dogs to drink more water during hot days. You are the one person who knows your dog’s normal water intake, so if you recognize that it has increased, we suggest you take your dog to the vet.
Polydipsia is a sign of several serious health conditions, and the vet will require a complete physical examination, blood work, a urinalysis, and in some cases, abdominal X-rays. Depending on the tests required, you might be required to measure the exact amount of water your dog drinks in a day.
What Is the Treatment for This Condition?
The treatment for a large increase in water intake will depend on the underlying illness. If the polydipsia is caused by infections, antibiotic treatments should resolve it. However, kidney and liver diseases will require specialized diets and supplementation, while most endocrine diseases will require daily treatments. Your veterinarian should be able to guide you through the specific requirements of your dog’s case.
Conclusion
Polydipsia is the medical term for ingesting too much water. It can be a sign of several medical problems and diseases, some of which are serious. Polydipsia may be accompanied by increased urination or polyuria, but it may also present no other signs. If you have noticed that your dog’s water intake has increased, please bring your pet to the veterinary clinic for a series of diagnostic tests to find the underlying cause. This will allow you to provide your beloved furry friend with the right treatment. As usual, sooner is better than later. While in some cases, it may not be an immediate medical emergency, early detection and treatments are always better, as medical issues tend to escalate over time.
- See also: Diarrhea & Vomiting in Dogs
Featured Image Credit: muslody.com, Shutterstock
