Why is my dog always thirsty

Just like their appetites, the amount of water that dogs drink can vary between dogs. But what does it mean if your dog is drinking a lot of water? If your dog is drinking a lot of water and peeing a lot, it can be frustrating, especially if you're constantly refilling the water bowl and cleaning up accidents. 

It's also a bit annoying if your dog keeps you awake by drinking lots of water at night. Excessive thirst in dogs can also be quite scary for pet parents, especially if your dog is drinking lots of water and throwing up, panting, or seeming distressed.

And with ongoing worries about Alabama Rot, it's understandable to be concerned if your dog is drinking a lot of water and licking their paws. So, what's normal when it comes to drinking? And when should you be concerned?

How much water should a dog drink a day? 

Every dog is different, and the amount of water they drink will also depend on the temperature where they live and whether they're fed wet or dry food. However, the upper threshold for how much water a dog should drink in a day is 100mililitres per kilogram of bodyweight. 

So, if your dog weighs 10kg, they shouldn’t drink more than 1000ml (1L) of water per twenty-four hours. If your dog drinks more than this in a day, it could be an indication of a medical condition.

If your dog is drinking more water than usual, there's no need to be immediately alarmed. There are lots of reasons why they might be extra thirsty. For instance, if they've done a lot of exercise or the weather has been hot, this could be the reason. 

It's also important to remember that any change in their diet could affect their thirst since different dog foods will contain different amounts of water. However, if you measure your dog's water intake on three separate days and find it averages at more than 100ml per kg bodyweight, it's time for a trip to the vet.

Why is my dog drinking a lot of water? 

If your dog is drinking a lot of water, it could be for one of the following reasons: 

1. Hot weather or exercise

If it's especially hot outside or your dog has recently exercised, you're more likely to notice them lapping up an increased amount of water.  

2. Fever or infection

If your furry friend is fighting an infection and has a high temperature, they might drink more to try to cool off.

3. Vomiting

Vomiting causes fluid loss, which can make your dog dehydrated. They might drink more to try to rehydrate. However, filling their stomach with water might cause them to vomit even more, so fluid should be offered regularly in small amounts.

4. Diarrhea

Like vomiting, diarrhea also causes fluid loss and can lead to dehydration. You might notice your dog drinking more if they have diarrhea, but they should return to normal once the diarrhea has resolved.

5. Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus can cause your dog to be more thirsty and to pee more often. You might also notice them losing weight despite being hungry, and they might develop cataracts in their eyes. If diabetes isn't treated, it can lead to ketoacidosis, which causes vomiting, dehydration, and shock.

6. Pyometra

If your female dog isn't neutered, they are at risk of a condition called pyometra. This is when bacteria enter the womb and cause infection. If the cervix is open, the infection can drain out, and you might see a vaginal discharge.

If the cervix is closed, the pus is trapped within the womb, causing the dog to deteriorate quickly. Both types of pyometra can sadly be fatal if not treated promptly. If your dog has a pyometra, they might also vomit, stop eating or become more lethargic.

7. Cushing’s disease

Cushing's disease is also known as hyperadrenocorticism. It occurs when the adrenal gland produces too much of the stress hormone cortisol. If your dog has Cushing's disease, they will be really thirsty and pee lots. 

They might also look pot-bellied, with thin skin or hair loss. Dogs with Cushing's disease often pant a lot, even when they're not exerting themselves. If left untreated, Cushing's can lead to diabetes and problems with the heart and lungs.

8. Kidney disease

Your dog's kidneys are responsible for controlling urine output and maintaining hydration. If they aren't working as well as they should, this can cause an increase in thirst and urination. As well as these symptoms, dogs with kidney disease often lose weight, vomit, and go off their food.

9. Liver disease

Some types of liver disease can cause your dog to drink more. You might also notice them eating less, having vomiting or diarrhea, and acting quiet and lethargic. Some kinds of liver disease can cause jaundice, where the skin, eyes, and gums begin to look yellow-orange.

When to visit the vet 

If you think your dog is drinking too much water, it's worth measuring the amount they drink first. Do this by adding a known amount of water to their bowl — say, a litre — and subtracting any left 24 hours later. If you need to top the bowl up, don’t forget to make a note of how much extra you add. 

If your dog drinks more than 100ml per kilogram in a 24 hour period, then it's time to take them to a vet. However, amounts less than this can be abnormal too, so trust your instincts. It's best if you can keep a diary or a mental note of any other symptoms they might have. Of course, if your dog is suddenly drinking a lot and seems unwell or is vomiting, you should seek veterinary advice immediately rather than waiting to take measurements.

Conclusion

Many things can cause your pooch to drink more than they normally would. Thankfully, there's a simple calculation that can let you know whether their thirst is excessive or not. However, if you think your dog is drinking a lot of water and you’re worried, it's best to book a check-up with their vet, even if the calculation says that they may be normal. 

A senior dog drinking a lot of water could be a sign of a health problem. Typically, a dog drinks about one cup of water per 10 pounds of body weight. 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.

When Should Your Senior Dog Visit the Vet?

Increased water intake can be a sign of many different conditions. Kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, and Cushing's syndrome are the most common causes in senior dogs. Increased water consumption may also be seen with dehydration, however, this condition may be seen in dogs of all ages.

The kidneys serve many roles, one of them being water conservation. Hydration of the body depends on both water consumption as well as the removal of water. In times of dehydration, the kidney must respond by conserving water. This means that all the materials the body needs to get rid of still need to be removed, but the kidney needs to manage this using the smallest amount of water possible. A pet with impaired kidney function will have a difficult time concentrating urine and will need to drink extra water to process the body's waste chemicals.

Diabetes mellitus is caused by a deficiency of insulin in the body. Insulin is necessary to remove glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream, and when it is low or absent, there is a buildup of glucose in the blood. Normally, the kidneys conserve the bloodstream's glucose, but their filtering function can be overwhelmed with the blood sugar is very high. This excess glucose ends up spilling into the urine and draws extra water with it, leading to the hallmark signs of increased thirst and urination.

Cushing's syndrome, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a hormonal imbalance that results from excessive cortisol in the bloodstream. The symptoms stem from long-term overexposure to this hormone. Excessive drinking and urination are common signs, however, they usually have a gradual onset, and owners might think it's just part of the normal aging process. Additional symptoms that may help your veterinarian distinguish it from other conditions are given below.

• Ravenous Appetite
• Pot-Bellied Appearance
• Muscle Weakness
• Skin Disease

Dehydration is common and can be a cause of increased water intake. This condition can occur in dogs of all ages and can be potentially life-threatening. A skin turgor test can be performed at home. If the skin is slow to return to position, your dog may be moderate to severely dehydrated. If the skin does not return fully to its position, your dog may be severely dehydrated and possibly in critical condition. This test is not always accurate, so if you suspect your dog may be dehydrated, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Your veterinarian will run some lab tests to determine which condition is causing increased water consumption. Each will require a blood chemistry panel, which will evaluate major organ systems and electrolytes. They will also run a complete blood count, which will assess the red and white blood cells, as well as a urinalysis. The table below provides a description of what is used to determine the right condition.

If your senior dog is drinking more water than normal, it is time to visit your veterinarian. But before the visit, make sure to write down any questions you would like to ask. Bringing notes describing your dog's drinking and urinary behaviors may be helpful. Also, consider contacting the office ahead of time to see if they would like for you to bring in a urine sample. The more prepared you are, the less stressful the visit will be for you and your dog.

Once at the office, the vet will perform a head-to-paw examination and perform the necessary diagnostics. Based on history, exam, and testing, a diagnosis will be made. Sometimes a diagnosis is not obvious, and more testing is needed. Your veterinarian will go over all testing and recommendations for treatment. No matter what the cause of increased water consumption, your veterinarian will work with you to provide the best possible outcome for your senior dog.