While only a veterinarian can determine the exact cause of your dog’s problems, excessive thirst in older dogs is often associated with health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing’s syndrome.
It’s also possible that increased water intake could be due to more physical activity or feeling tired after exercise, as older dogs may drink more water to keep themselves hydrated and compensate for the extra exertion.
Whatever the reason may be, it’s important that you take your dog to the vet if you notice any changes in its drinking habits. In this article, we’ll explain what it means when an older dog starts drinking a lot of water and what you can do to help it.
Why Is My Dog Drinking So Much Water?
Excessive thirst in dogs, known as polydipsia, is when a dog drinks more than 100 ml of water per kilogram of their body weight per day. If you notice your dog is gulping down more water than usual, it could be due to various reasons like diabetes, kidney problems, or even side effects from certain medications.
However, excessive thirst doesn’t always mean there’s a serious problem. Sometimes, your dog might be drinking more simply because of warm weather or increased physical activity.
If they’ve been exercising more than they should or the temperature has been high, they might drink more to stay hydrated.
Keep in mind that serious health issues are more common in older dogs due to the natural aging process and increased likelihood of developing chronic conditions.
Another reason why your dog might be drinking more water than usual is if they’ve been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea. When dogs lose fluids from vomiting or diarrhea, they need to drink more water to stay hydrated and replace the lost fluids. This increased thirst is a natural response to help their body recover from the fluid loss.
If the underlying cause is more serious, such as a kidney problem or jaundice, excessive drinking will likely come with other noticeable symptoms. For instance, kidney issues might lead to increased urination, weight loss, or a lack of appetite. Jaundice can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, along with signs of lethargy and reduced interest in food.
Keeping track of these extra symptoms will help you figure out what’s wrong and find the best way to help your dog.
What to Do When My Dog Is Drinking Too Much Water
If your dog is drinking too much water, start by keeping an eye on how much they’re drinking and if they’re showing any other odd signs. Check if they’re also urinating a lot, feeling lethargic, or having issues like vomiting or diarrhea.
You also need to consider if there have been any recent changes in their diet, exercise level, or environment. Too much exercise will naturally make them drink more to stay hydrated. Similarly, changes in diet, especially if they’re consuming more salty or dry food, can increase their thirst.
Sometimes, dogs will start drinking more water when they feel anxious or stressed. Changes like moving to a new home, experiencing a new routine, or even loud noises can make them feel uneasy, which might lead to increased water intake as a coping mechanism.
If you think anxiety might be a factor, try to identify and address the source of stress and see if their drinking habits normalize.
Regardless of the reason, it’s important that you take your dog to the vet if you notice that they’re drinking more than 100 ml of water per kilogram of their body weight per day.
Your vet will start by examining your dog and asking about any other symptoms or recent changes in their routine. They might run tests, such as blood work or urine analysis, to identify any underlying issues like diabetes, kidney disease, or jaundice.
Depending on what the tests reveal, your vet will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your dog’s specific condition. This might include anti-anxiety medications, antibiotics, dietary changes, or additional diagnostic procedures. They’ll also provide guidance on managing your dog’s health and monitoring their condition to make sure they stay on the right track.
For an ESA dog, it’s important to follow these recommendations closely to maintain both their health and their status as an emotional support animal.
Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior Closely
Excessive thirst usually indicates that your dog is exercising too much or that environmental factors, like hot weather, are influencing their hydration needs. In the case of older dogs, however, it might also be a sign of age-related health issues, such as diabetes or kidney problems.
Make sure you keep track of how much water they’re drinking and look out for other signs like frequent urination, fatigue, or changes in eating habits. Take them to the vet as soon as you can if you notice any of these symptoms or if their thirst seems excessive so your dog can receive appropriate treatment.
