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Updated by Sheryl on Nov 26, 2021
There are many reasons for a sudden excessive water intake in dogs—lactating dogs and playful puppies drink more water than adults; and some less-active breeds have less water intake. But sometimes it can be hard to guess why he drinks too much water suddenly. You shouldn't ignore it since it may signal a serious health problem.
Drinking too much water may lead to water intoxication in dogs. In this condition, the amount of water in the body cells increases, resulting in sodium depletion outside the body cells. As a response, the body cells increase fluid intake to rebalance the low blood sodium level.
Consequently, the body organs swell to give space to water. But the organs enclosed in bones, for example, the brain, can't expand. As a result, the brain cells die off due to increased water pressure resulting in seizures, difficulty breathing, and even coma.
The signs of water intoxication in dogs include:
According to pet MD, a healthy dog should drink one ounce of water per pound of its body weight daily. One ounce equals ⅛ of a cup. This amount of water is sufficient for a dog. Also, the water needs of individual dogs vary due to several factors. These factors include: activity level, weather, diet and health condition.
Make sure to provide plenty of clean and fresh water to your pet canine daily. Also, don't restrict water intake if it is drinking excessively and urinating in the house. Instead, consult your vet to figure out the reason behind increased thirst in your dog. Your dog may not drinking enough water also, click to know what you should do for that.
Certain infectious diseases, including cancer, affect the functioning of the liver and kidneys. The kidneys' primary function is to filter water and electrolytes from the blood while the liver detoxifies the blood and metabolizes fats and carbs. As a result of kidney and liver infection, these organs fail to function effectively and cause excessive thirst and urination.
Besides, pyometra is the infection of the uterus that occurs in unspayed females. It causes dehydration and requires immediate surgery to remove the uterus.
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which your dog's body fails to produce enough insulin that helps to maintain blood glucose levels. As a result, the excessive glucose excretes from the body with water causing frequent urination. In to the increased thirst, your dog drinks more water.
In Cushing's syndrome, the adrenal gland develops a tumor and produces higher cortisol. Consequently, the increased cortisol causes excessive thirst and urination.
Vomiting and diarrhea drain essential electrolytes and water from the body. As a result, your dog suffers dehydration and drinks more water.
Some medicines have side effects on your pets. They can cause excessive thirst and urination. They include anti-inflammatory drugs(prednisone), seizure medication(phenobarbital), heart failure drugs(furosemide).
If your dog's diet lacks 5% to 10% of water content, it increases thirst and results in more water intake. In addition, sodium-rich dog treats can cause dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting. Your dog may drink more after eating a sodium-rich diet.
When your dog exercises in hot weather, it reduces body fluids in excessive panting and salivation. That's why it drinks more water due to increased thirst.
Rarely, some dogs develop a habit of drinking more water without any underlying illnesses. It may be due to a psychological problem known as psychogenic polydipsia.
A sudden increase in your dog's thirst for a day or 2 is not an issue. But if your furry companion has started emptying the water bowls and urinating frequently, it may be a concerning point.
Here's what you should do in such a case:
Excessive water intake more than usual is a medical emergency in dogs. You should consult your vet as soon as possible. Before heading to the vet, take the urine sample of your dog with you. Also, notice the amount of water that your dog is drinking per day. Make sure to supervise your dog during a swim play session. Plus, don't leave it alone in the garden when sprinklers are on.
