Health & Wellness

Is Your Old Dog Drinking Water Excessively?

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On average, dogs require about 30 ml. (1.01 ounces) of water per pound of weight every 24 hours. If you’re concerned about the amount of water your dog is drinking, measure how much she’s drinking and compare that to the average. If her water intake isn’t in the “normal” range,  then a trip to the vet is a must.  According to Old Dog Care Guide

Drinking excessive amounts of water is often a sign of an underlying medical problem. Three of the more serious medical problems that cause a dog to drink excessive amounts of water include kidney failure, diabetes, and Cushing’s disease.

1. Kidney failure
The kidneys are the organs responsible for filtering waste materials produced by the body. When kidney failure occurs, the kidneys are unable to hold on to their water-concentrating ability. As a result, there is a loss of excess water via the urine. To compensate for this loss, the body sends out the appropriate signals that trigger an increase in water intake.

2. Diabetes
Canine diabetes occurs when glucose levels in the blood shoot past normal. Just like in humans, drinking too much water is one of the first signs of diabetes. When you find yourself asking

3. Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease is a disease with hormonal causes. This takes place when the adrenal glands—the glands in charge of growth and development, stress-dealing ability, and kidney function—produce an excessive amount of cortisol. Too much cortisol leads to significant water loss through urination, which, in turn, leads to an increase in water intake.

One other cause of drinking excessive amounts of water is if your dog is taking prednisone for an ailment. One of the side effects of prednisone is a need to drink more water.  If your old pooch isn’t on this prescription drug and is drinking what seems like a lot of water, your best bet is to work with your vet to rule out any of these diseases as the culprit.

11 Comments

11 Comments

  1. Avatar Of Rita Maskill

    Rita Maskill

    Aug 27, 2017 at 3:30 am

    Can you give me advice on my dog he's 13 and drinks excessively and his appetite is not great but he's lively runs around like a 5yr old

  2. Avatar Of Kim

    Kim

    Feb 4, 2017 at 1:18 pm

    My min-pin is going on 13yrs old and he has been drinking a lot of water through the night, he let's me know if his dish is empty. He is still eating well and he urinates as much as he drinks. I put out puppy pads at night and he sure uses them. Can you help? He is good during the day!

    • Avatar Of Gloria Deney

      Gloria Deney

      Feb 12, 2017 at 10:05 am

      Do i pick up water at night she is 15yrs old drinks then needs out to pee

  3. Avatar Of Rosemarie Vincent

    Rosemarie Vincent

    Jan 14, 2017 at 10:01 pm

    My dog is a 9 year old chirweiner. He has been drinking excessive water lately, also he seems to have a loose bladder and can not hold it until he’s taken outside, nor does he go outside even though he has a doggie door. Does that mean he has a kidney problem?

  4. Avatar Of Joyce

    Joyce

    Nov 13, 2016 at 11:12 pm

    I have a 13 year old Anatolian Shepard who has just in the past week starting drinking more and more water.I noticed after a few days she wasn’t eating her food so I started can food for her thinking it was her teeth but that didn’t solve her water intake. I’m calling her vet tomorrow morning to get her in ASAP after doing the research and reading the possibilities I only hope and pray I can help get her treated b4 it gets any worse. She is my furbaby and we love her so much.

  5. Avatar Of Chris Bollinger

    Chris Bollinger

    Jun 14, 2016 at 8:27 am

    I think you should take your beloved pooches to the vet both Johanna & Patricia, if you are so worried, especially for Patrica’s dog at 6 months old, you don’t want to be taking any chances as time is crucial at that age, remember that she has a full life ahead of her.
    And for Johanna’s dog, it’s vital that you also take your dog to see a vet as you are wanting to know if your dog has kidney problems, though you haven’t stated as to why you would think this is what is wrong with your dog.
    To be safe a quick check up is usually all that is needed to give you peace of mind and your dog the all clear. Though sometimes there is an underlying issue that needs to be dealt with, and as they say, the earlier the better.
    Good luck Girls.
    Chris..

  6. Avatar Of Patricia

    Patricia

    Apr 4, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    My dog is 6 mo old. She a resuse . She had worms and we treated that at home. She is peeing in the house more and it’s getting to a point ware we won’t be able to keep her

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  10. Avatar Of Johanna Goodman

    johanna goodman

    Mar 7, 2012 at 11:19 pm

    please let me know if my dog has kidney problems what type of medication can I give to make my dog healthy.
    johanna

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