Have you noticed your dog suddenly consuming a lot of water? Excessive thirst, also known as polydipsia, is typical among dog owners and should not be ignored. There are several potential reasons for increased thirst in dogs, some of which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
If your dog becomes extremely thirsty for a day or two, this is typically no reason for alarm. When dogs are really hot, bored, have eaten specific foods, or have just exercised, they may drink more. Active dogs and lactating dogs consume more water than other breeds.
Top Medical Reasons for Excessive Thirst in Dogs
If your dog has been depleting the water bowl and hitting the toilets for more than a few days, it’s time for a checkup with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may examine your dog for these more prevalent medical causes of excessive thirst.
Mellitus Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus results in elevated blood sugar levels owing to insulin insufficiency or resistance. Excess sugar in the blood is expelled into the urine by the kidneys, which draw water with it. Excessive urination in this scenario might result in excessive thirst in dogs. Diabetes is managed by changing the dog’s diet and providing insulin.
Kidney Illness
Dogs suffering from the renal disease may be unable to concentrate their urine. They pee more and have to drink more to avoid dehydration. Treatment for kidney illness includes changing the dog’s diet and addressing any underlying causes of kidney failure, such as kidney infections or stones. This, at times, requires pet surgery to heal your pet.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the adrenal gland excretes too much cortisol, caused by a pituitary or adrenal tumor. Excess cortisol causes thirst, which leads to increased urine. Cushing’s syndrome is treated with surgery, depending on the tumor’s location.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Any dog that vomits or has diarrhea loses bodily fluids. Dogs that have recently experienced diarrhea and vomiting should drink more than usual to avoid dehydration and bring them immediately to a vet like the East Memphis pet hospital.
Pyometra
The medical name for an infected uterus is pyometra. Only female dogs that have not been spayed are affected by this problem. Pyometra is a potentially fatal illness that necessitates immediate surgical intervention, antibiotics, and rehydration by intravenous fluid therapy.
Making a Veterinary Appointment
If your dog is taking in more water than normal, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Bring a urine sample and be prepared to answer your vet’s questions, such as what sort of food you’ve been feeding your dog, any travel history, and a record of your dog’s vaccinations. It would help if you also jotted down any questions you have for your veterinarian so you don’t forget anything. You can click here to get more information on pet care.
Conclusion
If your dog suddenly starts drinking excessive water and peeing often, do not deprive him of water. If you do, your dog may suffer from life-threatening dehydration. Dehydration symptoms include thirst, extreme weariness, dry or sticky gums, loss of skin suppleness, and mucousy saliva.
Allow your dog to drink instead and contact your veterinarian. With the assistance of your veterinarian, you will be able to assess if your dog’s drinking habit is symptomatic of a larger problem or is completely innocuous.
