Excessive Water Consumption

How much does a dog normally drink?

This question is not so easy to answer. In general, up to 0.5 – 1 oz per lb of body weight of water a day is a given, which means a dog of 65 pounds takes between a quarter to a half gallon of water daily.

The normal daily intake of water is dependent on activity, feeding method (wet versus dry food), the weight and height of your pet, and the outside temperature. Dogs from warmer climates generally drink more than their cooler climate companions.

Causes for excessive water consumption

In addition to the “normal” need for more water, many diseases can be the reason why your pet drinks more. The range of possible illnesses behind the increased thirst is long. On one hand, it is typical for diabetic dogs to show an increased water intake. A uterine inflammation, which represents an absolute medical emergency, can also manifest itself in this way. The most important cause for increased water intake, however, is renal disease, from bacterial infections to chronic renal failure. Common causes are urinary tract infections, the excessive function of the adrenal glands, and reduced thyroid function. Some medications can also cause a greater need for water in animals such as glucocorticoids, diuretics, cytostatics, and anti-epileptic drugs.

Psychogenic polydipsia

Psychogenic polydipsia is a type of behavioral disorder. Your veterinarian will diagnose the psychogenic polydipsia when he excludes other illnesses.

What to do in case of doubt on excessive water consumption?

If you want to know if your dog is drinking too much, fill his water cup with a beaker for 24 hours and record how much is left in the bowl after that time. Make sure that your dog is not able to take a water from the toilet bowl or anywhere else in the garden during the entire duration of the measurement. Since the moisture content of the food also influences the drinking behavior, so-called “hidden” water (contained in the food) must be added to the measured drinking quantity.

If you suspect that your pet is drinking more water than usual and is tired or behaving differently, you need to take it to the vet, where a definitive diagnosis can be performed by examining the blood, the urine, and an ultrasound.