Polydipsia or excessive thirst in dogs is a typical observation in pet parents and should never be neglected. There are numerous possible causes of polydipsia; some can be alarming and lethal when not addressed immediately. So if you want to know what’s triggering your pet to drink excessively, we’ll tell you the answers as we keep going.
Why Dogs Drink Too Much Water
Pets that suddenly got thirsty for a day or two are not something to be worried about. But if your pet starts draining their water bowls and hitting the toilets more often after a few more days, it’s time to bring them to the vet. According to numerous specialists, increased thirst in canines can be caused by the following factors:
1. Diabetes mellitus
Canine diabetes can cause high blood sugar due to insulin deficiency or resistance. The kidneys excrete the excess blood sugar into the urine and drag water with it. Since your dog will urinate more, it’ll have increased thirst. Diabetes mellitus in dogs can be treated by modifying the canine’s diet and administering insulin.
Diabetes can occur in cats and dogs of any age, although it tends to affect the older ones. However, the good thing is that it’s preventable. Doing preventive measures while your pet is still young can make a difference in avoiding the said condition. Frequently taking your young pet for regular vet checkups can help identify and address the onset of any serious diseases before they intensify.
You may browse the web to see the importance of puppies & kittens vet care.
2. Hot weather
Nothing beats a morning in the summer season, especially when you take your dog out for a walk outside when the sun is up and the weather is hot. However, this weather condition can affect and increase a dog’s water needs, even doubling or tripling the amount. So the next time you see your canine drinking more water than normal during summer, don’t be too troubled, as this could be their mechanism for combating dehydration.
During hot summer days, never forget to take your canine to centers that offer pet grooming services to guarantee they are fresh, comfy, and ready to do outdoor activities with you. If you’re looking for professionals to groom your pet, you may search the web for “pet grooming near me” to see specific results.
3. Vomiting
Vomiting causes dogs to lose fluids, which can dehydrate them. Due to this, they’ll drink more to rehydrate themselves. However, water should only be served to them in small amounts as they might vomit more if they fill their stomach with too much water.
4. Kidney disease
Excessive drinking might indicate a kidney condition in senior pets. They urinate more, and they consume more water to prevent dehydration. Kidney disease is frequently addressed by changing the pet’s diet and recognizing underlying causes of kidney failure, like kidney infections or stones. One way to avoid kidney failure in pets is by looking after their dental health.
Frequently taking your dog to facilities like Oakwood Animal Hospital for teeth cleaning and examination can help ensure their dental and overall health is well taken care of.
5. Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease is common in senior or middle-aged canines and occurs less frequently in felines. Lethargy, recurring skin infections, enlarged abdomen, increased appetite and urination, and increased thirst are the common symptoms of Cushing’s disease. If your four-legged friend experiences polydipsia or signs associated with Cushing’s disease, the veterinarian may conduct ultrasound and blood tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
