It can be alarming when you notice your dog running to their water bowl more than usual. Excessive thirst in dogs, also called polydipsia, is characterized by significantly increased water consumption.
Healthy dogs generally drink about 1 once (⅛ of cup) of water every day for every pound they weigh. That means a 20 pound dog should be drinking approximately 2.5 cups of water daily. But it’s perfectly normal for this to fluctuate quite a bit depending on your dog’s activities, so you should never restrict their access to water.
In order for a dog’s thirst to be considered excessive, they must be regularly drinking more than 1.5 ounces of water per pound on a daily basis.
Signs of Excessive Thirst in Dogs
It’s almost impossible to precisely measure the amount of water your dog is drinking. But there are some telltale signs of excessive thirst in dogs you should look out for:
- The need to refill your dog’s water bowl multiple times per day
- Frequent urination or accidents in the house
- Your dog drinking from unusual sources of water, such as puddles, toilets, or faucets
- Anxiety around water
- Dry mouth and gums
- Excessive panting
Causes of Dehydration
Inadequate Access To Water
The most obvious cause of dehydration is simply a lack of water. You can increase your pup’s ability to drink throughout the day by having multiple water bowls throughout your home and one outside.
Exercise
Physical exercise can make dogs thirsty. If you take your dog for a long walk or they’ve had a busy day of playing, it’s normal for them to need extra water.
There’s a common misconception that dogs don’t sweat, but this is actually not true. Dogs do sweat; however, their sweat-producing glands are primarily located in their paws. They also lose water when they pant, requiring increased water intake to replenish their supply.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are common responses to gastrointestinal distress. They also cause dogs to lose fluid, so drinking water after throwing up or having diarrhea is completely normal.
Vomiting and diarrhea (especially if they’re happening simultaneously) can be a sign of a serious medical problem. So if your dog is displaying these symptoms, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet to determine what’s causing it.
Illness or Infection
There are a number of infections and illnesses that can cause a sudden increase in thirst. Some of these include:
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
If your dog seems extremely thirsty without an obvious reason, it’s a good idea to have your vet test for an underlying medical condition.
Injuries
If your dog has suffered an injury, they may need more water than usual. This is due to a number of reasons, including:
- Dehydration from blood loss
- A metabolic response
- Stress or anxiety
- Inflammation at the injury site
- Damage to organ function (in severe cases)
Overheating
When the weather heats up, your dog will almost certainly get thirsty faster and need more water to stay cool. When a dog's body temperature rises, they sweat through their paws and pant in order to cool themselves down, resulting in water loss.
If you notice your dog panting a lot, especially on a hot day, make sure they have enough water to keep them cool, comfortable, and hydrated.
Diet
If you’ve recently changed your dog’s diet and notice that they seem thirstier than usual, it could be related. For example, dry kibble contains less water and more sodium than wet foods, which can lead to thirst.
Most dogs are perfectly fine to eat dry food as long as they have enough water throughout the day. But you can also supplement your dog’s dry kibble with some wet food or simply add some water to their bowl to increase their water intake.
Increased Urination
From underlying medical conditions, to urinary tract infections, to side effects from medication, there are many things that can cause your pet to urinate more often and need to drink more water as a result.
Solutions for Excessive Thirst In Dogs
Provide Easier Access to Drinking Water
Excessive thirst in dogs is often caused by lack of access to water. Even if you’re super diligent, it can be difficult to remember to refill your dog’s bowl before they run out of water. It’s also common for dogs to get dehydrated when they’re out on a long walk or hike with you.
Here are a few ways you can ensure your dog always has access to fresh water:
- Take a collapsible water bowl and a couple bottles of water with you when you’re out and about with your pup.
- Buy a self-refilling water bowl.
- Set an alarm schedule on your phone so you’ll remember to check your dog’s bowl.
- Keep multiple dog bowls in different rooms.
- Clean your dog’s bowl regularly.
Adjust Activity Levels
Does your dog try to play fetch with you for hours, even when they’re panting and breathing hard? Every dog needs exercise, but too much activity can lead to dehydration, especially on hot summer days. Overexercise can also result in exhaustion, injuries, and health problems. Make sure your dog takes breaks during playtime, especially if they seem tired or overexcited.
Keep Your Home Cool
One of the main causes of excessive thirst in dogs is heat. Most dogs start to show signs of overheating when indoor temperatures rise above 80°F. Try to keep your home cool and, if possible, provide a shaded area in your yard so they don’t overheat during the summer months. Also keep an eye out for other signs that your dog is overheating, such as:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Elevated heart rate
- Disorientation
- Lethargy
- Thickened saliva
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Talk To Your Veterinarian
Short periods of excessive thirst don’t necessarily require a trip to the vet. But chronic excessive thirst in dogs can be a sign of an underlying medical problem. If their symptoms persist or if you have concerns about their health, you should always take your dog in for an exam.
Final Thoughts
Excessive thirst in dogs can be caused by a number of factors. You should always talk to your vet if you notice your dog panting more than usual or suddenly drinking more water without a clear explanation.