Have you noticed your senior dog standing at their bowl lapping up water a lot more frequently than usual? What does it mean when an older dog starts drinking a lot of water?
This may be nothing to worry about if it happens once or twice. Your dog may just be dehydrated. However, excessive water consumption in dogs is sometimes a sign of an underlying medical condition or a reaction to a medication.
If your old pal has been drinking from their bowl excessively for more than a day or two, it’s probably time to take them to the vet to determine the cause.
How Much Water is Concerning for a Dog to Drink?
Generally speaking, most dogs should drink approximately one ounce of water for each pound they weigh. Increased water intake in senior dogs isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. For example, it’s normal for dogs to drink more water during the warmer months or after physical activity.
However, if your dog is suddenly drinking more water than normal for no discernible reason, it’s a good idea to get them checked out.
Symptoms that accompany excessive water drinking may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Appetite changes
- Increased urination
- Waking up in the middle of the night to drink
Possible Causes of Excessive Water Intake in Senior Dogs
Kidney Disease
The kidneys are a vital organ in a dog’s body that filter waste from the bloodstream and convert it to urine. If your dog has impaired kidney function, they’ll have a more difficult time concentrating urine and will need to drink much more water in order to process the body’s waste.
Dogs can develop acute kidney disease, which comes on suddenly, or chronic kidney disease, which develops over time and is degenerative.
Increased water consumption and urination is just one symptom of kidney disease in dogs. This symptom may be accompanied by:
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
- Decreased appetite
- Bloody urine
- Decreased interest in playing
Cushing's Disease
Cushing’s disease is a condition that causes the body to produce too much cortisol (known as the stress hormone). This condition can usually be managed with medications that reduce cortisol production.
Older dogs are more prone to developing the disorder, and certain breeds are particularly at-risk, including poodles, yorkshire terriers, dachshunds, and boston terriers.
In addition to excessive water drinking, signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs include:
- Lethargy
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Expansion of the belly
- Hair loss
- Thinning skin
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin (type 1) or the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin (type 2). Type 1 is the most common type for dogs. This condition causes glucose (sugar) levels to rise and most often occurs in older dogs.
Diabetes can usually be managed with insulin therapy. With ongoing treatment and monitoring, your diabetic dog should still be able to live a long and happy life.
A sudden increase in water consumption may be a sign of diabetes. Other symptoms to look out for include:
- Increased urination
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Recurring infections
- Cloudy eyes
Dehydration
One of the most common causes of excessive water intake in dogs is dehydration. Dogs of any age can get dehydrated, but it’s more common in puppies, seniors, and nursing mothers. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to serious medical problems and even death.
Dehydration is a symptom of a variety of medical conditions. If your dog is chronically dehydrated, it’s important to take them to the vet. But if your dog drinks lots of water after long walks or car rides, you can usually remedy the problem by bringing a collapsible bowl and a bottle of water so they can drink while out and about.
Fever
Both fever and heat stroke can lead to dehydration in dogs because they increase the rate of water loss from the body. An elevated body temperature causes your dog’s body to increase its metabolic rate, which requires additional calories and fluids. This can cause them to drink a lot more water than usual.
Certain Medications
Increased thirst can be a side effect of various medications. Because senior dogs are more likely to require medications and supplementation, it’s common for them to drink more water than younger, unmedicated dogs.
Some medications that can increase water intake include:
- Anticonvulsants
- Diuretics
- Corticosteroids
It’s worth discussing your dog’s medications with your vet if you notice sudden changes in their drinking habits.
Changes in Diet
Dogs that only eat dry food or kibble usually need to drink more water to stay hydrated than dogs on wet-food diets. High-sodium diets can also lead to dehydration, causing your dog to drink excessive amounts of water.
If you’ve switched out your dog’s food recently or have been giving them salty human foods, this could be the cause. You may want to consult your vet about altering their diet to avoid dry or high-sodium foods.
When To Take Your Dog to the Vet
If your dog drinks more than usual after lots of exercise or after a big meal, there may be nothing to worry about. But excessive water consumption can be a sign of health problems that require medical attention, so you should always take your dog to the vet if:
- They start drinking a lot more water suddenly and it lasts for more than a day
- They’re urinating more frequently
- Their excessive drinking is accompanied by:
- Lethargy
- Changes in weight
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Excessive panting
- Restlessness
Diagnosis
To diagnose the underlying cause of excessive water drinking, your vet will likely ask you about your dog’s medical history, medications, usual drinking habits, changes in diet and urination, and behavioral changes. They’ll also perform a physical exam to check for signs of weight loss, swelling, and dehydration.
Your vet may also order diagnostic tests to rule out certain underlying medical conditions. These tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- ACTH stimulation tests
- Water deprivation tests
- Thyroid function tests
- Ultrasound
- X-rays
Treatments
The treatment for your dog’s excessive water drinking will depend on the root cause. Once a diagnosis has been rendered, your vet may recommend:
- Medication (or adjustments in medication and dosing)
- Dietary adjustments
- Ongoing monitoring
- Lifestyle changes
Final Thoughts
Noticing sudden behavioral changes in your senior dog can be stressful. You want to make sure your pup is happy and healthy throughout their golden years. Fortunately, many causes of increased thirst can be treated or managed with the help of a veterinarian.