Each dog owner is concerned when they notice their thirst is growing. It’s easy to ask if it’s just an ordinary event or a sign that something is incorrect.
It is hard to determine if your dog is drinking excessive water based on your lifestyle and where you live. The water you offer your dog each day is among the most crucial actions you can take to monitor his thirst levels. Tracking the number of bowls of water you’re filling is the most efficient method of achieving this.
Many factors can trigger increased thirst, commonly referred to as polydipsia. Dogs are prone to becoming polydipsic during hot weather, particularly when the seasons change, and don’t have time to adjust to the temperature. Dogs drink more water if they are losing fluids due to excessive panting, watery diarrhea, or blood loss.
Reasons Why Your Dog Has Increased Thirst
If your dog is showing excessive thirst, commonly referred to as polydipsia, look for any additional signs. An underlying illness is often the cause of excessive thirst for dogs. Always seek medical advice from your vet before making an assessment.
Dehydration
Dehydration can be caused by extreme heat, high activity, vomiting, diarrhea, and a range of other causes. Your dog should have access to plenty of water throughout these scenarios. Every dog, no matter the age, is susceptible to becoming dehydrated.
A skin tent test can be performed at home to determine if your dog is dehydrated. The process of rubbing and elevating the skin between the shoulder blades is the way to complete the test. Consult your vet if your dog is not drinking enough water and ensure they have access to fresh, clean water. Look up “Orthopedic veterinarian near me” for the best results.
Urinary Tract Infection
Another reason your dog might be drinking more water is when they suffer from an infection of the urinary tract (UTI for dogs). Urinary tract infections can be highly uncomfortable for your dog and can be dangerous if not treated.
UTI symptoms differ between dogs; however, most appear similarly. The absence of signs of a UTI could lead to more severe issues like a kidney infection and your pet’s discomfort or pain.
Kidney Failure
Kidneys are a tool for removing poisons and byproducts from the blood of your dog. They also produce urine and regulate the body’s electrolyte and water balance.
If their kidneys aren’t working correctly, the dog needs to drink more fluids. The condition of the kidneys in dogs, particularly elderly dogs, could cause additional problems. This is why it’s crucial to watch out for signs of a kidney condition.
The failure of one or both kidneys can occur rapidly or over a prolonged time. Both types of renal impairment can be hazardous, so it is essential to discuss the issue with your vet; their website has more information.
Diabetes Mellitus
The inability of the body to appropriately respond to insulin is the leading cause of this condition. Insulin is the primary ingredient that allows sugar to be absorbed by your dog’s cells and utilized to provide energy to support the normal functioning of the organs in your dog. If there is a shortage of insulin or the body doesn’t respond well to insulin, the blood sugar levels will increase.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease found in all dogs, but it is more prevalent in older or middle-aged dogs. If it is not recognized and not adequately addressed, the effects could be very severe. Visit this link for more details.
