Polydipsia or excessive thirst in pets is a common observation in pet parents and should never be neglected. There are several possible causes of polydipsia; some can be alarming and deadly 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 Water Excessively
Dogs that suddenly got thirsty for a day or two are not something to be bothered with. But if your dog starts draining their water bowls and hitting the toilets more frequently after a couple more days, it’s time to bring them to the veterinarian. According to numerous professionals, increased thirst in canines can be caused by the following factors:
1. Vomiting
Vomiting causes dogs to lose fluids, which can dehydrate them. Due to this, they’ll drink more to rehydrate themselves. However, water must only be served to them in small amounts as they may vomit more if they fill their stomach with too much water.
2. Kidney disease
Excessive drinking may indicate a kidney condition in senior pets. They pee more, and they consume more water to prevent dehydration. Kidney disease is often addressed by changing the canine’s diet and identifying underlying causes of kidney failure, like kidney stones or infections. One way to prevent kidney failure in pets is by looking after their dental health.
Regularly taking your pet to a dog dentist for teeth cleaning and assessment can help ensure their oral and entire health is well looked after.
3. 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 tripling or doubling the quantity. So the next time you see your pet drinking more water than normal during the summer season, do not be too troubled, as this could be their mechanism for combating dehydration.
During hot summer days, never forget to take your pet to animal centers like Oakwood Animal Hospital for regular vet exams to ensure they’re healthy and fit to do outdoor activities with you.
4. Diabetes mellitus
Dog 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 canines can be treated by modifying the dog’s diet and administering insulin.
Diabetes can develop in felines and canines of any age, although it tends to affect the older ones more. 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. Routinely taking your young pet for routine vet examinations can help pinpoint and manage the onset of any life-threatening diseases before they worsen.
You may visit websites like https://www.oakwoodanimalhospital.com/ to learn more about essential vet care for kittens and puppies.
5. Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease is common in senior or middle-aged dogs and happens less frequently in felines. Sleepiness, recurring skin infections, enlarged abdomen, increased hunger and urination, and increased thirst are the common signs of Cushing’s disease. If your four-legged friend experiences polydipsia or symptoms associated with Cushing’s disease, the vet may perform ultrasound and blood tests to make a precise diagnosis.
