If your dog drinks a lot of water and urinates more than usual, it may be due to simple causes such as heat, exercise, a saltier diet or recent changes in routine. However, when increased thirst and urination persists for several days, appears suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to seek veterinary assessment.
Drinking and urinating more than usual may be related to urinary problems, hormonal disturbances, kidney disease, diabetes, infections, the effects of certain medications or metabolic changes. Therefore, if you notice that the water bowl empties much faster, that your dog asks to go out more often, urinates in the house or pees in greater quantities, it is advisable to ask for a veterinary practice in Benissa to assess the cause.
At Benivet Benissa we recommend that you consult us especially if the increase in thirst and urine is accompanied by weight loss, increased appetite, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, bad smell of urine, blood in the urine, pain when urinating or changes in behaviour.
When is a dog considered to be drinking too much water?
The amount of water a dog drinks can vary according to its size, diet, activity level, environmental temperature and state of health. A dog that eats dry food tends to drink more than a dog that eats a wet diet, and it is also normal for him to drink more on hot days or after exercise.
What should be noticed is a clear change from his usual pattern. If he used to drink a normal amount and now empties the bowl frequently, asks for water constantly or needs to urinate many more times, it is advisable to observe him and ask for an appointment if the change continues.
A useful way to prepare for the visit is to measure over 24 hours how much water he drinks. It is also useful to note how often you urinate, if you urinate more, if there are any leaks at home and if any other symptoms have appeared.
Frequent causes for a dog to drink and urinate more
Increased thirst and urination can have different causes. Some are temporary, but others require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
Common causes include diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, hormonal disturbances such as Cushing's syndrome, liver problems, fever, pain, pyometra in unspayed bitches, certain medications such as corticosteroids or diuretics, and dietary changes.
If the change is persistent or appears together with weight loss, tiredness, vomiting, diarrhoea or changes in appetite, it may be necessary to have the patient examined by the veterinary internal medicine to assess for metabolic, endocrine, renal, hepatic or systemic disease.
Warning signs if your dog drinks too much water
You should make an appointment with your vet if your dog drinks a lot of water and you observe:
- Urinates much more or more frequently.
- He pees at home when he didn't pee before.
- Lose weight even if you eat the same or more.
- He is hungrier than usual.
- He is listless, weak or apathetic.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Fever or malaise.
- There is blood in the urine.
- You find it difficult to urinate or you seem to be in pain.
- Urine smells very strong.
- She is an unspayed female and is down or has vulvar discharge.
- It is a senior dog or a dog with previous illnesses.
These signs should not just be treated as "drink more because you are thirsty". They may indicate that the body is trying to compensate for an internal disturbance and needs diagnosis.
What evidence may be needed?
In an initial assessment, the vet will review your dog's history, diet, medication, approximate amount of water drunk, frequency of urination and general condition. He will also examine the abdomen, mucous membranes, hydration, temperature and weight.
One of the most useful tests when a dog is drinking and urinating a lot is the veterinary urinalysisIt can be used to assess urine concentration, detect signs of infection, presence of glucose, blood, protein or other alterations.
It may also be recommended that a veterinary blood tests to assess glucose, renal function, liver, electrolytes and other parameters related to internal diseases.
If there is suspicion of urinary tract infection, stones, renal disorders, abdominal problems or reproductive diseases, it may be helpful to have a veterinary ultrasound in Benissa. In cases involving the bladder, kidneys or urinary tract, the veterinary urology.
What you can do at home before the consultation
Before going to the vet, try to measure how much water your dog drinks in 24 hours. To do this, fill the water bowl with a known amount and calculate how much is left the next day. If there are several animals in the house, try separating them during the measurement to get a more reliable figure.
Also watch for increased urination, increased urination, leakage, waking up at night to drink or urinate, weight loss, increased eating, increased tiredness, or if he/she has recently started any medication.
Do not restrict water unless advised to do so by a veterinarian. If your dog drinks a lot because he has an internal disease, withdrawing water may worsen his condition or lead to dehydration. Also, do not administer medication on your own.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Make an appointment if your dog drinks a lot of water and urinates more than usual for several days, if the change has appeared suddenly or if it is accompanied by weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, poor appetite, increased appetite, blood in the urine, painful urination or accidents at home.
At Benivet Benissa we can assess whether the increase in thirst and urine is due to a one-off change or if tests are required to rule out diabetes, kidney disease, urinary infection, hormonal alterations or other internal problems.
If your dog drinks more water than usual and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can contact with Benivet Benissa to make an appointment and receive veterinary advice tailored to your case.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
