Increased thirst in dogs: Veterinarian reveals nine potential causes
In dogs, excessive thirst can be a sign of various common illnesses. Understanding these conditions can help pet owners recognise potential health issues early and seek appropriate veterinary care.
One such condition is **Kidney Disease**. As dogs age, their kidneys may not function as efficiently, leading to increased thirst and urination. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, and weight loss.
Another condition is **Diabetes Mellitus**. This condition occurs when a dog's body cannot regulate blood sugar levels properly, leading to excessive thirst (polydipsia) and urination. Additional symptoms include weight loss despite increased appetite, lethargy, and vision problems.
**Cushing's Disease**, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a hormonal disorder that causes excessive cortisol production. Dogs with Cushing's disease will be really thirsty, pee lots, look pot-bellied, have thin skin or hair loss, and pant a lot.
**Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)** can cause increased water intake due to bladder irritation. Other signs include straining to urinate, accidents in the house, and genital licking.
**Liver Disease** can lead to excessive thirst, accompanied by symptoms like jaundice, vomiting, and poor appetite. Some kinds of liver disease can cause the skin, eyes, and gums to appear yellow-orange.
It's essential to monitor a dog's water intake, especially if they suddenly start drinking more than usual. If a dog drinks more than 100ml per kilogram of bodyweight in a day, it could be an indication of a medical condition. However, water intake amounts less than this can also be abnormal, so trust your instincts.
If a dog is vomiting or seems unwell, it's best to seek veterinary advice immediately rather than waiting to take measurements. Fluid should be offered regularly in small amounts to a dog that is vomiting. The diarrhea in a dog should resolve before the water consumption returns to normal.
In addition, the Geeni PetConnect Smart Water Fountain is a smart pet bowl that can help monitor a dog's water intake, providing pet owners with valuable insights into their pet's health.
Remember, early detection and treatment can significantly improve a dog's chances of recovery. If you notice any unusual changes in your dog's behaviour or health, always consult with a veterinarian.
- A pet's health can be impacted by chronic kidney disease, especially in older dogs, as their kidneys may not function efficiently, leading to excessive thirst and urination.
- Diabetes Mellitus is another health condition in dogs, where the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels properly, leading to excessive thirst, weight loss despite increased appetite, lethargy, and vision problems.
- Cushing's Disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a hormonal disorder causing excessive cortisol production, resulting in increased thirst, pot-bellied appearance, thin skin or hair loss, and excessive panting.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can also cause increased water intake due to bladder irritation, along with straining to urinate, accidents in the house, and genital licking.
- Liver Disease can lead to excessive thirst, jaundice, vomiting, poor appetite, and yellow-orange skin, eyes, and gums.
- Monitoring a dog's water intake is crucial, especially if there are sudden changes, as it could indicate a medical condition if the dog drinks more than 100ml per kilogram of bodyweight in a day.
- If a dog is unwell or vomiting, it is best to seek veterinary advice immediately, rather than waiting for measurements, and offer fluid regularly in small amounts to a dog that is vomiting.
- The Geeni PetConnect Smart Water Fountain can help monitor a dog's water intake, providing pet owners with valuable insights into their pet's health.
- Veterinary care and medical treatments, such as therapies and therapies for chronic-kidney-disease, chronic-diseases, mental-health issues, skin-care problems, and nutrition advice for healthy-diets, play a vital role in a pet's overall health and wellness.
- CBD, a popular supplement derived from cannabis, is sometimes used to help manage anxiety and pain in pets, promoting overall mental health and well-being.
