Your parched pet can’t seem to get enough to drink, and you find yourself filling his water bowl more often than usual. Should you be concerned?
Yes. Changes in your dog’s routine are warning flags. Increased thirst means your dog needs more fluids. His craving may be temporary and harmless, or it may indicate a more serious problem.
Causes
Increased thirst accompanies many illnesses, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your dog is sick. This symptom is a normal response to common environmental and physical changes. Perhaps your pet is feeling the dog days of summer, or maybe you recently switched his chow from canned to dry food or to one with a higher salt content.
Certain medications, such as steroids, anticonvulsants, and diuretics, also cause increased thirst. Always report such side effects to your veterinarian.
But if you can’t point to any of these routine explanations, you’re likely dealing with a sick dog. Common causes include kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s syndrome, hypoadrenocorticism, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, fever, cancer, uterine infection (pyometra), and poisoning.
What you can do
Never restrict your dog’s access to fresh water. You can, however, measure the amount of fluids your dog consumes to see if he’s drinking more than usual. Start by eliminating your pet’s access to other water sources—puddles, birdbaths, the toilet—then measure the amount of water each time you fill your dog’s bowl. Remember to keep other pets from dipping in—point them to a separate watering hole.
After 24 hours, measure the water left in the bowl and subtract it from the total, then call your veterinarian with your results. He or she can determine if your pet’s thirst is excessive and warrants a checkup.
You also can check your pet for dehydration by gently lifting the skin between his shoulder blades and then letting it go. If the skin doesn’t bounce back or if it returns slowly, your pet is dehydrated and needs immediate veterinary care. If the skin appears normal, just keep a close eye on your pet’s thirst, appetite, and elimination habits for a day or so. Call your veterinarian if anything seems out of the ordinary or if the excessive thirst continues.
When to call the veterinarian
It’s always a good idea to call your veterinarian whenever your dog’s thirst or appetite changes unexpectedly. Take your pet to the doctor if he shows other symptoms, such as lethargy, increased urination, or vomiting.
Monitor puppies and senior dogs closely because they may be more vulnerable to dehydration. Investigate any changes promptly.
What your veterinarian will do
Your veterinarian will ask you about your dog’s diet and elimination habits, current medications, and whether he’s eating a new food or has access to toxins. The doctor will carefully examine your dog, perform urine and blood tests, and possibly X-rays and an ultrasound examination.
If your dog is dehydrated, your veterinarian will administer intravenous fluids or fluids under the skin. Some severely debilitated pets will need overnight hospitalization for closer observation.
There are nearly 100 conditions that can cause increased thirst, so it may take time to diagnose the problem. The good news is that many of them respond well to appropriate treatment.
