Do you have the feeling that your dog is drinking more water than usual lately and you don't know if you should worry or let it go?
If you have noticed for a few days that your furry friend is drinking more water than usual, stay calm, but be alert: the reasons may be very diverse.
To begin with, you should know that water balance, that is, the balance between water loss and intake, is maintained by adjusting intake (drinking water, water contained in food and other liquids) and losses (through the lungs, sweating, urine and feces).
How much water do dogs drink on average?
A healthy dog generally drinks between 50 and 60 ml of water per day and produces approximately 20 to 40 ml of urine per day, which is 1 to 2 ml of urine per hour. However, this will all depend on certain factors, as there are circumstances in which dogs, like humans, need to increase their water consumption.
Why does my dog drink so much water?
Some of the factors that influence whether your dog needs more hydration could be:
- On very hot days.
- When they have done more physical activity than usual.
- When they are on a dry food diet instead of wet food.
Young dogs need more water
Another determining factor in the amount of water your dog consumes is its age. In general, nursing dogs and puppies need to drink more water per day than adult and elderly dogs.
Treatments that can increase your pet's thirst
You should also keep in mind that if you are giving your dog diuretic and/or corticosteroid medication, this may be the reason for his need to increase his water intake.
Our tip: always carry a portable waterer
To ensure your dog is always properly hydrated and has access to clean water in any circumstance, consider using a portable water bowl. Check out our Watadog water bowls , as they are reusable, handy and easy to carry, making it a convenient option for travel, walks and outdoor activities.
Should I be worried if my dog drinks a lot of water a day?
If you think that your dog's excessive water intake (more than 100 ml of water per day per kilo of weight, also known as polydipsia) does not correspond to any of the cases mentioned above, be alert: it could be due to both psychological or stress-related factors, as well as a series of diseases or pathologies that we will evaluate below. These are some of the diseases that can cause your dog to drink more water than usual:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Dogs affected by this disease suffer an irreversible, progressive and permanent loss of kidney function, which increases their urine production and the amount of water they need to ingest.
Cushing's disease or hyperadrenocorticism
This disease is characterized by an excess in the production of cortisol. The synthesis of ADH (antidiuretic hormone) is reduced, which increases urine production and, in turn, water consumption.
Diabetes
Dogs affected by this disease eliminate sugar through urine, also taking water from their bodies with them, which can cause them to become excessively thirsty and drink more water than usual.
Addison's disease
This disease is characterized by a deficiency of cortisol that can lead to increased water excretion, which in some cases could cause severe dehydration.
Liver disease
Increased water intake is one of the many consequences of liver problems in dogs, which are especially common among older dogs.
Pioneer
This is a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects the uterus of female dogs and is characterized by the accumulation of pus inside the uterus. Increased thirst and frequency of urination are among its symptoms.
Many of these diseases will also be accompanied by loss of appetite and weight, vomiting and diarrhea. Remember that, if any warning signs appear, it is best to take your dog to the vet for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
