Increased Thirst in Senior Dogs: Causes and Solutions

When a senior dog drinks a lot of water, it could indicate a health problem. Normally, a dog consumes about one cup of water for every 10 pounds of body weight. If your dog starts drinking significantly more, it's important to pay attention.

Common causes of a dog suddenly drinking more water include kidney failure, diabetes, Cushing's disease, and dehydration. All of these require attention. If your senior dog is drinking more water than usual, schedule a vet visit.

Causes of Increased Water Intake

Increased water intake can indicate various conditions. In senior dogs, kidney failure, diabetes, and Cushing's disease are common causes. Increased water consumption can also occur due to dehydration, a condition that can affect dogs of all ages seen in dogs of all ages.

Kidney Failure

The kidneys serve many roles, including conserving water. The body's hydration relies on both water intake and water removal. During dehydration, the kidneys work to conserve water. They must remove waste with minimal water. Pets with impaired kidney function struggle to concentrate urine and need extra water to process waste.1

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes, known as diabetes mellitus, results from a lack of insulin, which is needed to remove glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood. Usually, the kidneys conserve glucose, but high blood sugar overwhelms their filtering function. Excess glucose enters the urine, drawing extra water, resulting in increased thirst and urination.2

Cushing's Disease

Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a hormonal imbalance caused by too much cortisol in the bloodstream. Symptoms arise from prolonged overexposure to cortisol. Excessive drinking and urination are common but often develop gradually, leading owners to attribute them to normal aging. Additional symptoms that can help your vet differentiate it from other conditions are listed below.

Symptoms of Cushing's Disease

• Ravenous appetite

• Pot-bellied appearance

• Muscle weakness

• Skin disease

Dehydration

Dehydration can increase water intake and is common in dogs of all ages. It can be life-threatening. A skin turgor test at home can help identify dehydration. If the skin is slow to return to its position, your dog could be moderately to severely dehydrated. If it doesn't fully return, your dog may be critically dehydrated. This test isn't always accurate. If you think your dog is dehydrated, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Diagnosing the Cause of Increased Water Intake

Your veterinarian will conduct lab tests to find the cause of increased water consumption. These tests include a blood chemistry panel to check major organ systems and electrolytes. A complete blood count will assess red and white blood cells, along with a urinalysis. The table below outlines how each condition is diagnosed.

What to Expect at the Vet

If your senior dog is drinking more water than normal, it is time to visit your veterinarian. But before the visit, make sure to write down any questions you would like to ask. Bringing notes describing your dog's drinking and urinary behaviors may be helpful. Also, consider contacting the office ahead of time to see if they would like for you to bring in a urine sample. The more prepared you are, the less stressful the visit will be for you and your dog.

Once at the office, the vet will perform a head-to-paw examination and perform the necessary diagnostics. Based on history, exam, and testing, a diagnosis will be made. Sometimes a diagnosis is not obvious, and more testing is needed. Your veterinarian will go over all testing and recommendations for treatment. No matter what the cause of increased water consumption, your veterinarian will work with you to provide the best possible outcome for your senior dog.