Symptoms of a Puppy Drinking Too Much Water

Your dog should always have unrestricted access to clean, fresh drinking water. A healthy dog will drink sufficient water to remain hydrated. Naturally, the amount required increases in relation to other factors, such as activity levels, food intake and temperature. If your puppy is drinking too much water, you'll notice a variety of changes in behavior and toilet habits. An insatiable thirst can be a sign of diabetes, urinary infection or pituitary gland problems. Consult your vet if the problem continues.

  1. Excessive Urination

    • The most obvious sign that your dog is taking too much water is a higher than frequent occurrence of urination. Puppies have smaller, weaker bladders than adult dogs, so more frequent urination is normal. However, if they are urinating noticeably more than is normal for their own routine, this is a possible sign that they are taking on more water than normal.

    Accidental Urination

    • Although puppies are prone to accidents, a prolonged inability to hold the bladder is a potential sign that your puppy is drinking too much water. You should never limit your pup's access to water, but you should consult a vet if the dog has an apparently insatiable thirst. Fluctuations in water intake are normal, especially if you have recently switched your pet onto dry food, but do keep an eye on your dog if you suspect that it may be drinking more than normal.

    Watery Stools

    • Excessive water intake leads to watery stools. If you haven't altered your dog's diet and can see no other reason for runny or watery feces, greater than normal water intake is a probable cause. While dogs typically only drink when thirsty, some puppies simply over-estimate how much water to drink. This is linked to a protective instinct they have over their food and water. If there is another dog in the house, the pup may want to drink all the water to stop the other dog from "stealing" it. Once your pup realizes the water is always replenished, this problem typically recedes. If it persists, consult your vet.

    Agitation

    • Dogs have a natural instinct to keep their dens clean. This instinct compels them to want to go to the toilet as far away as possible from where they eat. If your puppy can't get into the garden in time to urinate, it will become agitated. Scratching at the door, whining and circling are signs that your puppy urgently needs to go to the toilet. Refer repeated instances of agitation due to an urgent need to urinate to your veterinarian.

    Hunting for Water

    • If your dog seeks water from sources other than the water bowl, this points to an excessive thirst. For example, if your dog finishes a bowl of water and immediately trots off to the bathroom to drink from the toilet, it's a possible sign of a medical problem.