Polyuria in Puppies

Polyuria is the technical term for a condition in which dogs and puppies form, and eliminate, excessive amounts of urine. In this condition, also called diuresis, a dog will urinate over 45 milliliters per kilogram of body weight each day. Though the disorder is not necessarily fatal, any time dehydration is associated with polyuria, you should consult a veterinarian. Puppies urinate more often than adult dogs and are at higher risk for this condition than adult dogs. Excessive consumption and elimination of water may point to serious disease.

  1. Physiologic

    • Physiologic polyuria, the most common cause of frequent urination, occurs in response to increased water intake. A puppy may drink more on a hot day or after intense exercise. Excessive thirst is referred to polydipsia. No dog should be restricted from accessing fresh water. Intake can be monitored by giving the puppy a single measured bowl and tracking how much water it consumes in a 24-hour period.

    Pharmacologic

    • Puppies may also experience pharmacologic polyuria, usually in response to higher amounts of salt in a new food or to medication. Diuretics, glucocorticoids and hormones, more commonly administered to adult dogs, can cause increased urination. Though puppies rarely require diuretic medications, address your concerns to a vet when the drugs are prescribed. Puppies, already naturally at higher risk than adult dogs for dehydration, need to be monitored closely.

    Pathologic

    • Newborn puppies do not yet have full function of their kidneys, but as they age, the urine becomes more concentrated. Severe vomiting and diarrhea associated with clinical dehydration along with polyuria may indicate renal or liver problems, urinary infection or diabetes. Pull gently upward on the puppy's skin; if it returns to normal slowly or fails to do so, the puppy may be dehydrated and should be taken to a vet for examination.

    Diagnosis

    • With a list of symptoms and an approximation of the amount of water the puppy is consuming and relieving per day, a vet will be able to confirm whether a problem exists. If he suspects an issue, he will check the puppy's urine concentration, or gravity, and perform a thorough physical examination. Identifying a problem early is important. With immediate treatment, even a puppy afflicted with the very serious juvenile renal disease can live a long, healthy life.