Why Is My Chihuahua Excessively Drinking Water?

An insatiable thirst is alarming for both an afflicted human, as well as a dog owner who may notice the condition in his beloved pet. Normal intake is around one ounce per pound per day for an adult dog. Puppies will require slightly more fluids, but any noticeable change from a specific pet's routine warrants a trip to the veterinarian. The causes for increased water intake range from a change in environmental temperature to a variety of fairly severe illnesses. A simple blood and urine test will eliminate the more alarming possibilities as well as give a worried owner some peace of mind.

  1. Normal Thirst

    • Switching dog foods to a brand with a higher sodium content, new medication, excessive exercise or simply a hot day are all nonharmful changes leading to an abnormally thirsty dog. Some dogs even drink out of boredom or for sheer pleasure, which, though not fatal, may lead to medullary washout. Track the dog's actual intake, note all other side effects and check for dehydration by gently pinching the skin above its neck. If the skin returns to normal either slowly or not at all, immediate care is needed. Otherwise, continue monitoring the behavior and schedule an exam if the symptoms continue.

    Kidney Failure

    • A trip to the veterinarian is required to properly test, diagnosis and treat a variety of illnesses. One possibility the vet will rule out is renal failure, a condition in which the kidneys are no longer able to properly absorb water. The water is instead lost through urine, so though the dog is drinking more, he is still dehydrated. The damage can be caused by exposure to poison such as anti-freeze, but kidney failure also occurs naturally in aging dogs.

    Diabetes

    • Another common cause of increased water intake is canine diabetes, which is diagnosed with a urine test strip. An increased level of glucose also leads to water waste, causing the added desire to replenish the lost water. The dog will usually also show signs of weight loss, despite eating more and more food. Though the weight loss will eventually subside, a dog diagnosed with diabetes may be insulin-dependent for the remainder of its life.

    Cushing's Disease

    • A rarer possibility is that the dog has developed Cushing's disease. This refers to a variety of ailments all associated with the adrenal gland producing an excess of cortisol, often related to tumor growth near the pituitary gland. Generally, an afflicted dog will also display signs of excessive urination, lethargy, hair loss and an increase in skin infections. Diagnosis requires a blood test and treatment is limited to surgical removal of the tumor or medication to inhibit steroid production.