Excessive thirst, known as polydipsia may be an indication of health problems. The normal consumption of water for a 20-pound dog is 3 to 4 cups of water per day. Being aware of his water consumption is the first step in recognizing a problem. Excitement, hot weather and exercise can induce a higher frequency of thirst, which is normal. However, excessive thirst may be a symptom of life-threatening diseases, medications or poisons.
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Diseases
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Diseases are harder on older dogs. Excessive thirst and urination are often signs of kidney failure. However, other diseases have these symptoms as well. Sugar diabetes (diabetes mellitus), kidney infections, liver disease, high blood calcium, low blood calcium, metabolic bone diseases such as Cushing's syndrome (primary hypoadrenocorticism, and renal secondary hypoadrenocorticism), and infection of the uterus (pyometra) are a few of the diseases that cause excessive thirst.
Medications
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An excess of cortisone medications given for such diseases as Cushing's syndrome (hypoadrenocorticism) may have side effects, which cause a dog to drink large volumes of water. Medications may interfere with the liver or kidney, so consult your veterinarian right away if you observe your dog drinking and urinating excessively. Diuretic medications prescribed for eliminating excess body fluid may also cause an increase in water intake and elimination. Additionally, steroids and anticonvulsants increase your dog's thirst.
Poisons
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Rat poisons, such as hypercalcemic agents that contain vitamin D as the effective agent, raise the calcium content in blood serum to toxic levels. Arsenic, which can be found in insecticides, wood preservatives and herbicides, can also quickly become fatal.
Dehydration
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Dogs that have problems with excessive thirst also have polyuria, which is the need to urinate often. Never hold back water to make a dog urinate less. This could cause dehydration and serious problems such as severe kidney failure. Take your dog out often during the day and right before bedtime to accommodate him. When you recognize an abnormal increase in your pets drinking habits, observe your dog for a day or so to see if it is a temporary condition brought on by exercise or heat. Contact your veterinarian if you don't see your dog returning to his normal drinking routine. Controlling or eliminating a disease is a possibility if caught early enough. Treating the underlying cause can eliminate polydipsia.
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