Thirsty Dog Symptoms

Thirsty dog, medically known as canine Cushing̵7;s disease, is a hormonal condition in dogs caused by overactive adrenal glands. There are three variations of the condition, all of which occur, predominantly, in middle-aged or geriatric dogs. There are a variety of symptoms which, when occurring together, should be brought to the attention of a medical professional.

  1. Increased Thirst and Urination

    • The most common symptom of Cushing̵7;s disease, and the symptom for which it is nicknamed, is an abnormally large consumption of water. The dog̵7;s insatiable thirst necessarily results in an accompanying need for frequent urination. A dog with Cushing̵7;s drinks up to 10 times the normal amount needed for daily water intake. According to PetEducation.com, this symptom is observable in 85 percent of dogs with Cushing's disease. This symptom may also lead to in-home accidents for animals that are house trained. They may also experience an increased number of urinary tract infections.

    Hunger

    • Because overactive adrenal glands can increase a dog̵7;s metabolism, another common symptom of Cushing̵7;s is an increased appetite. Dogs who were once trained not to steal food may begin getting into the dog food bag, stealing human food off counters and tables, getting into the trash, begging for scraps, and whining at their dog dishes. They may also become unusually aggressive while eating and overprotective of their meals.

    Potbelly

    • According to Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, abdominal enlargement, resulting in a potbellied appearance, will often occur in affected dogs. The increased production of cortisol causes fatty deposits to build in the abdominal area, while the muscles begin to weaken and deteriorate. This muscular atrophy may also manifest itself in infertility or an inability to carry pups to term.

    Thin or Darkened Skin, Skin Infections

    • Animals may begin to loose their hair, beginning at their joints and spreading over the limbs and the head. They may also have thin, discolored or slow-to-heal skin, resulting in reoccurring skin infections. According to PetEducation.com, these symptoms are the most obvious and are often the symptoms that lead owners to seek veterinary counsel.

    Serious Medical Complications

    • Dogs with Cushing̵7;s may, according to Dr. Louise Murray at Vet Confidential, develop high blood pressure or become diabetic as a result of the adrenal gland activity. These secondary conditions must be independently treated, and the Cushing̵7;s disease must be addressed for animals to recover. If you do not seek medical treatment should these complications occur, they will eventually lead to your pet's death.