What Is Polyuria & Polydipsia in Pets?

Polydipsia and polyuria refer to excessive water intake and urine excretion. Pets with these conditions are typically observed drinking copious amounts of water and urinating frequently. While these symptoms don't necessarily constitute an emergency, veterinary care is essential to rule out some serious underlying medical conditions.

  1. Consideration

    • Distinguishing what is normal from pathological is fundamental when it comes to a pet's drinking and urinating habits. For instance, polydipsia and polyuria can be normal when a pet is exposed to hot weather or undergoes increased physical activity. In this case, the polyuria is considered physiologic or compensatory, explains Carl A. Osborne. Certain medications such as diuretics, glucocorticoids and thyroid hormone supplements are known for causing increased urination, in this case known as "pharmacological polyuria."

    Signs

    • Many owners realize they are dealing with polydipsia and polyuria upon noticing some unusual signs in their pets. Dogs may suddenly ask to be taken outside more frequently than usual, especially throughout the night. Perfectly house trained cats and dogs may also start having accidents in the home and abnormal "leaking." Polydipsia becomes evident when owners start filling water bowls on a more frequent basis, according to Auckland Vet Services, a veterinary clinic based in Auckland, New Zealand.

    Volume

    • Provide only one source of water to determine exact daily drinking amount.

      How much drinking and urinating is exactly indicative of polydipsia and polyuria in pets? As a general guideline, water consumption exceeding 100 mL per kg of body weight per day is considered abnormal, according to David Bruyette, a veterinarian working for VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, in California. Urine production exceeding 50 mL per kg of body weight per day is also considered abnormal and should be evaluated, further adds Bruyette. A urine specific gravity test further helps determine the urine's concentration levels, confirming or ruling out polyuria.

    Significance

    • A sudden, unexplained increase in drinking habits should be investigated.

      Because pathological polydipsia and polyuria are often indicative of disease, any pet exhibiting these signs should be evaluated by a veterinarian. More than 20 health conditions can ultimately lead to polydipsia and polyuria, explains Mike Richard, a veterinarian who co-owns a small veterinary practice in rural tidewater, Virginia. Kidney failure, Cushing's disease, diabetes mellitus and liver failure are just a few. If your pet is exhibiting polydipsia and polyuria, consult with an experienced veterinarian for a proper health assessment and treatment of your pet.