All dog owners are worried when their dog’s thirst increases. It’s easy for one to wonder if it’s just a regular occurrence or a warning that anything is wrong.
It is challenging to determine if your dog is drinking excessive water based on your habits and where you live. Knowing how much water you offer your dog every day is one of the most important ways to monitor his thirst levels. Keeping track of the number of bowls of water you’re filling is the most efficient method of achieving this.
Many factors could trigger an increase in thirst, also known as polydipsia. Dogs are prone to becoming polydipsic during hot weather, particularly when the season’s changing, and don’t have time to acclimate to the new temperature. Dogs tend to drink more water when their body’s losing water due to vomiting, watery diarrhea, excessive panting, or blood loss.
Reasons Why Your Dog Has Increased Thirst
If your dog exhibits excessive thirst, often referred to as polydipsia, look for other signs. An underlying illness is often the cause of extreme hunger and thirstiness in a dog. The list of reasons for polydipsia is extensive; always get medical advice from your veterinarian before diagnosing.
Dehydration
Dehydration can occur due to the heat, activity levels, vomiting, diarrhea, and other factors. Your dog must have access to plenty of water throughout these scenarios. All dogs, no matter their age, can get dehydrated.
A skin tent test could be used at home to check for possible dehydration. Pinning and elevating your skin between the shoulder blades is how you do it. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is dehydrated and ensure they have access to clean, fresh water. Visit a veterinary medical center for more details.
Urinary Tract Infection
Another reason your dog could be drinking more water is that they are suffering from an infection of the urinary tract (UTI for dogs). Urinary tract infections are very uncomfortable for your dog and, if not treated, can lead to serious health issues.
The intensity of UTI symptoms can vary between dogs; however, most appear in the same manner. The absence of any signs of a UTI can lead to more serious issues like kidney infection and a dog’s discomfort or suffering. Look up “Animal surgery near me” for the best results.
Kidney Failure
The kidney’s function is to eliminate by-products and poisons from your dog’s blood. They also produce urine and manage the body’s electrolyte and fluid balance.
Dogs need to consume extra water if their kidneys aren’t operating correctly. The condition of the kidneys in dogs and canines of all ages may cause other issues. This is why it’s essential to look out for signs that indicate the kidney condition.
The failure of one or both kidneys could occur swiftly or occur over a long time. Both types of renal failure can be hazardous, so you must discuss the problem with your vet.
Diabetes Mellitus
The inability of the body to respond to insulin is the main reason behind this illness. Insulin is necessary for sugar to be absorbed into your dog’s cells and used to provide energy to assist in the proper functioning of your dog’s organs. If there is insulin scarcity or the body fails to respond healthily to insulin, the blood sugar level will become too high.
Diabetes mellitus is a condition that can affect any dog; however, it is more frequent in middle-aged or older dogs. If it is not recognized and not appropriately addressed, the results could be very severe. Consult your vet for information on wellness insurance for dogs.