What are the reasons for a sudden increase in water consumption in dogs?

A sudden increase in water consumption in dogs can be divided into non-disease causes and disease causes. Non-disease causes mainly include hot weather, excessive salt intake, and dehydration, while disease causes mainly include diabetes, renal failure, and cold and heat stroke. If a dog does not show other abnormal symptoms, it should be fine. However, if the dog has symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, etc., it is recommended to take the dog to a pet hospital for inspection and treat it according to the inspection results.

Non-disease causes

a. Hot weather

In summer, when the weather is hot, dogs will drink water to cool down and replenish the water they lose. At this time, owners can appropriately lower the ambient temperature or move the dog to a shady and well-ventilated place to avoid heat stroke.

b. Excessive salt intake

If the owner feeds the dog food that is too salty, it will cause the dog to feel thirsty, so the dog will suddenly drink water frequently to quench its thirst. It is recommended that owners do not feed their dogs too salty food, especially human food, or else it will exacerbate the dog's hair loss and it is better to feed the dog light and low-salt dog food and snacks.

c. Dehydration

When a dog is dehydrated, it will also drink water frequently. The most common and easily detectable symptom of dehydration is when the dog's skin loses elasticity. If you gently pull the dog's skin, it will not easily return to its original position, indicating that the dog might be dehydrated.

Once you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, consult a pet doctor immediately because dehydration is dangerous for dogs. If not treated promptly, it could potentially threaten the dog's life.

Disease causes

a. Diabetes

If the dog is thin and has symptoms of excessive drinking and urination, the owner should take the dog to the pet hospital for a diabetes screening. Many dogs will experience a significant increase in water intake when they have diabetes.

b. Renal failure

Renal failure in dogs can lead to dehydration, so the dog will suddenly drink water frequently. It will also exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and even refusal to eat. Since renal failure is a severe internal disease, it is essential for dogs with renal failure to go to the pet hospital for treatment promptly or it will easily exacerbate the condition, leading to severe renal failure and posing a risk to the dog's life.

c. Cold and heat stroke

When a dog has a cold and heat stroke, it will also suddenly drink water frequently. Because a cold can cause inflammation of the dog's throat, tonsils, and body heat, it will prompt the dog to drink water frequently to alleviate its discomfort.

If a dog has a cold, it can be treated with injections or medication, and proper warmth should be provided. The dog should not be bathed and can be fed nutritious food to boost its immunity and resistance. If a dog is suffering from heat stroke, it should be encouraged to drink more water, avoid fatty foods, and can be given fruits and vegetables to prevent heat stroke.