Mary Allen
There are situations when your dog may drink more than usual, such as in the summer or when he moves a lot. But if your dog is thirsty all the time, you should definitely take him to the vet. Because: Excessive thirst can indicate a variety of medical conditions.
Is your dog constantly looking for water? Does he beg immediately after emptying his bowl? If you notice that your dog is suddenly drinking a lot more than usual, there is most likely something wrong. Therefore, you should immediately take your four-legged friend to the vet.
Dehydration in a Dog
The examiner can then use tests to figure out the underlying health cause behind the thirst. The most obvious solution is dehydration, which can be caused by, for example, excessive exercise, high temperatures, or poor diet.
In addition to thirst, lethargy, dry gums and tongue, and viscous saliva also indicate that your dog may be dehydrated.
Dehydration can be life-threatening, so your dog should see a veterinarian immediately, especially if he is vomiting. To relieve the symptoms of dehydration, you can slowly pour a small amount of water. If a dehydrated dog drinks too much water too quickly, it can induce vomiting, which will only worsen his condition. For example, a small dog should be given a teaspoon of water every ten minutes for several hours. For medium to large dogs, this is one to two tablespoons.
Dry Food Can Make Your Dog Thirsty
If your dog only eats dry food, which contains very little liquid compared to wet food, this may also explain his thirst. Foods high in sodium also increase the need for fluids – this is often accompanied by symptoms such as tremors, diarrhea, depression, and vomiting.
Incidentally, large amounts of salt can be toxic to dogs. Therefore, never share particularly salty food with your four-legged friend.
Thirst is a Possible Symptom of the Disease
Diabetes, Cushing, cancer, diarrhea, fever, infections, and liver or kidney disease can all make your dog feel thirsty.
If you notice an increased water intake, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. For many diseases, it is helpful if they are identified and treated early.
Sometimes the thirst is not caused by the disease itself, but by the drugs used to treat it. For example, with anti-inflammatory drugs, heart pills, or drugs used to treat seizures. Therefore, discuss the possible side effects of your dog’s medications with your veterinarian.
How Do I Know If My Dog is Drinking Too Much?
Sometimes it’s hard to even tell that your dog is thirsty. Therefore, you should develop a routine that makes it easier to observe your drinking behavior: Fill the water bowl at about the same time every day. The bowl must be filled with the same amount each time you fill it. Also, pay attention to how much water you put in the bowl each day and how much water you put in the evening.
Very Important: Water is essential for your dog’s well-being, so you should never deny him water. If you think your dog is drinking too much or too little, see your veterinarian.