Why Are My Dogs Drinking So Much Water?

It goes without saying that your dog should be drinking water throughout the day. In fact, most experts agree that a dog should drink one ounce of water for each pound of their body weight. So a 20-pound dog should drink 20 ounces of water daily. However, diet can also play a role in how much water your dog drinks, since raw-fed dogs often don’t drink as much water because they get much of the moisture they need from their meals. 

But, what do you do if you notice your dog drinking a lot of water? Many things can affect how much water your dog drinks. From the weather and their activity level to certain illnesses and their diet, it’s important to know the difference between when your dog is thirsty and when something could be wrong.

Read on to learn more about why your dog’s drinking a lot of water suddenly and if it should be a cause for concern.

Why Is My Dog Drinking a Lot of Water?

There are many reasons why your dog may be drinking a lot of water. Here is a handful you should know about:

Diet

Dogs that eat kibble often have a higher water intake than dogs on other diets. Commercial dry dog food often contains only a small amount of water (by some estimates, only 6-10% of the moisture your pet needs) and can be high in sodium. This mixture can naturally make your dog more thirsty.

The time of day your dog is drinking more water can also give you insight into why they’re thirsty. For instance, if you notice your dog drinking a lot of water at night, it may be because they’re not getting enough hydration throughout the day. 

If your dog is thirsty after mealtime, it could be their food causing them to be extra thirsty and you should consider switching them to a raw diet. The raw diet is about 70% moisture and is low in sodium to help keep your pup healthy and hydrated throughout the day.

Dogs on a raw diet often drink less water because they get moisture through their meals! 

Dehydration

Hot days or excessive play can leave your pooch dehydrated and in need of more water. According to the American Kennel Club, this happens when your dog is losing more water than they’re taking in.

It’s important for pet owners to be vigilant of the signs of dehydration in dogs:

• •Loss of skin elasticity

• •Loss of appetite

• •Vomiting with or without diarrhea

• •Reduced energy levels and lethargy

• •Panting

• •Sunken, dry-looking eyes

• •Dry nose

• •Dry, sticky gums

Dogs can also become dehydrated due to acute vomiting or diarrhea and certain illnesses and medications. If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, give them access to plenty of fresh, cool water.

If your dog drinks a lot of water and then throws up, this could be normal, especially if they’ve been playing a lot. However, if they’re continuously throwing up after drinking water or show signs of heatstroke, it’s time to bring them to the vet.

Can Dogs Drink Too Much Water?

While it’s important to ensure your pet isn’t dehydrated, it is possible for your dog to drink too much water. Daily Paws explains that the medical term for excessive water drinking is called polydipsia. It often increases urination and can lead to overhydration, which is a serious medical concern.

It can be difficult to tell if your dog drinks too much water since there’s no set amount that’s “too much.” After all, your dog may drink more on a hot day or if they’ve been playing. That’s why it’s important to understand your dog’s habits and look for the signs of excessive drinking such as drinking too fast, vomiting, lethargy, and bloating. 

You should always make sure your dog isn’t drinking too much water, especially if they love swimming or playing with the hose. You can prevent your dog from drinking too much water by monitoring their playtime and giving them water in smaller quantities throughout the day or investing in a floater bowl that limits the amount of water they can drink at a time.

The last two options are ideal if your dog tends to gulp down water too quickly, which can upset their stomach. These methods still ensure your dog stays hydrated throughout the day and has enough access to water.

Illness

Excessive drinking can also be a sign your pup is sick. There are many health conditions that lead to excessive thirst and possible dehydration, including:

• •Diabetes (particularly diabetes mellitus)

• •Cushing's disease

• •Kidney disease

• •Liver disease

If you notice your old dog drinking a lot of water suddenly, it could be the sign of a health problem. Senior dogs are more prone to illnesses like Cushing’s disease and kidney failure, which can be life-threatening. Reach out to your veterinarian if your dog suddenly increases their water consumption without any changes to their diet, exercise, or environmental factors.

Medication

It’s also important to note that sometimes excessive thirst and urination can be a side effect of your dog’s medication. If your pup is on medication for certain conditions like allergies or heart failure, talk to your veterinarian about the possible side effects.

This can help you determine how much water your dog needs.

Ensuring Your Dog Gets Enough Water

At the end of the day, your dog should always have enough access to fresh, clean water and you can keep an eye on how much they drink. 

If your dog is drinking a lot of water, it isn’t always a sign of concern. Consider any environmental factors or things like diet or medication that could be making them extra thirsty, and see if there’s anything you can do to help, like switching them to a raw diet that naturally has more moisture. If the change in drinking habits is sudden and persists, it may be time to visit your vet.

Want to learn more about the benefits of raw food for your pets and how it can affect their drinking habits? Keep reading here.