Dog Suddenly Drinking More Water: Early Warning Signs of Diabetes and Kidney Disease

"Why has my dog been drinking water constantly lately?" This is a change many pet owners notice. While drinking more water in hot weather or after exercise is normal, if water intake noticeably increases abnormally and continues for several days, your dog's body may be sending a warning signal. Early symptoms of diabetes, kidney disease, and Cushing's syndrome often include "excessive thirst and urination."

## What Is Normal Water Intake for Dogs?

Generally, dogs need about 50-60ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. For example:

* 5 kg small dog: approximately 250-300ml/day
* 10 kg medium dog: approximately 500-600ml/day
* 25 kg large dog: approximately 1250-1500ml/day

Dogs drink about 30% more in summer than winter, and intake temporarily increases after exercise. But if a dog that normally drinks 200ml suddenly drinks more than 500ml in a day, pay attention.

## Diseases That Increased Drinking May Indicate

### Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a "silent killer" in senior dogs, often showing obvious symptoms only after 75% of kidney function is lost. Excessive drinking and urination is one of the earliest indicators:

* Water intake and urination both increase significantly
* Urine becomes lighter in color and less odorous
* Later stages may include bad breath (uremic odor), vomiting, weight loss

### Diabetes

The typical symptoms of diabetes are "three increases and one decrease": increased drinking, eating, and urination, but decreased weight.

* High blood sugar causes glucose to be lost through urine
* The body produces large amounts of urine to excrete excess sugar
* Therefore, dogs need to drink more water to replace lost fluids

### Cushing's Syndrome

This is an endocrine disease with symptoms similar to diabetes:

1. Dramatically increased water and urine output
2. Increased appetite, progressive weight gain
3. Sagging abdomen (pot belly)
4. Thin skin, hair loss

### Other Possible Causes

* Pyometra (in unspayed female dogs)
* Diabetes insipidus
* Liver disease
* Hypercalcemia

## Accompanying Symptoms to Watch For

When your dog's water intake increases, also watch for:

| Symptom | Possible Disease |
|---------|------------------|
| Increased urination, pale color | Kidney disease, diabetes insipidus |
| Eating more but losing weight | Diabetes |
| Eating more and gaining weight | Cushing's syndrome |
| Lethargy, vomiting | Kidney failure, uremia |
| Abdominal swelling (female) | Pyometra |

## When to Seek Veterinary Care

Take your dog for examination promptly in these situations:

* Abnormally increased water intake persisting for more than 3 days
* Accompanied by frequent urination, appetite changes, or decreased energy
* Abnormal urine color (dark tea color, blood in urine)
* Vomiting, diarrhea, or bad breath appears
* Dogs over 7 years old showing increased drinking and urination

Veterinarians will assess kidney function, blood glucose levels, and other indicators through blood and urine tests to detect problems early.

## Daily Monitoring Tips

* Record daily water intake changes
* Observe urine color and frequency
* Weigh regularly and note abnormal changes
* Dogs over 7 years old should have at least one health checkup annually

Drinking more water isn't necessarily bad, but if it's a "sudden" and "persistent" change, it deserves attention. If kidney disease and diabetes are detected early, diet adjustments and treatment can effectively control the condition, allowing your dog to maintain good quality of life.

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**References:**
* https://petbarn-world.com/behavior/dog-drinking-too-much-water-3-day-observation-checklist/
* https://blog.mihuavet.tw/urinary/renal-failure/
* https://www.onedegree.hk/zh-hk/blog/pet-classroom/canine-kidney-disease
* https://spot-animal.com/狗狗糖尿病知多少
* https://www.pettalk.tw/blog/「多吃多渴多尿」和糖尿病很像的犬庫欣氏症

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