Why Your Pet May Be Drinking More Water Than Usual
Is your pet taking extra trips to the water bowl lately? Have you noticed that you’re filling it up more than usual? Extra thirst on a hot day is normal, but sudden changes in behavior are worth paying attention to. Excessive thirst in pets can sometimes be a sign that something else is going on, especially when it comes with other changes in your pet’s everyday habits.
Extra Thirst Could Be a Big Clue
There are plenty of reasons your pet may be drinking more water. Hot weather, extra exercise, and certain medications can all leave your pet thirstier than usual. If your pet’s water intake has noticeably increased, it is a good idea to pay attention to behavior changes that can be signs of underlying health conditions.
Pay attention to:
- Decreased activity during hot weather
- Dehydration caused by certain medications
- Increased urination that can be a sign of kidney problems
- Excessive thirst may be a symptom of diabetes
- Behavioral changes may reflect hormonal changes
You may also notice your pet making more trips outside or having more accidents in the house. Increased urination often goes with increased thirst, so changes in both habits can be an important clue.
Kidney Disease & What to Look For
Your pet’s kidneys have an important job. They help filter waste from the blood and remove extra fluids from the body. When the kidneys aren’t working properly, your pet may start urinating more often and drinking more water to replace the fluids they are losing.
Kidney disease in pets is more common as they get older, but younger pets can develop kidney problems too.
Keep an eye out for changes like:
- Eating less than usual
- Losing weight
- Vomiting
- Seeming unusually tired
- Changes in bathroom habits
One symptom by itself does not necessarily mean your pet has kidney disease, but several changes together are worth discussing with your veterinarian.
When to Worry About Diabetes
Diabetes is another condition that can cause your pet to drink and urinate more than usual. When there is too much sugar in the bloodstream, the body works to get rid of it through the urine. This can leave your pet thirsty and visiting the water bowl more often.
Symptoms of pet diabetes:
- Drinking a lot more water
- Urinating more frequently
- Being unusually hungry
- Losing weight without trying
- Having less energy
- Behavioral changes
Of course, these symptoms can happen with other health problems too. That is why it is important to have your pet checked by a veterinarian rather than trying to figure out the cause on your own.
What is Normal & When to Panic
If you notice that your pet is suddenly drinking more water than normal, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Keep an eye on how much your pet is drinking, how often they are urinating, and whether you notice any other changes.
Your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork, a urinalysis, or other testing to find the root cause. Finding the problem early gives your pet a better chance at staying healthy.
Call Your Veterinarian Today
Our pets can’t tell us when something doesn’t feel right, so we have to pay attention to the little things. A change in drinking habits may seem minor, but it’s your pet’s way of letting you know something may be different.
If you are concerned about excessive thirst, increased urination, or other changes in your pet’s behavior, the team at Animal Medical Hospital & Urgent Care is here to help. Schedule a visit with your Charlotte veterinarian so your pet can get the care and answers they need.