My dog drinks a lot - is this a cause for concern?
Dogs
Not every case when a dog drinks a lot must indicate a health problem with the pet. Sometimes a dog drinks a lot of water because it is thirsty after exercise. However, the amount of water your pet consumes is a great indicator of your dog's health. When your dog consumes too little or too much fluid, you should take a closer look at your pet and even consult a veterinarian.
How much water should a dog consume?
Every dog is different and the amount of water your pet should consume depends on many factors. The amount of water consumed by a dog can be influenced by its diet, lifestyle, level of physical activity, and even the weather outside the window. It is estimated that a dog should consume 50 ml of water for every kilogram of body weight. Of course, this is only a contractual limit, because the actual needs of your pet may be different. On hot summer days, your pet can drink much more water than when the air temperature is lower. Remember that any changes in your pet's diet or any supplements or medications you take may affect the amount of water your pet consumes. To notice any abnormalities, you must determine the amount of water consumed by your pet in optimal weather conditions and with normal physical activity, to which the dog is used. To determine the amount of water your dog drinks during the day, you can accurately measure the water in your dog's bowl with a measuring cup or change the water bowl to one that has a measuring cup. Write down the amount of water you give in the morning and compare it with the amount of water left in the bowl at the end of the day.
Why does the dog drink a lot of water?
Not always when a dog drinks a lot, it is associated with problems with their health. In the everyday life of a pet, there may be several factors that change the number of fluids consumed by a dog. When your dog starts drinking more water, be sure to take a closer look at it. Many external factors can contribute to a quadruped's increased thirst. However, in the case of any health problems, excessive water consumption is usually accompanied by other symptoms.
Factors that make a dog drink a lot of water
If you change your dog's diet in any way, your pet may start drinking more water. Especially if your dog's diet contains more dry food than before. When your pet is taking medications or supplements, their water consumption may change as well, and this is not a cause for concern. Hot days are also conducive to drinking more fluids, but it is a natural reaction of the body to weather conditions. After returning from a long walk, does the dog drink a lot?
The pet must replenish the fluids it sweats out during physical exertion. If any of these factors accompany your increased water consumption, you can rest easy. Dogs sometimes exhibit obsessive behaviours that quadrupeds resort to in stressful situations. Obsessive behaviour in dogs can manifest in a variety of ways, from vigorous licking to chasing your tail or even drinking water. A stressed dog drinks a lot of water not because they are thirsty but because the activity relieves them from a stressful situation. Conversely, if your dog drinks a lot of water without having changed its routine, this may be the first sign of a dog's health problems.
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When a dog drinks a lot, should any health problems be suspected?
Consider whether there are other symptoms associated with increased thirst. If you notice any of these, don't hesitate to contact your vet right away. If the dog drinks a lot and pees a lot, this may indicate urinary or kidney problems. Never ignore your dog's heavy drinking and incontinence. When your dog drinks a lot, it may be a sign that the pet is suffering from cystitis or diabetes insipidus. In either case, you will find your dog drinking and peeing a lot. Consult your veterinarian who will help you treat your pet's ailments. If the dog drinks a lot of water and vomits, it may be suspected that the pet has chronic liver disease, adrenal insufficiency or hyperactivity, as well as hyperthyroidism or pyomyxia in female dogs.
My dog drinks a lot of water - what might the consequences be?
Once you know how much water your dog usually drinks, it will be easier for you to spot any changes. When you find that your dog is drinking more water than usual, consider whether there are any additional factors involved. If you know that your pet's diet has not changed recently, the dog's physical activity has remained at the same level as before, and the temperature outside the window does not exceed 25 degrees, it is worth taking a closer look at your pet.
The slight increase in water consumption should not be a cause for concern, but if your dog drinks much more water than before, it may become overhydrated. If a dog drinks a lot of water, it can dilute the electrolyte levels in the blood, which can lead to adverse changes in the blood cells. Overloading the body may cause gas or vomiting in your dog, but these are not the only risks. Excess water in a dog's diet can lead to loss of appetite.
If your dog drinks a lot and refuses to eat, you may suspect that your pet's water and electrolyte balance has been disturbed. The dog may experience muscle spasms and, in extreme cases, the dog may fall into a coma or die. If your dog is over-fluid, you may notice dilated pupils, the dog may be lethargic and lethargic. Hyperhydration can also manifest itself in hypersalivation, coordination problems, and problems with maintaining balance. If you notice these symptoms in a pet that has started drinking more water, consult your veterinarian immediately. Overcharging a dog's body can cause respiratory problems and, in extreme cases, even lead to a collapse.
Why does the dog drink a lot and what can be done about it?
Remember that your pet's increased thirst may be the result of various factors that are present in its life. A diet based solely on dry food can make your pet thirsty and this is a completely natural reaction. If your dog drinks a lot of water and pees more often than usual and has no urinary problems, you can try changing the diet. If salt is present in your dog's food, the quadruped will drink more water than a dog fed a good quality dry dog food with no added salt or other flavouring additives. It is extremely important to adjust the type of food to the age of the dog - for example, we use puppy food for young animals and senior dog food for older pets...
Introduce more and more humid food to your pet's diet. The moisture of dry food usually does not exceed 10%, while wet food is food with a moisture content of about 80%. Thanks to wet food, the dog consumes more fluids during the meal itself, which can significantly reduce the amount of water consumed by the pet.
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