Urgent
Excessive Thirst in Pets
Normal water intake is up to 50–60 ml/kg/day. Regular excess needs blood and urine testing.
If thirst rises over days with weight loss — urgent vet visit.
Excessive Thirst in Pets
Normal water intake is up to 50–60 ml/kg/day. Regular excess needs blood and urine testing.
- •Chronic kidney disease
- •Diabetes mellitus
- •Cushing's syndrome in dogs
- •Pyometra in intact bitches (life-threatening)
Possible causes
- •Chronic kidney disease
- •Diabetes mellitus
- •Cushing's syndrome in dogs
- •Pyometra in intact bitches (life-threatening)
- •Liver disease
- •Heat or exercise (normal)
What to do at home
- Measure ml of water drunk per day
- Do not restrict water — masks the sign and is dangerous
- Collect morning urine for testing
- Log urination frequency
When to call the vet
- →Thirst > 100 ml/kg/day
- →With weight loss, vomiting, lethargy
- →Bitch after heat — heavy drinking (rule out pyometra)
- →Senior pet with sudden habit change
FAQ
What tests are needed?
CBC and chemistry, urinalysis with specific gravity, glucose. Ultrasound of the uterus in intact females.