DR. JEREMY PROSSER, D.V.M.

brewertonvet@gmail.com

If you’ve noticed your dog drinking more water than usual, it’s natural to worry and wonder, what does it mean when an older dog starts drinking a lot of water? 

Sudden changes in water intake can be unsettling, especially as your pet ages and you become more vigilant about their health. While increased thirst in older dogs can sometimes be attributed to benign causes, such as warmer weather, diet adjustments, or age-related changes, it can also signal more serious health issues. 



In this guide, we’ll explore common reasons why older dogs may drink more water, how to recognize when thirst levels are excessive, and the steps you can take to ensure your dog stays healthy and hydrated.

What Does It Mean When an Older Dog Starts Drinking a Lot of Water?

As dogs age, their bodies change in ways that can lead to increased thirst. Here are a few common reasons why your elderly dog may be drinking more water:

1. Natural Aging - Older dogs need more water as their bodies become less efficient at retaining hydration.
2. Environmental Changes - Warmer weather, changes in activity, or new surroundings can make dogs feel thirstier.
3. Diet Adjustments - Switching to a new diet or food with lower moisture content can lead your dog to drink more water.
4. Medication Side Effects - Some medications can cause dry mouth or lead to increased thirst.
5. Health Issues - Increased thirst can be a sign of underlying health problems, including diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or Cushing's disease.
   

Excessive drinking can sometimes be a symptom in very ill or elderly dogs nearing the end of life, as their bodies struggle to maintain normal function. However, this is not always the case, and increased thirst alone is rarely an indication that a dog is dying. 

Observing other signs such as extreme fatigue, loss of interest in food, difficulty breathing, or discomfort alongside increased water intake may indicate serious issues. Always consult a vet for a professional assessment if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.

Do Dogs Drink More Water When They Are in Pain?

Yes, dogs may drink more water when they are in pain, although this is not always the case. 



Pain can lead to stress and panting, both of which can increase thirst. Dogs with arthritis, injuries, or dental pain might also drink more water due to discomfort. If your dog is showing signs of pain—such as limping, whimpering, or being unusually quiet—it’s a good idea to monitor their behavior closely and consult with a vet.

Excessive thirst, or polydipsia, is when a dog drinks more water than is typical for their size and activity level. 



Generally, dogs should drink between 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. For instance, a 50-pound dog would usually drink about 25 to 50 ounces of water daily. Drinking beyond this amount consistently may indicate a need for further investigation.

How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Too Much Water?

If your dog’s water intake seems unusually high, here are signs to watch for that could indicate a problem:

• An increase in bathroom breaks or accidents indoors.
• Lethargy, increased sleep, or other unusual behavior patterns.
• Weight loss, decreased appetite, or changes in coat condition.
  

Easy Tips to Keep an Eye on Your Dog’s Drinking Habits

If your dog is drinking more water than usual, monitoring their habits can help you determine if this increase is due to harmless factors or if it might signal a health issue. Keeping a close watch on water intake, bathroom habits, and daily routines can be an effective way to manage your dog’s overall health, especially as they age. 

Here are some tips on what to do to stay informed about any changes in their drinking patterns:

Track Their Daily Water Intake

Begin by filling your dog’s water bowl with a set amount each morning. Make a note of how much water is left at the end of the day to determine how much they drank. This can help you establish a baseline for what’s “normal” for your dog, making it easier to spot changes over time. If they start drinking significantly more than usual for several days in a row, it may be worth investigating further.

Observe Drinking Patterns and Routine Changes

Take note of when your dog seems to drink the most. Do they drink more after long walks, meals, or playtime, or are they visiting the bowl more often throughout the day? If you notice your dog repeatedly going to the water bowl without obvious triggers—like exercise or warm weather—this could be a sign of increased thirst that needs monitoring. Watch for any unusual behaviors, like pacing to the water bowl frequently, which could suggest an underlying issue.

Monitor Bathroom Habits Closely

Increased water intake usually means more frequent bathroom breaks. If you’re taking your dog outside more often than usual or if they’re waking you up at night to go out, this could indicate they’re drinking excessively. Additionally, a house-trained dog suddenly having accidents indoors is often a sign that their body is struggling to handle the increased volume of water. Keep track of these changes as they can be important signs of health issues, like kidney disease or diabetes, that require vet attention.

Assess Urine Appearance and Smell

Pay attention to any changes in your dog’s urine, such as color, odor, or volume. If their urine appears very light and diluted, it might mean they’re drinking excessively, which can sometimes be related to health conditions. Similarly, a strong or foul odor could indicate an infection, such as a urinary tract infection, that warrants a vet visit. Monitoring these details can provide further clues about your dog’s health.

Preventing Dehydration in Older Dogs

While we’re talking about thirst, it’s also a good reminder to make sure your dog doesn’t get dehydrated, especially during warmer months. Dehydration is more common in older dogs accompanied by other symptoms such as dry gums, lethargy, and even sunken eyes.



If you detect these signs, try encouraging your dog to drink in small sips. Do ensure that fresh water is always available!