DOG'S EXCESSIVE DRINKING MAY NEED VET'S ATTENTION

Question: I have noticed that my dog has been drinking a lot of water lately. Is this any reason for concern?

Answer: Increased water intake in dogs could be a symptom of diabetes, certain hormonal problems, or kidney disease. Any of these are potentially serious and early treatment is important.

If possible try to catch a urine specimen. Take the specimen and your dog to a veterinarian for an examination. Your veterinarian may want to draw a small blood sample for additional tests.

Occasionally dogs will start drinking large quantities of water without any apparent disease process. This is probably a psychoses of some sort and is usually a transient condition. However it should be emphasized that if water consumption is excessive you should not take any chances. A routine examination as soon as possible is in the best interest of your pet.