Tuesday 27th April 2021
10 causes of
increased thirst in pets
Increased
thirst (or polydipsia) may arise for a variety of reasons. Some of the explanations
below are circumstantial and should not be cause for concern:
1. Warmer weather and increased
humidity.
2. Increased level of activity / excitement / anxiety.
Read our article on highly active dogs here
Read our article on anxious dogs here
3. Eating salty additions / treats.
4. A change from wet food to dry food or increasing the proportion of dry to wet food.
Read our advice on changing your pet’s diet here
5. Changing from a diet which is lower in sodium to one which contains a higher level.
2. Increased level of activity / excitement / anxiety.
Read our article on highly active dogs here
Read our article on anxious dogs here
3. Eating salty additions / treats.
4. A change from wet food to dry food or increasing the proportion of dry to wet food.
Read our advice on changing your pet’s diet here
5. Changing from a diet which is lower in sodium to one which contains a higher level.
However, increased
thirst can also be symptomatic of a medical or behavioral issue such as:
1. Renal dysfunction
Read our advice on feeding pets with renal problems here
2. Liver disease
3. Diabetes insipidus
4. A side effect of certain drugs e.g. diuretics which remove excess fluid from the body
5. A sudden fixation or obsession with drinking
Read our advice on feeding pets with renal problems here
2. Liver disease
3. Diabetes insipidus
4. A side effect of certain drugs e.g. diuretics which remove excess fluid from the body
5. A sudden fixation or obsession with drinking
So how much
is too much?
If your pet
is suddenly drinking noticeably ‘a lot more than usual’, it is very important
to seek veterinary advice if matters do not resolve quickly. If the excessive fluid intake reaches extremes,
it may cause water intoxication.
The normal
average water intake for mammalian species is 44-66 ml/kg body weight but, if
in doubt, ask your vet for guidance for your particular pet’s needs.
Your vet
will be able to diagnose or eliminate medical causes and may perform a urine specific
gravity test during your visit, a relatively inexpensive and non-invasive means
to check that the kidneys are able to concentrate the urine properly.
It can be
helpful for your vet if you are able to measure your pet’s fluid intake prior
to your appointment. This is easily done in a single pet household by filling
the drinking bowl with a measured amount of water and topping it up whenever
necessary with a further measured volume. At the end of a 24-hour period you
then measure the amount left in the bowl and subtract this from the total.
It is
important to be vigilant as cats and dogs may also be drinking water from another
source such as puddles, toilet bowls, dripping taps etc.
Important
note. Never restrict fluids or prevent your pet from drinking before seeking
advice from your vet!
Excerpts
from fact sheet ‘Increased thirst’ by Ness Bird - Nutrition Adviser and RVN
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