In addition to making sure that our dog eats properly, we must pay attention to its water intake. We must always keep fresh and clean water within reach and check that the amount is adequate.
Water is the most important essential nutrient for the survival of organisms, with 70% of body weight being water. In the case of our dogs, we are going to find out in this article on our site if they are drinking more water than is necessary to carry out their functions. Why does your dog drink a lot of water? Find out below:
The functions of water for the dog:
Before becoming alarmed and thinking that we are facing a symptom of illness, it is important to know the functions of water, in order to associate and thus detect the possible pathologies associated with its imbalance.
Among water functions you will find:
- The transport of nutrients and other waste products.
- Intervention in cellular metabolic reactions.
- Be part of the structure of organs and tissues.
- The protection and cushioning of the organs.
- Thermoregulation.
The origin of body water comes from its consumption, food intake and the metabolic reactions that take place in the body. In turn, water losses occur through urine, feces, the lungs (panting), and the skin. In the case of dogs, the elimination of water through the skin is minimal since they hardly sweat, they only have sweat glands in the pads.
My dog drinks a lot of water, is that normal?
There are some aspects to take into account related to water consumption, which is not always an indication of illness:
- Young dogs consume more water than older ones.
- The more our dog weighs, the more water it will drink.
- Dogs in gestation or lactation have greater water needs than in other physiological states.
- Dogs with greater physical activity need to drink more water than those who are more sedentary.
- The components of the daily food ration that our dog consumes will determine the water intake. The more dry matter the food contains, the more fiber and sodium the food will contain, so the dog will consume more water.
- The temperature and humidity that characterize the place where we live will influence water intake. Thus, in places with low humidity and hot, dogs will drink more water, and vice versa.
- The characteristics of the water (temperature, taste, smell, cleanliness) that our dogs have at their disposal also have an influence.
In addition, it is very important to highlight that certain pharmacological treatments such as corticosteroids or diuretics will also cause a increased water intake.
How much water should a dog drink a day?
How much water does a dog need to drink a day? If you do not have any disease there will be a balance between gains and losses of water and you will need 70 ml of water per day per kg of weight.
When water loss increases due to some pathology, the dog will need to ingest more water than normal, this alteration being called polydipsiaPolydipsia is usually accompanied by polyuria (you urinate more) and may or may not be accompanied by other clinical signs.
Water intake is regulated by antidiuretic hormone which is released by the pituitary gland and goes to the kidneys, which They act by concentrating the urine. This axis can malfunction at any of its points due to diseases such as:
- Mellitus diabetes
- Poisoning
- Systemic infections such as pyometra
- Hyperadrenocorticism
- Kidney failure
- Hypercalcemia
- Hepatic impairment
What to do if our dog urinates and drinks a lot?
If you think your dog drinks too much water and also vomits, is sad, eats little or has clear urine, don't hesitate and go to your trusted veterinarian.
The specialist must assess through different diagnostic tests what is the reason why our dog ingests more water and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Never try to apply a treatment on your own or medicate your dog without the supervision of the veterinarian.
