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My puppy drinks his urine. What causes it and how can I stop it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My gsd puppy is drinking his urine. Why?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 28th, 2016

There can be many reasons that dogs or puppies might drink urine. This can happen if the puppy is very thirsty, either because there is no other water source available, or because he has a medical condition that makes him abnormally thirsty all the time. Certain illnesses like diabetes or a urinary tract infection can also make the urine smell or taste different, causing some dogs to want to lick or drink it. It can also be a strictly behavioral problem related to stress or anxiety, or an attention-seeking behavior.

I would recommend taking your puppy to the vet for an exam to see if there is a medical reason for this behavior. The vet can do a urinalysis as well as blood work or other testing if needed to check for any problems that may be causing it.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 2nd, 2017
He could have congenital kidney disease, diabetes inspidus, psychogenic polydypsia, other endocrine diseases, etc. If he has been tested for a UTI and it is negative than your vet could do some additional testing. Full blood work, x-rays, ultrasound, modified water deprivation test could be done to try to diagnose the problem and treat. You could take him to a veterinary internal medicine specialist if your vet is not able to diagnose.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 28th, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Peeing and drinking more frequently can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, or can also be a sign of kidney damage. Other possibilities include behavioral conditions.

I recommend that you have Jenny seen by a vet to have the urine and possibly the kidney values checked, and if this is normal discuss behavioral tactics to help with the inappropriate peeing.

Best of luck with Jenny!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on December 5th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea can be observed with conditions such as colitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, among many other possibilities. The increased urination and possibly blood in the urine could be due to something like a urinary tract infection for example. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may choose to check for parasites and to start medications depending on the results. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My puppy drinks his pee in his crate. Is it dehydration or anxiety?

Hello. It is possible that this is some type of separation anxiety issue. The first thing to rule out is the chance this is a urinary tract infection, so a veterinary exam may be needed to rule out a few things. For the most part, if this is an anxiety problem, once these puppies are well house trained, the behavior will stop. But do mention this to your vet at Teddy's next veterinary visit. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Is it safe for my puppy to drink his urine when isolated at night?

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My dog is eating poop and licking urine. What can I do to stop it?

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