My senior dog drinks too much, vets say she's just old. What's next?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on January 11th, 2020

  Am increase in thirst or urination, especially in an older pet, may indicate a degree of kidney disease. Other potential causes include infection and behavioral issues (psychogenic polydipsia).
  As long as he is behaving normally, you can wait to see your veterinarian. Schedule an appointment in the morning. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work to assess major organ function. Afterwards, xrays of the abdomen or an ultrasound may be done to further assess the kidneys and bladder.

  

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• Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 14th, 2018

  Drinking excessively also means that he is Urinating a lot more. This is called Polydipsia and polyuria or PU PD.
  There are various reasons for PU PD and they need to be investigated by a veterinarian, especially in an old dog.
  Blood work can rule out any of those.
  1) diabetes---a urinalysis and blood test will be able to rule it in or out. Diabetes is usually treated with diet and insulin.
  2) Cushing's disease: This is an overproduction of cortisone, either signaled by a pituitary tumor in the brain or by a malfunction or tumor of the adrenal glands. Medication can inhibit cortisone production. A potbelly and thinning or haircoat and excessive panting are common signs as well.
  3) Kidney disease, treated with diet and supportive treatment
  4)diabetes insipidus, usually tested with a water deprivation test and treated with a medication called Minirin.
  You will need to make an appointment with your vet for an exam and blood tests. I am sure your vet will find the cause of the PU PD.

  

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• Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 12th, 2018

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Scooter!
  
  Increased thirst, increased urination and urinary accidents are not normal. Since she is older I would recommend having her seen by a Vet and have blood work done. Increased thirst and urination can be from many things: Kidney disease, liver disease, Cushings, diabetes, cancer, urinary tract infection and if she isn't spayed then a infected uterus (pyometra) is also a cause.
  
  She should be seen!
  
  I wish you the best!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful