Any noticeable change in your pet’s behavior can be worrisome, particularly as your pet gets older. While senior pets may need special attention, you also have the benefit of knowing your pets’ habits and can more easily notice if something seems wrong.
One noticeable change in your pet’s behavior is a sudden increase in thirst, or what is known as polydipsia. Excessive thirst can be of particular concern for senior pets, as it can be a symptom of disease or a more serious medical condition. If there is no obvious reason for your pet’s increased thirst, such as exercise or weather, then you may need to consult a veterinarian for a check-up.
How Much Water Should My Pet Drink Daily?
All animals, like humans, need water. How much water a healthy dog or cat needs will depend on the pet’s size, breed, level of activity, general health, diet, time of year, and age. As a general rule, dogs need to drink one ounce for every pound (weight) every day1, and cats need a little less than an ounce per pound per day2. Just like humans, dogs and cats will drink more water in warm weather and while exercising.
Water Intake for Older Pets
Senior pets, however, may not be as active, so daily water intake should be more consistent to avoid dehydration. For cats, it may be more difficult to monitor water intake because cats drink less frequently and simply do not require as much water to stay healthy. Interestingly, like humans, cats have been known to be social drinkers. Also, if you feed your pet moist food, your pet will receive water while eating. Cats in particular need to drink less simply because they are staying hydrated from their food.
5 Reasons Your Pet Might Be Drinking a Lot of Water
The simplest reason your pet might be drinking more water is because they are thirsty. Unlike humans, dogs and cats reduce body temperature primarily by panting, which causes their body to lose water due to evaporation. Excessive panting will cause your pet to be thirsty and drinking water is the natural way to replenish the body. However, excessive drinking with no apparent cause can be the sign of disease. Older pets are especially prone to serious conditions that include excessive thirst as a symptom. For senior pets, this includes:
- Urinary tract infections or bladder disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Cushing's disease
- Dehydration
Urinary Tract Infections in Senior Pets
For senior pets, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common because as pets age, they have less control of their bladder. UTIs are caused by bacteria and some pets are more prone to them than others. In general, UTIs are a variety of infections that may affect the kidneys, the urethra, and the bladder. Bladder disease, however, is a type of UTI and includes bladder stones.
The most common symptom of a UTI is excessive urination, which is the result of increased water intake. Other symptoms include difficulty urinating or urinating in very small amounts despite drinking more water. You should also check the urine for any blood or cloudiness, or foul odor, which are also signs of infection. While many older pets experience some degree of incontinence, this is also a symptom of urinary tract disease. For senior cats, one symptom is urinating in locations outside the litter box.
UTI Symptoms:
- Excessive urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
If you suspect your senior pet has a UTI, your veterinarian will test a urine sample to determine whether your pet has an infection or any other medical conditions. Sometimes, a UTI is a symptom of a more serious medical condition, so it is important that your veterinarian conducts thorough testing which includes a urinalysis and a culture. With a proper diagnosis, UTIs are treated with antibiotics.
Senior Pet Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus in pets has risen and pets with diabetes require daily monitoring and care.3 Diabetes in animals is similar to the condition in humans and occurs when the body cannot produce or utilize its natural insulin. Symptoms for pets include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss or gain, and change in appetite.
Senior dogs and cats are at higher risk of diabetes, which can lead to many serious medical conditions, so it is important to seek medical attention. If your senior pet is diagnosed with diabetes, your veterinarian will provide a treatment plan that may include insulin injections, changes in diet, and an exercise routine. While treating diabetes in pets is challenging, with proper medical care, your senior pet can remain happy and manage their diabetes successfully.
Diabetes Symptoms:
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Weight loss or gain
- Change in appetite
Kidney Disease in Senior Pets
Excessive drinking is also a symptom of kidney disease in senior pets. Pets can experience acute kidney failure, which is the sudden failure of the kidneys due to ingesting a toxin or trauma. Other kidney diseases are chronic, can develop over time, and may be harder to spot. In older pets, chronic kidney disease is caused by hereditary as well as underlying medical illness including infection, kidney stones, cancer, and dental disease. If you suspect your pet has kidney disease, your veterinarian will conduct an examination and series of tests. If diagnosed, your doctor will provide a treatment plan which includes making sure your pet always has fresh water available and ensuring your dog is taken outside frequently to urinate.
Cushing's Disease
Cushing's disease occurs when a pet's body overproduces the hormone cortisol. It's most common in middle aged and senior dogs but does occur in cats less frequently. Increases in urination and appetite, lethargy, excessive panting, recurring skin infections, an enlarged abdomen, and increased thirst are all symptoms associated with Cushing's disease. If your dog is experiencing increased thirst or other symptoms associated with Cushing's disease, your veterinarian will need to perform blood tests and potentially an ultrasound to make an accurate diagnosis. The most common treatment includes medication and is required for the life of your pet.
Dehydration
Dehydration is the simplest explanation for why your pet might be drinking more water than usual. Pets become dehydrated when they lose more fluids than they consume. Dogs and cats regulate their body temperature through panting. This causes their body to lose water due to evaporation and thus requires them to consumer larger quantities of water. Intense heat, dry climates, and intense exercise can all lead to dehydration. In warmer climates or during the summer your pet will understandably need to cool down. Excessive panting will cause your pet to be thirsty and drink more water. However, if your pet is drinking excessive amounts of water regardless of the climate, they may be showing symptoms of the previously mentioned diseases and should be seen by your veterinarian.
What to Expect While at the Vet
All of these conditions are complicated and require proper diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian. While at the vet, one of the things you can expect the veterinarian to do is a skin turgor test. A skin turgor test is used to see how fast the skin bounces back to its normal placement. A common area for this test is on the pets back. Other things you can expect at the vet include an inspection of the inner gums and general questions about your pets drinking and bathroom habits.
All pets need water, but when your senior pet is drinking more water than usual, it could be a sign of a disease or medical condition that warrants a trip to the veterinarian. With Pets Best pet insurance your can have peace of mind knowing you'll have help affording the best course of treatment for your senior pet.
References
1 Reisen, J. (2019, March 21). Is Your Puppy Drinking Enough Water? [Web blog post]. Retrieved April, 15, 2019, from https://www.akc.org
2 Nicholas, J. (2017, November 27). My Cat Won't Drink: How Much Water Cats Need & Dehydration Prevention [Web blog post]. Retrieved April, 15, 2019, from https://www.preventivevet.com
3 Netherton, S. (2013, December 2). Diabetes Risks & Treatment in Pets [Web blog post]. Retrieved April, 15, 2019, from https://www.vetmed.illinois.edu
4Treating Cushing's Disease in Dogs [online article], Retrieved on May 9, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/treating-cushings-disease-dogs