Why Is My Dog Drinking a Lot of Water? Is This Normal?

A: It depends, as there are various reasons why a dog might drink a lot of water.

If they’ve been spending time in warm weather, playing a lot, eating dry kibble, or nursing, this is pretty normal dog behavior.

However, if it’s persistent without a clear cause, it’s best to consult your veterinarian on what might be causing your dog to drink more water. 

We spoke to veterinary experts to find out why dogs drink a lot of water and when it’s time to see a vet. 

There are several reasons a dog might drink more water than usual, from hot weather and diet to medications and underlying health issues. 

Here are some of the most common reasons a dog may drink more water. 

According to our experts, excessive thirst, also known as polydipsia, can be an early sign of medical conditions, such as: 

• Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus causes high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, in dogs, which can lead to increased thirst and frequent urination. 
• Kidney disease: Kidney disease impacts the kidneys’ ability to successfully concentrate urine, prompting dogs to drink more water to combat water loss. 
• Cushing’s disease: Also called hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s disease can result in a dog drinking lots of water due to the excess cortisol levels, which affect both kidney function and fluid regulation. 
• Infections: Infections, such as urinary tract infections or pyometra, can cause fever and dehydration in dogs, resulting in increased drinking. 

Has your furry friend tuckered themselves out from an intense play session? Spent time in hot weather? Or are they currently nursing pups? If so, rest assured—all of these environmental factors naturally increase a dog’s hydration needs. 

A dog’s diet can be another reason they lap up lots of water.  

“Dietary influences, including high-sodium treats or dry kibble diets, may drive dogs to seek more water to balance their intake,” says Sabrina Kong, DVM, a veterinarian based in California. 

While rare, behavioral issues, like anxiety or psychogenic polydipsia (a compulsive drinking disorder), can cause dogs to drink an abnormal amount of water, Dr. Kong says. 

Like us, dogs can experience side effects from medications. Certain medications, like steroids or diuretics, can trigger thirst, Dr. Kong says. 

If you have concerns about a medication’s side effects, it’s always a good idea to talk with your vet. 

In general, a healthy, adult dog should drink roughly 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. 

“For example, a 20-pound dog drinking up to 20 ounces a day is typically within normal limits, Dr. Kong says. “However, consistency is key. Sudden spikes in thirst without an obvious cause warrant attention.” 

Our experts share these tips on how to measure how much water your dog drinks daily: 

• Measure the water you pour into their bowl each morning (e.g., 4 cups) and track how much remains 24 hours later. Then, subtract the leftovers to calculate the daily intake.  
  • It’s also recommended to factor in activity, weather, and diet. (Note: Wet food adds moisture.) You can use a marked water bowl, like the Necoichi elevated water bowl or Richell rehydration station waterer, to track the amount. 
• Track your dog’s drinking habits for three to five days for accuracy. 
• Monitor for frequent empty bowls or excessive urination. 
• Schedule a vet check to rule out medical issues if your dog’s intake consistently exceeds normal ranges, or your dog shows lethargy and/or vomiting. 

The best course of action for a dog drinking a lot of water depends on the reason for their increased water intake and their overall behavior. In some cases, no action is needed, while others may require a vet visit. 

Notice your dog is drinking a lot of water? This is normal if they’re acting like they usually do, as well as in certain instances, such as: 

• Long or vigorous physical activity: If your pooch had an intense play session or spent more time exercising, it’s normal to see them lap up more water once they’re done being physically active. This is to help replenish lost fluids, says Bethany Hsia, DVM, veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet, in Clovis, California. 
• Warmer weather: During spring and summer, dehydration risk increases, Dr. Hsia says. Like people, pups will drink more water to cool down and stay hydrated to beat the heat. 
• Transitioning from wet to dry food: If your dog is switching to a dry food diet, you might notice them gulping down more water. This can occur because kibble lacks moisture, Dr. Kong notes. 
• Nursing: Is your dog a new mom? If you notice they’re drinking a lot more water, this is because nursing mothers require extra fluids to support milk production, Dr. Kong says. 

Sometimes, a dog drinking a lot of water can be concerning if the behavior is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms. 

If your dog is drinking significantly more than usual over several days or weeks, this may indicate an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention, Dr. Hsia says. 

Along with excessive thirst, additional signs to watch for include: 

• Frequent urination, especially accidents indoors 
• Unusually dilute urine 
• Lethargy 
• Loss of appetite 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Weight loss (despite having a normal or increased appetite) 
• Panting 
• A pot-bellied appearance 
• Changes in behavior, such as restlessness or discomfort 

“Dehydration signs, like tacky gums or delayed skin elasticity, despite heavy drinking are red flags,” Dr. Kong says.  

If you find that your dog surpasses the general ounce-per-pound water rule without explanation, she recommends promptly consulting a vet.  

Dr. Kong and Ignacio Casali, DVM, emergency veterinarian at VEG ER for Pets in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, break down the step-by-step process of how vets treat excessive thirst: 

1. Physical examination and history: This involves assessing symptoms and recent changes in diet, behavior, or medications. 
2. Diagnostic tests: Blood work, urinalysis, and imaging (if needed) will be used to identify potential underlying causes. 
3. Treating the underlying condition: Depending on the results, the underlying condition will be addressed accordingly. This could be insulin therapy for diabetes, antibiotics for infections, dietary adjustments for kidney issues, or medications to manage Cushing’s disease. Fluid therapy may be recommended to maintain normal, healthy hydration. 
4. Medication or dietary adjustments: Your vet will adjust prescriptions, recommend hydration-focused diets, or restrict salt intake if necessary. 
5. Ongoing monitoring: Regular follow-ups are scheduled to ensure condition management and proper hydration levels. 

Q: Why does my dog drink a lot of water at night? 

A: According to Dr. Hsia, a dog might drink a lot of water at night due to several reasons, such as increased physical activity during the day, high salt content in food, or health issues, like cognitive dysfunction, diabetes or kidney disease, which lead to excessive thirst. 

Q: Why does my dog keep drinking water and throwing up? 

A: This could be caused by gastrointestinal issues, foreign body obstruction, infections, pancreatitis, or ingestion of toxic substances.  

Conditions like kidney disease can also lead to increased thirst followed by vomiting, Dr. Hsia notes.  

Consult a vet if your dog keeps drinking water and throwing up. 

Q: Why is my dog drinking lots of water and licking their paws? 

A: Drinking lots of water and paw licking can indicate an underlying issue.  

Increased thirst may stem from health conditions, like diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing’s syndrome, or infection, while paw licking is often tied to allergies, skin infections, injuries, or stress, Dr. Kong explains.  

Together, these behaviors might indicate systemic inflammation or hormonal imbalances, and warrant a vet visit.