Why Is My Pet Drinking More Water?

By Laura Muzal.

During the summer months, many pet owners notice their pet making more trips to the water bowl. In many cases, this is completely normal. Warmer weather, increased activity, and spending more time outdoors can all increase your pet’s need for water. However, increased thirst can also be one of the first noticeable changes when something else is going on.

So how do you know when it is simply the summer heat and when it is time to call your veterinarian?

Here are five questions I encourage pet owners to ask.

1. Could the weather explain it?

Start by thinking about the obvious. Has the weather become much hotter? Has your pet been spending more time outside? Have they been going on longer walks, hiking, playing, or exercising more than usual?

Just like people, pets naturally need more water when temperatures rise or they become more active. If the increase in thirst matches these changes and your pet otherwise seems perfectly normal, the extra drinking may simply be their body’s way of staying hydrated.

2. Has anything changed in your pet’s routine?

Sometimes the answer has nothing to do with the weather. Think about whether anything else has changed recently. Has your pet started eating more dry food than usual? Have you traveled or moved? Have they started a new medication? Even small changes in routine can affect how much water a pet drinks.

Looking at the bigger picture often provides helpful clues before assuming there is a medical problem.

3. Is the increase mild or dramatic?

A slight increase in water intake during the summer is expected. On the other hand, if your pet suddenly seems to be drinking every chance they get, emptying the water bowl much faster than usual, or constantly looking for more water, that is worth paying closer attention to.

You know your pet better than anyone else. The most important comparison is not another pet. It is what is normal for your own.

If you are unsure whether your pet is actually drinking more than usual, consider measuring how much water you add to the bowl over a twenty four hour period. If you have multiple pets, this may not be practical, but even a rough estimate can be helpful information to share with your veterinarian.

4. Are you noticing any other changes?

Increased thirst rarely tells the whole story by itself. Ask yourself whether you have noticed any other changes, such as increased urination, changes in appetite, weight loss, vomiting, lower energy, accidents in the house, or changes in behavior.

These observations do not tell you what is causing the problem, but they can provide valuable information for your veterinarian.

While hot weather is often the reason for increased thirst, there are many other possible causes. Certain medications and medical conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, and hormonal disorders, are just a few of the reasons a veterinarian may want to evaluate a pet that is drinking more than usual. Because there are many possible explanations, it is important not to assume the cause based on a single symptom.

5. When should you call your veterinarian?

If the increased thirst continues for more than a day or two without an obvious explanation, seems excessive compared to what is normal for your pet, or is accompanied by any other concerning changes, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

One thing you should never do is restrict your pet’s access to water unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so. If your pet is drinking more because of an underlying health issue, limiting water can make the situation worse.

The bottom line is that increased thirst is not something to panic about, but it is also not something to ignore if it is unusual for your pet. Paying attention to changes in your pet’s normal habits and communicating those observations with your veterinarian can help identify potential concerns sooner.

Sometimes an extra trip to the water bowl is simply part of enjoying a hot summer day. Other times, it is your pet’s way of letting you know they need a little extra attention. By asking these five questions, you can feel more confident about when to continue monitoring at home and when it is time to involve your veterinarian.

Laura Muzal, Holistic Pet Health Coach and Animal Intuitive. Discover holistic strategies to help your pet thrive with her e-book “7 Secrets to a Happy Pet.” Filled with practical guidance, it shows how small shifts can make a big difference in your pet’s happiness and wellbeing.