Symptom · Dogs and cats
Excessive thirst in dogs and cats: what it means and when to call the vet
A pet that suddenly drinks and urinates much more than usual should see a vet within a day or two. It is an early sign of several treatable conditions, including diabetes and kidney disease.
By Maya HartCommon causes
- Diabetes mellitus
- Kidney disease
- Overactive thyroid (cats)
- Cushing’s disease (dogs)
- Womb infection (pyometra) in unspayed females
- Hot weather, exercise or a dry-food diet
- Some medicines, such as steroids
What you can do at home
- Never restrict water
- Measure how much your pet drinks in 24 hours — it helps the vet
- Collect a urine sample if you can
What the vet may do
- Blood and urine tests
- Blood pressure checks
- Treatment depends on the cause
Prevention
- Yearly check-ups, twice yearly for seniors
- Keep your pet at a healthy weight
The details
Dogs usually drink around 50 ml per kilogram of body weight a day; drinking more than about 100 ml per kilogram is considered excessive. Cats drink less, especially on wet food. Because the conditions behind excessive thirst are easier to manage when caught early, it is worth a check even if your pet otherwise seems well.
Questions owners ask
Is excessive thirst in dogs and cats an emergency?
Usually it is not an emergency, but your pet should see a vet within 24 hours. Go now if you see: drinking a lot and vomiting; weakness, collapse or confusion; an unspayed female dog that is unwell after a season (possible womb infection).
What causes excessive thirst in dogs and cats?
Diabetes mellitus; Kidney disease; Overactive thyroid (cats); Cushing’s disease (dogs); Womb infection (pyometra) in unspayed females; Hot weather, exercise or a dry-food diet; Some medicines, such as steroids.
What can I do at home?
Never restrict water. Measure how much your pet drinks in 24 hours — it helps the vet. Collect a urine sample if you can.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts