My dog drinks a lot - Causes and solutions

 Dogs can drink a lot of water for a variety of reasons. For example, if the dog is dehydrated or exposed to excessive heat, he may feel an intense sensation of thirst and drink a large volume of water to restore his body. However, some dogs turn this act of drinking water into a kind of compulsive reaction, turning a biological need into an obsessive behaviour.

If your dog is obsessed with drinking water, you can discover the causes and solutions in this article in The Pretty Pets. Of course, we reiterate the need to consult a veterinarian as soon as you notice a change in your dog's behavior.

1-Is he really obsessed?

A dog in perfect health consumes 70ml per kg of weight per day. A dog weighing 10 kg consumes 700ml of water per day. If your dog consumes a similar volume, you don't have to worry. However, if this figure changes, you should measure the amount he consumes to determine if it is really obsessive behaviour (stereotypy) or an alteration caused by the development of a disease. Next, we will talk about obsessive-compulsive disorder and the causes that lead to it.

2-Potomania: obsession of a dog that drinks a lot

In medical terminology, psychogenic potomania or polydipsia corresponds to a clinical picture characterized by a sensation of excessive thirst in the absence of physiological stimulation. In other words, the individual feels the need to drink water even if his body does not emit a biological signal of thirst. This phenomenon is physically translated into an obsessive behaviour in relation to water consumption.

Potomania can affect humans, pets (especially dogs and cats) and some wild animals in captivity. Many pet owners are unaware of this obsessive behavior in their pets because they consider them to be low risk, but excessive drinking water consumption is not beneficial to the health of any animal. If not treated properly, potomania can cause nausea, heart failure and death. In addition, if your dog is obsessed with water, it is a sign that his body is out of balance. Therefore, don't hesitate to consult a veterinarian when you detect unusual behaviour in your dog.

3-My dog drinks a lot: symptoms related to

Excessive water consumption can seriously affect the fluid balance in the body, in addition to gradually compromising kidney function. As a result, your pet may experience the following symptoms:

- Nausea;

- Cramps;

- Fatigue and drowsiness;

- Paralysis;

- Heart failure;

- Impaired cognitive ability;

- Seizures;

- Coma.

4-My dog drinks a lot of water: Psychological origins

Generally, potomania and all stereotypes (or obsessive behaviors) have their origin in psychological or emotional disorders. A pet can develop this behavior by being anxious, unstimulated physically and mentally, and living in a stressful environment or subject to prolonged isolation or incarceration.

All dogs, regardless of breed or size, need daily physical and mental activity to expend their energy and stay healthy. A dog that is left alone for hours, leads a sedentary lifestyle or lives in a low-stimulating environment can lead to a number of behavioural problems due to the accumulation of tension, stress or boredom.

Dogs that have not been properly socialized are also more vulnerable to the development of mania and compulsive disorders. Dogs need to be socialized at an early age in order to make a connection with their toys, objects, food, people and other animals. If this was not possible at a young age, it can be done in adulthood.

If you've just adopted a water-obsessed dog, you should also consider the possibility that your new friend may have a history of physical and emotional abuse. Feeling uncomfortable expressing himself, the dog may find his potomania as an outlet to relieve his accumulated tension. In this sense, you must be very patient and invest in a rehabilitation and socialization process with the help of a professional and an expert in canine ethology.

5-Potomania associated with brain damage

A dog can also develop an obsession for water after suffering damage to its hypothalamus. An organic alteration of this structure, such as a clot or a post-traumatic injury, could cause the abnormal emission of the thirst stimulus, making the animal feel the need to constantly consume water and become obsessed with it.

The hypothalamus is the part of the brain responsible for the control of various organic functions, including the regulation of the amount of water in the body. When the amount of water in the body decreases, the hypothalamus emits a nervous signal of thirst, which communicates to the dog the need to drink fluids. Therefore, damage to the hypothalamus could be associated with the development of potomania.

Although this type of diagnosis is very rare, it is important to take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out this possibility. The veterinarian will perform examinations and clinical studies to determine if canine potomania is associated with brain damage.

6-My dog drinks a lot: other causes

In addition to psychological disorders and brain damage, there are other causes that can explain why the dog drinks a lot of water:

- Diabetes: diabetic dogs can have a sensation of excessive thirst, which promotes the appearance of symptoms of potomania.

- Hormonal disorders: Some hormonal disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, can directly interfere with the metabolism and cause certain unusual behaviors.

- Eating disorders: Dogs that develop an excessive appetite or anorexia may develop a sensation of excessive thirst and become obsessed with drinking water.

- Prolonged treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, anticholinergics or with lithium in their compounds.

It should be noted that these causes are more related to increased water consumption without becoming obsessive behaviour.

7- What should I do if my dog drinks a lot of water?

The physical symptoms of potomania must be given quick and immediate attention in order to restore the dog's good health. At the veterinary clinic, the dog can receive appropriate treatment to balance the electrolyte levels in his body. Diuretic medications may also be administered to help remove excess water and stabilize body fluids.

The specific treatment of potomania will depend on the diagnosis of its cause in each patient. However, in most cases, the solution to a dog's obsession with water is to restore balance to the animal's mental health. Every owner must be committed to providing a positive environment and a healthier lifestyle for their pet. In addition, consultation with a canine ethologist and a professional trainer is essential for a successful rehabilitation and resocialization process.

8-Can I prevent my dog from drinking a lot of water?

Obsessive behaviors can not only be avoided but must be avoided for the mental and physical well-being of dogs. The best prevention of potomania is to provide a good quality of life for your pet. This includes respecting the following recommendations:

- Provide a positive environment where the dog can develop safely.

- Use positive reinforcement in its education and never use physical or emotional violence.

- Provide adequate medication and preventive care: regular visits to the veterinarian every 6 months, adherence to vaccination and de-worming schedules, proper hygiene, etc.

- Maintain a balanced diet taking into account his age, height, weight and special needs.

- Encourage your dog to take part in regular physical activity to maintain good health and avoid symptoms related to stress and boredom.

- Socialize your dog as soon as he is a puppy, preferably from the age of 6 months.

- Know and respect the 5 freedoms of animal welfare.