How much water is too much?
 

We just got Remy 2 weeks ago (hes 6 months old) and we noticed that he drinks A LOT. We talked to the vet and the vet says he might just be a big drinker. In the 2 weeks we have had him there is no change in his drinking habits. I'm wondering if I should limit his water and give him 11 oz per day (he's 11 lbs). He also pees a lot, very clear and in large quantities. If anyone has any suggestions or experience with this I would really appreciate it. Thanks

I think it has to do with what food they eat. I vary Kasha's food between dehydrated raw and pre-made raw with free fed kibble all the time. The days she eats regular raw she drinks a lot less. Perhaps throw in some veggies on top of the kibble? Personally, I would note how much he's drinking, speak to your vet but overall if it's not a potty training problem I wouldn't be concerned. Kasha drinks and pees about 5-7 times a day.

That's what I was thinking...Thanks!

It's almost *never* a good idea to limit the water of an over-drinking dog bc of the possibility they could have Diabetes Insipidus (not diabetes mellitus). Limiting the water of a dog who has DI can easily be fatal.

Most dogs self regulate their water intake. However, when there is truly polydipsia (frequent drinking) and polyuria (frequent, dilute urination) - there is a reason for it. Even if it's just excessively hot/warm in your area right now...that would still be a reason why some dogs drink more, cyclically.

Dogs who eat kibble will drink more than dogs who eat raw or canned. That said, that doesn't mean that kibble-eaters' urine is expected to be more dilute. It just means they need more water in proportion to fulfill digestive needs.

Given your kiddo's age, it's hard to imagine their is something like D.inspidus or whatever...but if you truly do see PD/PU....it's something to keep pushing in terms of getting a diagnosis. I too was told Wylie's former PD/PU was "nothing"....well, after finally finding new vets....turned out Wylie has Atypical Cushings and hypothyroid.

Some reasons for PD/PU: Urinating Frequently (Polyuria) Can Be a Sign of Serious Disease in Pets

Ugh...I meant 'there' instead of 'their' in that one spot. Hate it when I do that, bugs me. :rolleyes:

This.

Kibble fed dogs will drink more, but this does sound abnormal.

Diabetes, diabetes insipidus, thyroid problems, liver problems, kidney problems, and cushings all need to be considered. Average for kibble fed dogs is about an ounce per pound daily (give or take). If he is drinking a ton more than that, diagnostics are needed. Could start with blood and urine testing. If the vet hasn't offered to do these things, then it's time for a second opinion. Unfortunately, some of the things listed above are quite common in Yorkies, so it's important to get to the bottom of it.

Diabetes Insipidus
 

IF it is DI, we are not talking about a little bit more water than normal, we are talking EXCESSIVE. Every new puppy owner feels like all they do is take their dog outside to pee, so they tell you it's normal. With DI, all your puppy wants to do it drink until they almost explode, and they pee every 5 minutes. it's not normal.

Loki was born with DI. His body just doesn't make vasopressin. Most vets are unfamiliar with it because it is extremely rare. Loki is almost 6 and does very well on medication. If your vet thinks it could be DI (clear pee, excessive drinking - sounds like it's possible to me) then the only test for it is a water depravation test which you DO NOT want to do. The better alternative is to simply get the medication and use it and see if there is an improvement (they will do urine specific gravity tests before and after).

The most difficult part of it all is the cost of the medication. You give it twice a day as an eye drop, pill or injection. Lately it's been hard to find. You also probably will never be able to just leave him home for 8 hours (not that most Yorkie owners can) I guess you could pee-pad train him, but you'll be setting out 5 or 6 pee pads at a time to absorb it all. Even with meds Loki goes an excessive amount - he's outside anywhere from every 45 mins when he's active to every 2-3 hours in between naps. Yes I can leave him home for 4-5 hours and he will nap and he does sleep through the night now, but I had to make sure he's medicated, leave water out, and MAKE SURE that he's empty before I leave. I couldn't do this when he was a puppy but he's house trained, medicated and lazy, so I know he will sleep :)

Most dogs drink 1 oz/pound a day, but normal can be up to 1.5-2oz/pound. Since Yorkies are so small, it's easy to measure the amount of water. Put down 8 oz at a time and keep refilling his bowl and keep track of how many times. I can't even remember exactly but Loki was drinking like a quart of water (32oz) of water a day when he was around 8 pounds. The bowl we have down now is a quart and I usually fill it once or twice a day for him (12 pounds) and his sis (6 pounds). So, he definitely drinks less but still a lot, the meds just allow his body to actually use the water.

I would definitely have them run blood tests or whatever they need to rule the other stuff out. Just don't let them stop at "tests came back negative" because if it is DI there is no test that can come back positive.