5yo dog with excessive drinking and urination, no diagnosis.

I’m really at a loss here and getting a bit worried—my 5-year-old Golden Retriever, Max, has started drinking a lot more water than usual and needing to go out to pee all the time. It’s so strange, because he’s never been like this before. This has been going on for about a week now. It’s like every couple of hours he’s standing by the door, whimpering to go out, and it’s even interrupting his sleep, poor thing. We went to the vet already, but they couldn’t figure out what’s wrong. They suggested some tests, but it would be great to hear if anyone else has experienced something similar. Have any of you had this happen? I’m kind of anxious about what could be going on with my furry buddy.

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Answer

I completely understand why you're worried about your dog’s excessive drinking and urination. These symptoms, called polydipsia and polyuria, can be caused by several different issues. Common underlying causes include diabetes, kidney problems, Cushing's disease, or even a urinary tract infection. It's great that you’re paying attention to these changes, as early detection is key in managing possible health issues.



In the meantime, make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water. While it may seem counterintuitive, restricting water can actually make things worse, especially if there's an underlying medical condition. You might also want to monitor and jot down any other changes in behavior, activity levels, or appetite that you notice, as these can provide important clues for a vet.



Keep an eye out for signs that might indicate a more serious problem. This includes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or any noticeable weight changes. If you observe any of these, it’s important to consult with a vet promptly.



To delve deeper into your dog’s condition and to receive tailored advice, consider booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. This way, we can help you determine the next best steps for your dog’s health.

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