Increased Thirst & Urination in Pets Treated in Traverse City, MI
If your dog or cat is suddenly emptying the water bowl, asking to go outside more often, or having accidents in the house, it may be a sign of an underlying health problem. At Omnivet in Traverse City, MI, our team uses in-house diagnostics to find the cause of increased thirst and urination quickly and start the right treatment.
What Increased Thirst and Urination Can Mean
Veterinarians call these signs polydipsia (drinking more) and polyuria (urinating more). They usually appear together and can point to a number of conditions, including:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic kidney disease
- Urinary tract infections and other urinary infections
- Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) in dogs
- Hyperthyroidism in cats
- Liver disease
- Pyometra, a serious uterine infection in unspayed females
- High calcium levels, some cancers, or side effects of medications such as steroids
Hot weather, increased activity, or a switch to dry food can also cause a pet to drink more, but a lasting change is worth a closer look.
Signs to Watch For
Along with drinking and urinating more, you may notice larger urine clumps in the litter box, house-soiling, getting up at night to urinate, weight loss despite a good appetite, or decreased appetite, vomiting, or lethargy. If your pet is also straining to urinate, has blood in the urine, or is producing little or no urine, call us right away, as these can signal a urinary obstruction. An unspayed female dog that is drinking more and seems unwell needs to be seen the same day.
How We Diagnose the Cause
Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and ask about your pet’s water intake, diet, and medications. Because so many conditions can cause these signs, a medical workup is usually recommended, including:
- Bloodwork to check blood sugar, kidney and liver values, and electrolytes
- Urinalysis to measure urine concentration and look for glucose, crystals, or infection
- Urine culture when an infection is suspected
- Thyroid or adrenal hormone testing
- Digital X-rays to look for stones or organ changes
Treatment and Ongoing Care
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include antibiotics for infection, insulin and diet changes for diabetes, fluid therapy and a kidney-support plan, or medication for hormone disorders. Chronic or complex conditions benefit from ongoing monitoring, and our board-certified internal medicine service can help manage diabetes, kidney disease, and endocrine disorders long term.
Schedule an Evaluation
Never restrict your pet’s water to reduce urination, as this can lead to dehydration. Instead, call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 or visit through our same-day or walk-in appointments. If possible, bring a fresh urine sample collected in a clean container.
Frequently Asked Questions About Increased Thirst and Urination
How much water should my pet drink each day?
A general guideline is about one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Drinking noticeably more than usual for several days is worth an exam.
What is the most common cause of increased thirst in pets?
Diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and hormone disorders like Cushing’s disease in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats are among the most common causes.
Should I limit my pet’s water?
No. Restricting water can cause dehydration and make some conditions worse. Keep fresh water available and schedule an evaluation.
Should I bring a urine sample?
Yes, if you can. A fresh sample collected in a clean container within a few hours of your visit can speed up diagnosis.
Is increased thirst an emergency?
It is not always an emergency, but it becomes urgent if your pet is also vomiting, not eating, lethargic, straining to urinate, or is an unspayed female that seems ill. Call (231) 244-4860 right away in those cases.
Can increased thirst be treated?
Yes. Once we identify the cause, many conditions can be managed or resolved with medication, diet changes, or ongoing care.
What tests will my pet need?
Most pets need bloodwork and a urinalysis. Some also need hormone testing, urine culture, or X-rays.