The Columbus Academy of Veterinary Medicine is an established local association of Central Ohio Veterinarians. Its members reflect all aspects of veterinary medicine from small and large animal veterinary practices to academics and research. All the members share the common goal of creating an organization to promote veterinary medicine and safeguard its interests on a local level. The Academy is a vital source of continuing education hours offered at no charge to its membership. It is an important link between the veterinary community and the public it serves.

Excessive Drinking and Urination
(Why is there a puddle on the floor?)

Are you filling your pet's water bowl more often lately? Is your dog asking to go outside more frequently or even having accidents in the house? Are you finding large amounts of urine in the litterbox or having to change the litter more often? These are all indications that your pet may be drinking more water. Polydipsia (excessive drinking) and polyuria (excessive urination) can be caused by a number of metabolic problems. To help differentiate among the numerous causes and determine how to treat the condition, your veterinarian will need to do a physical examination and may suggest bloodwork and urinalysis. The following are some of the common conditions that can cause excessive drinking and urination:

Kidney disease - One of the important functions of the kidneys is to conserve body water, therefore concentrating the urine. When the kidney's functional capacity is reduced, the urine becomes less concentrated and your pet drinks more to compensate for the loss of water in the urine. The kidneys can be damaged by toxins (such as antifreeze), chronic changes (due to aging or genetic predispositions), or infection.
Diabetes - Just like people, dogs and cats can also be diabetic. Insulin deficiency causes increases in blood sugar and changes in water balance, leading to thirst and excessive urination. Obesity is one of the major risk factors for diabetes, especially in cats. In addition, kidney disease and urinary tract infections can complicate the condition.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) - This is an endocrine disease of dogs resulting in increased production of steroids. Tumors in either the pituitary gland or adrenal glands cause the normal feedback loop between the pituitary and adrenals to become disrupted. Not only do dogs drink and urinate excessively, they may be hungrier, gain weight, lose hair, and pant more. Cushing-like symptoms can also be caused by high doses of steroids used to treat other conditions in your dog, such as skin conditions and immune-mediated disease. Although much less common, the opposite condition, Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism), of reduced steroid production can also cause excessive drinking and urination. Diagnostics are required to help differentate between these diseases.
Hyperthyroidism - The thyroid glands of cats can develop hyperfunctioning nodules which produce excess amounts of thyroid hormones. High levels of these hormones cause thirst and excess urination, as well as weight loss, increased appetite, vomiting/diarrhea, and hyperactivity. Most of these cats are older and may have chronic kidney disease as a complicating factor.

These are the most common causes of polydipsia and polyuria, but there are a number of other less common diseases which can cause the same symptoms. A complete blood count will look at the blood cells and indicate systemic infection or anemia. A chemical profile determines the general health of the major organ systems. The total thyroxine (T4) level will indicate the status of the thyroid glands. A urinalysis looks at kidney function and the health of the urinary tract. Other more specific tests may be needed if these general tests indicate a specific area of concern.

If you notice that your pet is drinking more or urinating more, contact your veterinarian for a physical examination. These conditions can be serious or even life-threatening. They can be treated! The goal is to help your pet lead a long, healthy, and happy life!

Excessive Drinking and Urination (Why is there a puddle on the floor?)

Excessive Drinking and Urination
(Why is there a puddle on the floor?)