Is Your Dog or Cat Drinking More Water? Make the Change Measurable

If your dog or cat starts drinking noticeably more than usual, arrange a veterinary assessment. Keep fresh water accessible while you seek advice. Do not ration water to reduce accidents or try a water-deprivation test at home.

VCA's guide to increased thirst and urination explains that several diseases and some medicines can cause this change. The guide recommends measuring drinking over a 24-hour period to help the veterinary assessment. The measurement supports the appointment; it should not delay care for a sick pet.

Use a consistent window and record every refill

If your veterinarian asks for a water record, choose a start and finish time. Measure what you put in each drinking bowl and what remains at the end. Include refills made by other caregivers. Record spills instead of silently counting the spilled water as drinking.

For example, if you put out 20 fluid ounces, add another 8, and measure 6 left at the end, 22 fluid ounces disappeared from the bowl. That is an arithmetic example, not a normal intake target. Spillage, evaporation and other animals may account for part of it.

Fountains and shared bowls can make individual measurements difficult. Tell the clinic about those limitations. Do not remove water sources or confine an animal without water to make the calculation easier.

Record the food context beside the number

A switch from moisture-rich meals to dry food changes how much water comes from dinner. Added water, canned food and access to other drinking locations also matter. Note these facts without attempting to subtract an estimated food-moisture value from an incomplete record.

Our cat hydration article covers everyday access and food moisture. A new, persistent increase in thirst is a different question and deserves its own conversation with the clinic.

Bring urination and medication details

Say whether there are larger litter clumps, more trips outside or new indoor accidents. List all prescribed medicines and supplements, including when they were started or changed. Do not stop a prescribed medicine to see whether drinking returns to normal.

VCA describes history, examination, blood tests and urinalysis as common parts of the investigation. A water record alone cannot distinguish kidney disease, diabetes or other causes.

Seek urgent advice if the change accompanies severe weakness, vomiting, collapse or difficulty urinating. Otherwise, bring your notes to the arranged appointment, and ask what changes should trigger an earlier call. The useful result is a measured description of your pet's pattern, with the uncertainties left visible.

Published by PARTNER Editorial Team for general education. Your veterinary team can advise on your pet’s individual health and feeding needs.