Dog Urinating a Lot and Drinking a Lot: What It Could Mean

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

• Increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria) in dogs are significant clinical signs that warrant prompt veterinary evaluation, as they can indicate serious underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease.
• Emergency signs requiring immediate veterinary intervention include straining to urinate with little or no output, repeated vomiting, collapse, or severe weakness, which may suggest a life-threatening urinary blockage or acute organ failure.
• Diagnostic workup typically involves a physical examination, urinalysis to assess urine concentration, glucose, and protein levels, and blood chemistry panels to evaluate kidney function, blood glucose, and organ health.
• Common differential diagnoses for polyuria and polydipsia include diabetes mellitus (characterized by hyperglycemia and glucosuria), chronic kidney disease (impaired urine concentrating ability), Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), and urinary tract infections.
• Owners should meticulously record water intake, urination frequency, urine appearance, and any changes in appetite, energy, or weight to provide crucial historical data for the veterinarian.
• Never restrict a dog's water intake when experiencing increased thirst, as this can exacerbate dehydration and worsen underlying conditions; instead, ensure constant access to fresh water and schedule a veterinary appointment.

If your dog is drinking more water than usual and needing to urinate more often, you are right to pay attention. These two signs often appear together, and they can point to several different health conditions. Some of those conditions are serious, but many are very treatable when caught early. The most important step is to notice the change and act on it today.

First, check for emergency signs. If your dog is straining to urinate and producing little or no urine, that is a life-threatening blockage and you must go to an emergency vet immediately. The same applies if your dog is vomiting repeatedly, collapsing, or showing signs of severe weakness. Do not wait to see if these signs pass. Call your emergency clinic and go now.

For most dogs, however, increased thirst and urination develop gradually. You might notice your dog emptying the water bowl twice as fast, waking you at night to go outside, or having accidents in the house. These changes are worth a same-day appointment with your regular veterinarian. Do not try to restrict your dog's water to reduce the urination. Withholding water can make some conditions worse and can be dangerous.

Is This an Emergency?

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 "tiers": [
  {
   "tier": "danger",
   "label": "Go to emergency vet now",
   "signs": [
    "Straining to urinate with little or no urine produced, vomiting repeatedly, collapse or inability to stand, pale or white gums, very weak pulse, breathing heavily at rest"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Do not wait",
    "Call your emergency clinic and transport your dog immediately"
   ]
  },
  {
   "tier": "warn",
   "label": "Book a same-day appointment",
   "signs": [
    "Drinking and urinating noticeably more for more than 24 hours, accidents in the house after being house-trained, waking at night to urinate, drinking more than about double the usual amount, weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, lethargy or reduced energy"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Call your regular vet today",
    "Ask if they want a urine sample at the visit"
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  },
  {
   "tier": "safe",
   "label": "Watch at home for a defined period",
   "signs": [
    "A single day of increased thirst after heavy exercise, hot weather, or eating a salty treat, urination returns to normal within 24 hours, no other signs of illness"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Monitor water intake and bathroom habits for one day",
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What Is Most Likely Going On

The medical term for this combination is polyuria and polydipsia. Polyuria means producing too much urine, and polydipsia means drinking too much water. In most cases, the dog is drinking more because the body is losing extra fluid through the kidneys. The thirst is a response, not the root problem.

Several common conditions cause this. Diabetes mellitus, often called sugar diabetes, is one of the most frequent causes in dogs. In this disease, the body cannot use sugar from the blood properly, so excess sugar spills into the urine. That sugar pulls water along with it, creating large volumes of urine. The dog drinks to replace the lost fluid. You may also notice weight loss even though your dog eats well, or cloudy eyes in older dogs.

Another common cause is chronic kidney disease, sometimes called kidney failure. The kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine, so the dog produces large amounts of dilute urine and drinks more to keep up. This condition is more common in older dogs but can occur at any age. Early kidney disease often shows no signs other than increased thirst and urination, which is why testing matters.

What Else It Could Be

Several other conditions can produce the same signs. Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, happens when the body makes too much cortisol, a stress hormone. Dogs with this condition drink and urinate more, and they often develop a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, and increased appetite. It is more common in middle-aged and older dogs.

Urinary tract infections can also cause increased urination, though usually with smaller amounts each time. Your dog may strain to urinate, lick the genital area, or have accidents. Some infections cause blood in the urine. A simple urine test can identify this.

Less common causes include diabetes insipidus, a different disease from sugar diabetes, where the kidney cannot respond to a hormone that controls water balance. Liver disease, high blood calcium, and certain medications can also increase thirst and urination. Some female dogs drink more during certain stages of their heat cycle, and pregnancy can cause similar changes.

Why Testing Is Necessary

You cannot tell these conditions apart by watching your dog. The signs overlap heavily, and the treatment for each is completely different. For example, giving insulin for sugar diabetes would be harmful to a dog with diabetes insipidus. Giving the wrong treatment based on a guess can delay proper care and make your dog worse.

Your veterinarian will start with a physical examination and a urine sample. The urine test checks for sugar, protein, infection, and how well the kidneys are concentrating urine. Blood tests measure kidney function, blood sugar, and other organ values. Depending on those results, your vet may recommend further tests such as an ultrasound or a specific hormone test. The MSD Veterinary Manual Pet Owner Version explains how these tests help narrow down the cause.

What You Can Do Before the Appointment

Keep a simple record for your vet. Measure how much water you put in the bowl each morning and how much is left at night. Note how many times your dog urinates in a day and whether any accidents happen at night. If you can, collect a fresh urine sample in a clean container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. Your vet can tell you if they prefer a sample collected at the clinic.

Do not change your dog's food, water, or medications before the visit unless your vet tells you to. Do not give any over-the-counter remedies. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that sudden changes in thirst and urination always deserve a professional evaluation. The American Animal Hospital Association similarly recommends prompt veterinary care for these signs.

The good news is that many causes of increased thirst and urination are manageable with early treatment. Diabetes and kidney disease require lifelong care, but dogs can live comfortably for years with proper management. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better the outcome. Call your vet today and describe what you are seeing.

What You Can Safely Do at Home Right Now

If your dog is drinking and urinating more than usual, there are a few things you can do at home while you arrange a veterinary visit. These steps do not replace a diagnosis, but they help you gather useful information and keep your dog comfortable.

Make sure fresh water is always available. Do not restrict water, even if your dog seems to be drinking an excessive amount. Limiting water can lead to dehydration, especially if the increased thirst is caused by a condition like diabetes or kidney disease. Your dog needs that water to maintain normal body functions.

Keep your dog on their normal diet unless your veterinarian tells you otherwise. Sudden diet changes can cause digestive upset and make it harder to interpret test results. If your dog is also vomiting, has diarrhea, or is refusing food, contact your veterinarian sooner instead of later.

Do not give any human medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers or supplements. Many human drugs are toxic to dogs, and the correct dose for a dog depends on their weight, health status, and the specific condition being treated. Only a veterinarian can determine what is safe and appropriate.

Do not wait and watch if your dog is straining to urinate and producing little or no urine, is lethargic, vomiting, has a swollen or painful belly, or is collapsing. These signs can indicate a life-threatening emergency such as a urinary blockage or kidney failure. Seek in-person emergency care immediately.

What to Write Down Before You Call the Vet

A clear history helps your veterinarian narrow down the possibilities. Before you call, write down the following details:

• How much water your dog drinks in 24 hours. You can measure this by filling a bowl to a marked level and checking how much is gone at the end of the day.
• How often your dog urinates. Count the number of times they go out or use a pee pad in a day.
• The color and clarity of the urine. Note if it looks pale, dark, cloudy, or bloody.
• Any accidents in the house, especially if your dog was previously house-trained.
• Changes in appetite, weight, energy level, or behavior.
• Any medications, supplements, or recent diet changes.
• When the increased drinking and urination first started. Was it sudden or gradual?

Bring this information to the appointment. It gives your veterinarian a starting point and can reduce the number of tests needed.

Symptom Diary Template

Use this simple table to track your dog's signs for 24 to 48 hours before the visit. Fill it in each time your dog drinks or urinates.

Bring this diary to the appointment. It is often more accurate than trying to remember details during the visit.

What a Veterinary Visit Usually Involves

Your veterinarian will start by asking about your dog's history and the signs you have observed. They will perform a physical examination, which includes feeling the abdomen, checking the gums for hydration, and listening to the heart and lungs. These hands-on steps cannot be done remotely.

The most common tests for increased thirst and urination include:

• A urinalysis to check for infection, glucose, protein, and concentration of the urine.
• A blood chemistry panel to evaluate kidney function, blood sugar, and liver values.
• A complete blood count to look for signs of infection or inflammation.
• Blood pressure measurement, since high blood pressure can be linked to kidney disease.
• Imaging such as ultrasound or X-rays if your veterinarian suspects stones, tumors, or structural problems.

The exact tests depend on your dog's age, breed, and physical findings. For example, a young dog with a urinary tract infection may only need a urinalysis and culture, while an older dog with weight loss may need a full blood panel and imaging.

Costs vary widely by region and clinic. A basic urinalysis and blood panel might range from $150 to $400. Adding imaging or specialized hormone tests can push the total higher. These are general ranges only, not quotes. Ask your clinic for an estimate before testing begins.

When an Online Vet Can Help, and When It Cannot

Some situations in this article require hands-on care and must not be handled remotely. If your dog is straining to urinate with little or no output, has a painful or distended belly, is vomiting repeatedly, is collapsing, or is very lethargic, you need in-person emergency care immediately. A remote consultation cannot examine your dog, feel the abdomen, or run the tests needed to rule out a blockage or kidney failure.

A remote consultation is genuinely useful for early or mild presentations. If your dog has been drinking and urinating slightly more for a day or two, and otherwise seems normal, an online vet can help you decide whether a visit is needed. They can also help with a recheck on a known condition, answer a question about a medication side effect, or provide follow-up guidance for a chronic issue like diabetes or kidney disease.

A remote vet can take a detailed history, look at visible signs on video, and advise you on next steps. In many states, they can prescribe certain medications. However, they cannot palpate the abdomen, listen to the chest, take a temperature, run bloodwork, or image anything. Prescribing rules differ by state, and a veterinarian may require an in-person examination before prescribing. For this problem, a physical exam and lab work are usually necessary to reach a diagnosis, so plan for an in-person visit as the next step.

Common Mistakes Owners Make With This Problem

When a dog starts drinking and urinating more, owners often respond in ways that delay diagnosis or make things worse. Here are the most frequent errors and what to do instead.

The most dangerous mistake is waiting for the dog to seem sick. Many dogs with increased thirst and urination act completely normal at first. By the time they lose appetite or energy, the disease may be advanced. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises owners to contact their veterinarian early when they notice changes in thirst, urination, or appetite, instead of waiting for more serious signs.

How to Reduce the Chance of It Happening Again

You cannot prevent every cause of increased thirst and urination. Diabetes, for example, has a strong genetic component in many breeds. But you can lower the risk of some conditions and catch others early.

Keep your dog at a healthy body weight. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes in dogs, and excess weight also strains the kidneys and heart. Ask your vet what a healthy weight looks like for your dog's breed and frame, and measure food portions instead of guessing.

Schedule wellness exams at least once a year, and every six months for senior dogs. Routine blood work can catch early kidney changes or blood sugar elevations before your dog shows obvious signs. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends regular preventive care visits as the foundation for catching disease early.

Provide fresh water at all times and clean the bowl daily. Some dogs avoid drinking from dirty bowls, which can lead to dehydration. If you have multiple dogs, make sure each one can access water without competition.

Know your dog's normal. Count how many times your dog urinates on a typical day and roughly how much water the bowl loses. When you know the baseline, you will notice a real change sooner.

What Recovery and Ongoing Management Usually Look Like

Recovery depends entirely on the cause. There is no single timeline that fits every dog.

For a urinary tract infection, most dogs improve within days of starting antibiotics, and increased thirst usually resolves within a week. The full course of medication must be finished even if the dog seems better.

For diabetes, there is no cure. Management is lifelong and involves daily insulin injections, a consistent feeding schedule, and regular blood sugar monitoring. Most dogs adapt well within the first few weeks, and owners typically see a dramatic drop in thirst and urination once insulin doses are stabilized. Expect frequent vet visits in the first month to adjust dosing. The dose must be determined by your veterinarian based on your dog's weight, blood work, and response to treatment. Giving the wrong dose can cause seizures or death, so this is never something to adjust on your own.

For kidney disease, management focuses on slowing progression instead of reversing damage. This usually means a prescription kidney diet, increased water intake, and medications to control blood pressure or nausea. Some dogs remain stable for months or years. Others decline more quickly. Your vet will recommend rechecks every few months to track kidney values.

For Cushing's disease, treatment often reduces thirst and urination within a few weeks, though medication adjustments are common. For conditions like liver shunts or cancer, the outlook varies widely and depends on the specific diagnosis.

The most important part of ongoing care is communication. Keep a log of your dog's water intake, urination frequency, appetite, and energy level. Bring that log to every recheck. The MSD Veterinary Manual emphasizes that many of these conditions require long-term monitoring and that treatment plans often change over time based on your dog's response.

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog is drinking a lot but still seems happy and energetic. Do I really need to see a vet?

Yes. Increased thirst and urination are often the first signs of disease, and dogs are very good at hiding illness. A dog with early diabetes or kidney disease can look completely normal at home. By the time a dog seems unwell, the condition may be further along. A simple blood and urine test can give you answers quickly. The cost of testing is far lower than the cost of treating a crisis. Call your vet today and describe what you are seeing.

Can I just measure how much my dog drinks and tell the vet over the phone?

You can measure, and that information is useful. But a phone call cannot replace an examination. Your vet will need to feel your dog's abdomen, check hydration status, and run blood and urine tests to find the cause. Measuring water intake is a helpful step, not a substitute for the visit. Write down how much water your dog drinks in 24 hours and bring that number to the appointment.

How much water is too much for a dog?

A general guideline is that a dog should drink about one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, but this varies with activity, weather, and diet. A dog eating dry food drinks more than a dog eating canned food. The more important question is whether your dog's drinking has increased compared to its own normal. If you are refilling the bowl twice as often as usual, that is a change worth investigating.

Will my dog need to stay at the vet overnight?

Most dogs do not need hospitalization for initial testing. Blood work and urine tests usually take a few hours, and your dog can go home the same day. Hospitalization may be needed if your dog is dehydrated, has very high blood sugar, or is in kidney failure. Your vet will explain the plan based on your dog's results. Do not be alarmed if the vet recommends a full day visit. It is often the fastest way to get answers.

My dog is older. Is this just part of aging?

No. Aging itself does not cause excessive thirst and urination. Older dogs are more likely to develop diseases that cause these signs, but the signs are never normal. Kidney disease, diabetes, and Cushing's disease all become more common with age, and all are treatable or manageable when caught early. Ignoring the signs because of age can cost your dog months of good quality life.

What happens if I cannot afford the testing right away?

Tell your vet about your financial situation openly. Many clinics offer payment plans, and some conditions can be tested in stages. A basic urine test is often inexpensive and can rule out infection. Blood work can sometimes be split into essential panels. Do not skip testing entirely and do not try home remedies. Some causes, like diabetes, become much more expensive to treat if diagnosis is delayed. Your vet can help you prioritize tests based on what you can manage.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• Cat Straining to Poop but Only Passing Mucus: Causes and Care
• Cat Upset Stomach: Home Remedies That Are Safe
• Cat Straining to Poop but Nothing Comes Out: Emergency or Not?

References and Further Reading

• MSD Veterinary Manual Digestive Disorders of Dogs and Cats
• AVMA Pet Owner Resources
• MSD Veterinary Manual Pet Owner Version
• AAHA Pet Owner Resources

Related Articles

• Dog Excessive Thirst and Urination: What It Could Mean
• Dog Licking Floor and Vomiting: What Does It Mean?
• Dog Blood in Stool but Acting Normal: What Does It Mean?
• Dog Not Drinking Water: What the Vet Will Do and How Much It Costs
• Dog Bloated Stomach: Is It an Emergency?

This article is general educational information for pet owners. It is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, examination, or treatment. If your pet is showing severe or rapidly worsening signs, contact an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.