If you’ve noticed that your senior dog is drinking a lot of water, you may want to seek out a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. A veterinarian can perform a thorough head-to-paw exam and conduct necessary diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. After reviewing your pet’s history, exam, and results of any diagnostic tests, the veterinarian can then recommend a treatment plan. Your veterinarian will work with you to provide the best outcome possible.
Diabetes
Dogs with diabetes tend to drink a lot of water to counteract the fact that their bodies produce less insulin than normal. This causes excessive thirst and urination, which are both common signs of diabetes in dogs. Sometimes these symptoms are not obvious to dog owners. If your dog displays both of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. In some cases, the problem may even be a hereditary one.
The first step in the diagnosis is to check your dog’s blood sugar level. A CBC, or complete blood count, is a useful test to determine a dog’s blood glucose level. A chemistry profile can give a good estimate of blood glucose, as it’s less likely to be affected by stress or other factors. A urine analysis can also be done to check for high glucose levels.
Kidney disease
If you notice your senior dog drinking a lot of water, you should be aware of a possible sign of kidney disease: mouth ulcers. Moreover, if your dog is losing his appetite and appears to be losing weight, this could be a sign of kidney failure. Other symptoms include pale gums, blood in the urine, and stumbling. For more information on the signs and symptoms of kidney disease, visit a vet.
There are two kinds of kidney failure. Acute kidney failure happens suddenly, while chronic failure takes time to develop. Chronic failure occurs gradually over time and may lead to other complications. Acute kidney failure usually develops following an injury or ingestion of a toxic substance. The latter is more likely to happen in older dogs. Kidney failure causes a dog to have increased thirst, as the kidneys cannot filter enough waste.
Diabetes in dogs
Dogs with diabetes often gulp water while having accidents inside the house and if their blood glucose level is elevated. This behavior is to flush out the excess glucose and prevent it from accumulating in the body. In some cases, diabetic dogs can also experience increased appetite and frequent house accidents. To treat diabetes in dogs, you can change the diet gradually over a week. If you notice changes in your dog’s behavior, consult your veterinarian.
Type 1 diabetes in dogs is caused by the lack of insulin in the body. This is caused by either a damaged or ineffective pancreas. This type requires daily injections of insulin. Another type of diabetes is insulin resistance, which occurs when the pancreas produces insulin but the cells do not respond to it. This type of diabetes occurs most commonly in older obese dogs and may develop during pregnancy and during female dogs’ heat periods.
Cushing’s syndrome
There are many possible symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs. They often show a bloated abdomen and a distended belly. The abdominal wall is stretched and the muscles weaken, leading to the skin becoming thin and oily. Other symptoms include persistent urinary tract infections and thin skin. Cushing’s disease is also associated with behavioral changes, including lethargy, poor appetite, and lack of affection for the owner. Treatment for Cushing’s disease can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition.
Treatment for Cushing’s disease varies from one animal to another. For example, veterinarians have often used Lysodren (mitotane) to treat the disorder in dogs, although the drug has numerous side effects. Moreover, Lysodren is often prescribed for off-label uses, with different dosage levels. Hence, veterinarians should consider using a medication specifically for animals, such as a prescription for a dog-specific antibiotic.
