Advice needed re dog drinking excessively

[MerryInthechelseahotel]

Hi, I wondered if you could offer any advice. For the last two days my dog, aged 7.5, has gone out for a walk and refused to walk for more than 5 mins. She has also today been drinking so much water. We have filled her bowl up, at her request, at least 6 times and it takes around a pint. I'm really worried about her. The only thing that is different is that on Thursday she went to see the vet for her ears and the vet gave her an anti inflammatory. She also did a basic medical for her. I can't see how that is relevant though. Has anyone any advice and also should I keep filling her bowl up if she is asking for more? Thanks for reading

My first thought would be diabetes. Has the vet tested for it? It's a simple urine test to check for glucose.

She needs to see a vet tomorrow at the latest.
Kidney damage or diabetes are both high up on the list.

Yes, diabetes. Vet tomorrow.
Is she weeing plenty ?

Is she eating and behaving normally - or is she lethargic, withdrawn and not eating? Does her coat feel or look rough/dry, are her ears burning hot or her gums flaming red?

Any of these can indicate infection along with thirst, especially pyometra, although if she is spayed then it won't be that!

If she feels hot to touch I would call the vet now, but at least call them first thing.

Both my dogs have had excessive thirst and apparently it is a very non-specific sign that can indicate loads of different problems, some more serious than others. You need to see a vet first thing in the morning

Was the anti-inflammatory a steroid injection? This will increase thirst and hunger temporarily. But yes, she needs to see the vet to check nothing serious. Hope she feels better soon

If it was a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, that can affect the kidneys. The vet is really your only option.

Thank you everyone. She is still eating her food. She has been out for a wee a couple of times since mid afternoon so not too much considering how much she has drunk. I had thought of diabetes too but there has been no weight loss, but the vet did mention she had put on a bit of weight. She has been spayed as a much younger dog. She's not hot to touch and nothing abnormal to see apart from the drinking. Thanks for your help everyone. I will call the vets first thing.

If it was a steroid injection you might expect her to drink more but definitely need to rule out more serious issues.

Try and collect a urine sample if you can, you don't need very much.

Tbh I feel a bit stupid but I don't know if it was a steroid or not. I will try for a sample. Thank you

Cushings disease
It’s a tumour in the brain .
Means the dog wees and drinks a lot
Lots of expensive tests to confirm it ,then more appointments to sort out meds ..
Dog will have a pot belly ,or hanging belly ,or look bigger and be drinking lots

I hope it isn't. She is just the perfect dog

@Pringlemonster

Cushings disease It’s a tumour in the brain . Means the dog wees and drinks a lot Lots of expensive tests to confirm it ,then more appointments to sort out meds .. Dog will have a pot belly ,or hanging belly ,or look bigger and be drinking lots

Sudden onset of diabetes/cushings etc is very unlikely - usually the signs build up gradually over a period of time. OP has already said the dog is fine in every other way and she will be taking to the vet tomorrow - why start diagnosing stuff and scaring her? Also, unless you are a vet registered with the RCVS, you have just broken the law (Veterinary Surgeons Act).

OP - hope everything is solved tomorrow and she'll be back to normal soon.

Thanks everyone. The vet said he thought the excessive drinking was due to the steroid injection. Apparently this is the most common side effect and can last for up to 10 days. She is fine in herself apart from the drinking now and enjoying walks again! Thanks for all your help. I was panicking a bit!