Do Old Dogs Drink More Water? Causes, Warning Signs & What You Should Do

As dogs get older, their bodies begin to change—just like humans. One common question many pet parents have is:
“Do old dogs drink more water?”

The short answer is: Yes, many senior dogs tend to drink more water, but sometimes this increase in thirst can also signal an underlying health issue. Knowing the difference is important for your dog’s comfort, health, and overall well-being.

In this guide, you’ll learn why older dogs drink more water, normal vs. abnormal drinking levels, health conditions to watch for, and practical steps to keep your senior dog healthy.

🐾 Is It Normal for Old Dogs to Drink More Water?

Yes—to some extent.
As dogs age:

• Their kidneys become less efficient

• Their body loses moisture faster

• They may move less, causing mild dehydration

• They may experience temperature sensitivity

All these factors naturally increase water intake.

But… excessive thirst can mean something more serious.

🚰 How Much Water Should an Older Dog Drink?

The general rule of thumb:

➡️ A dog should drink 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
Example:
A 40-lb senior dog should drink around 40 ounces (1.2 liters).

If your dog drinks significantly more, it could indicate a problem.

⚠️ Why Do Senior Dogs Drink More Water? (Common Causes)

Here are the most common reasons older dogs increase water intake:

1️⃣ Kidney Disease (Very Common in Senior Dogs)

Aging kidneys struggle to concentrate urine, causing:

• More pee

• More thirst

• Weight loss

• Bad breath (ammonia smell)

Kidney disease is the #1 medical reason for excessive drinking in older dogs.

2️⃣ Diabetes Mellitus

Dogs with diabetes often show:

• Excessive thirst

• Frequent urination

• Increased appetite

• Sudden weight loss

Senior dogs—especially overweight ones—are at higher risk.

3️⃣ Cushing’s Disease (Hormonal Imbalance)

A very common disease in older dogs caused by excess cortisol.

Symptoms include:

• Drinking a lot more water

• Excessive panting

• Round “pot-belly”

• Hair loss

• Muscle weakness

4️⃣ Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Older dogs are more prone to UTIs.

Watch for:

• Frequent urination

• Straining

• Blood in urine

• Strong smell

5️⃣ Hot Weather or Dehydration

Senior dogs are more sensitive to heat. Even mild dehydration will trigger increased thirst.

6️⃣ Medication Side Effects

Some common meds cause increased water intake:

• Steroids

• Anti-inflammatory drugs

• Seizure medications

7️⃣ Diet Changes

Dry kibble increases thirst more than canned or homemade food.

If you recently switched food, your dog may simply be compensating.

🩺 When Should You Worry About Your Old Dog Drinking Too Much Water?

Seek a vet check if your dog:

• Drinks more than usual for several days

• Pees in the house

• Seems tired, confused, or weak

• Has sudden changes in appetite

• Has weight loss or gain

• Has vomiting or diarrhea

Any of these can signal a serious health issue that needs attention.

🏡 How to Help an Old Dog Drinking Too Much Water

Here are practical steps for at-home care:

✔️ 1. Measure Their Water Intake

Track how much your dog drinks daily for 3–5 days.
This helps your vet diagnose accurately.

✔️ 2. Switch to a Hydrating Diet

Consider adding:

• Wet food

• Bone broth (unsalted)

• Water-rich veggies like cucumber or zucchini

This supports hydration naturally.

✔️ 3. Provide Multiple Water Bowls

Older dogs may struggle to reach a single bowl.
Place bowls:

• Near their bed

• In the living room

• In the backyard

✔️ 4. Keep Water Clean and Fresh

Senior dogs are more sensitive to taste and smell.
Change water twice daily.

✔️ 5. Improve Mobility

If arthritis makes walking painful, your dog may avoid getting water.

Consider:

• Ramps

• Orthopedic beds

• Joint supplements (glucosamine + chondroitin)

✔️ 6. Visit Your Veterinarian

If drinking habits change suddenly, get blood tests for:

• Kidney function

• Blood sugar

• Electrolytes

• Hormones

Early detection saves lives.

🐶 Prevention Tips for Senior Dog Hydration

• Keep your dog at a healthy weight

• Maintain routine vet checkups

• Avoid high-sodium treats

• Monitor bathroom habits

• Ensure easy access to water at all times

🔍 FAQ: Old Dogs & Water Intake

1. Do older dogs get dehydrated easily?

Yes—because their organs and cells hold less water than those of younger dogs.

2. Should I limit my old dog’s water?

❌ Never.
Restricting water can make health conditions much worse.

3. What’s the most common disease causing excessive thirst?

Kidney disease and Cushing’s disease are the top two in senior pets.

4. When should I call the vet?

If your dog shows any sudden change in drinking behavior lasting more than 48 hours.

📝 Final Thoughts

Older dogs often drink more water—and in many cases, it’s completely normal.
But if your senior dog suddenly becomes extremely thirsty, it could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs attention.

With proper monitoring, hydration, and timely veterinary care, you can help your beloved senior dog live a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life.