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Wendy S asked in PetsDogs · 1 decade ago

what would cause my dog to drink excessive amounts of water?

I have a 4 yr old Neapolitan Mastiff who lately has been drinking excessive amounts of water. He will drink his bowl, my other dog's, then look for more. He also seems to be losing weight for some reason instead of gaining. He also recently bit my son near his eye for no reason which required 9 stitches. I am not sure if there is a medical problem that is causing him to act this way or what it is. I do not want to punish the dog if there is a medical issue that caused it. Any help would be appreciated.

31 Answers

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  • Favorite Answer

    Take it to the vet it could have some underlying medical issue that caused it to bite your child and excessive drinking water can be a symptom of diabetes. But don't forget with the heat all dogs increase their water intake!

  • 6 years ago

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    RE:

    what would cause my dog to drink excessive amounts of water?

    I have a 4 yr old Neapolitan Mastiff who lately has been drinking excessive amounts of water. He will drink his bowl, my other dog's, then look for more. He also seems to be losing weight for some reason instead of gaining. He also recently bit my son near his eye for no reason which required 9...

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  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    If you can't afford the trip to the vet just yet, can you at least phone the vet and ask for some advice to hold you over till you get there. Be sure to tell the vet how long she has been drinking massive amounts of water and also if she spends a fair bit of time outside as well. The vet may be able to suggest something you have at home to help her. Good luck.

  • 1 decade ago

    For human beings, drinking excessive amount of water indicates the possibility of kidney trouble or diabetes!

    If he seems to have lost weight you might want to look more closely at his health situatioin.

    He is already 4 years old and should know your son pretty well if you have had him since he was a puppy. If he bit your son for no reason he might have been feeling unwell and irritated. Doesn't he not guard food/belonging? Your son couldn't have accidentally touched his favourite toy?

    Big and active dogs could contract diseases more easily than toy breeds. I would suggest a checkup for this dog.

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  • 1 decade ago

    An Adrenal gland problem comes to mind here. Cushings, Addisons, or even Diabetes (weight loss). Most dogs that do not feel well can become slightly aggressive. I think a trip to the vet should be in the near future, and I certainly would not punish him until you find out the problem.

    Source(s): Breeder Owner of a dog with Cushings, and one with Addisons
  • 1 decade ago

    You are describing the classic symptoms of canine diabetes. The excessive thirst and weight loss, plus out of character biting or aggression are all symptoms. Never mine though, dogs can live long and happy lives on canine insulin. Best get him to the vet for a blood test asap because if his condition is left untreated, your dog will die. Sometimes, dogs can die within 24 hours of displaying the first symptoms, so, the sooner the better.

    Source(s): I have a diabetic doggy, and I'm a diabetic myself.
  • 1 decade ago

    Excessive water consumption, weight loss, altered temperament - it all points to a medical condition, the most common causes for the symptoms you describe are diabetes or kidney problems. I would take him to the vet today and have him checked out.

    All the best to you.

  • 5 years ago

    Diabetes might be helped easily by taking on a handful of change in lifestyle. Learn here https://tr.im/Zwn0E

    The diet plan really should be made up of plenty of fiber and also wholesome foods. Eat four to 6 meals/snacks spread equally throughout a day. Commence doing exercises routinely. Supplements could help too. Flax oil, daily multivitamin, bitter melon, garlic, onion, and stevia might help.

  • 1 decade ago

    He sounds like he could be diabetic - it's more common than you'd think in animals, especially these days because of the amount of crap put into petfood.

    You need to take him to the vet for bloodwork as soon as possible and I would also advise you to perhaps switch him onto a diet of plain chicken and rice.

    Source(s): own dogs
  • Lelee
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    The symptoms are Common to diabetes. There are several illnesses in that area and you need to take him to a good Veterinarian. Tell him all the symptoms and it may take a while to get the dogs system balanced.

    Source(s): A very old dog lover
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