As your Maltipoo gets older, any noticeable changes in its behavior can be problematic for the owners. Your dog drinking more water is not bad, but excessive thirst can cause some diseases. The sudden increase in thirst of a dog is called polydipsia.

Some changes, like hot weather and exercise, can also cause a Maltipoo to drink more water. If you don’t find the exact reason for your dog drinking excessive water, you should consult a vet.

How much water do Maltipoos drink?

Puppies are more active and therefore drink more water than adult Maltipoos. The requirement of the water for dogs depends on their body weight. A dog weighing around 10 pounds will drink a cup of clean water in a day. Really active and lactating dogs also require more water.

Adult Maltipoos do not require much water, especially if they are not active throughout the day. If your dog drinks more water than usual, it can be a sign of some diseases.

Why does my Maltipoo drink extra water?

The weather, activity level, and diet determine how much water your Maltipoo will drink in a day. If you notice that your dog is drinking more water than required, it’s time to visit the vet. He will determine the root cause of the problem after doing a few tests.

It can sometimes be difficult to determine if your dog is drinking extra water, as it can do this after getting overheated or eating dry or salty food. However, if your dog is also urinating excessively, it means that it is suffering from polydipsia.

A few reasons that can lead to the excessive thirst for your Maltipoo are described below.

·        Dehydration:

Dehydration is a common cause of drinking extra water not only in dogs but also in humans. Dehydration is also a cause of some diseases. It can become life-threatening fast, so if you see your dog being dehydrated, you should go to the vet right away.

The symptoms of dehydration are:

·         Dry gums and tongue

·         Play and exercise

·         Illness

·         Infection

·         Thick rope-like salvia

When your Maltipoo is dehydrated, do not give excessive water, as too much drinking water too fast can lead the dog to vomit. If the Maltipoo is mildly dehydrated but is not vomiting, you can give it small amounts of water. Giving one teaspoon for a small dog and 1-2 tablespoons for an adult dog after every ten minutes for a few hours is a good idea.

·        Kidney disease:

Senior pets can experience acute kidney failure. It is a sudden failure of the kidney due to ingesting a toxin or trauma. Pets can also suffer from chronic kidney diseases. This disease usually develops slowly and is harder to spot.

Some of the causes of kidney disease are:

·         Infection

·         Kidney stones

·         Dental disease

·         Cancer

Besides medical illness, kidney diseases can also be caused by hereditary. If this situation is unchecked, your dog will suffer from severe pain, and it can become life-threatening for it. Therefore, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible who will prescribe some medications after conducting a few tests.

·        Urinary tract infections (UTI):

Excessive thirst and urination is also a sign of urinary tract infections. It is a common disease in adult dogs because they lose control of their bladder with the advancing age. UTIs are caused by bacteria and may affect some pets more than others.

Many infections of the urinary tract are called UTI, like bladder disease and stones. These infections mainly affect the bladder, kidneys, and urethra. Some of the symptoms of UTIs are:

·         Increased urination

·         Blood in urine

·         Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

·         Difficulty urinating

If your suspect that your Maltipoo is suffering from UTI, you should take it to the vet. He will conduct some tests and prescribe proper medications. This disease should not be left unchecked because it can also cause more serious medical conditions. UTI is treated with antibiotics.

·        Diabetes mellitus:

Diabetes mellitus has become common in dogs and is a condition in which the body is unable to utilize the natural insulin. If your dog is suffering from diabetes mellitus, you should immediately seek medical care as it can also lead to a more serious medical condition.

The common symptoms of diabetes mellitus include:

·         Excessive urination

·         Increased thirst

·         Change in appetite

·         Weight loss or gain

Adult dogs are more prone to diabetes mellitus. A vet will provide you with a complete treatment plan that may include medication and insulin injections.

·        Psychogenic polydipsia:

It is a behavioral condition. It is an uncommon condition that may cause the dog to drink excessive water. Your Maltipoo might start drinking extra water just because it is getting bored. It can become difficult for vets to diagnose whether there is an underlying medical condition to this problem or not. However, a proper checkup can save you from future issues.

Conclusion:

Excess thirst or polydipsia can sometimes be a sign of serious medical issues, and it should not be left unchecked. Sometimes, your Maltipoo may start drinking extra water after an exercise or in summers. When you observe a change in your dog’s drinking routine, it is better to consult a vet.