i have a 4 month old female rottweiler. it seems she cannot get enough water. she is constantly looking for and drinking water when it is available in the house and when we are out walking. she is about 30lbs – perhaps on the small side but has healthy appetite.
Is it normal that they drink a lot of water? how much is normal? should fresh water be available all day or just with meals? her current water intake also results in a lot of pee breaks and accidents still in the house. she can sleep through the night in her crate without a break until morning.
Hi
All dogs are different, so it’s difficult to say how much is too much when it comes to water!
Some pups seem to drink gallons, others are disinterested at best, most of the time it’s simply an individual preference but there are some health conditions that can cause excessive thirst so I’d definitely recommend that you discuss this with your vet and have him run tests if he thinks it necessary.
Urinary tract infections and diabetes can cause a pup to drink A LOT of water, and of course lots of water in means lots of water out – with the corresponding potty problems. Fresh water should be available to her at all time, except in the late evening and overnight.
I pick up my dogs (and pups) water bowls by 7pm and that way they can empty their bladders before bedtime. If your pup can ‘hold it’ all night you can extend the ‘pick up’ time until 8pm or a bit later, but if she has a full bladder for hours at night that alone could lead to a UTI as bacteria can grow in the urine when it’s held too long.
As long as she seems happy and healthy otherwise, I wouldn’t worry too much about this, but do mention it to your vet and have her checked out to be on the safe side.
Hope this helps, best of luck with your pup.
