My 5 month old GSD female seems to be drinking a lot of water. I'm comparing her to my 6 month old Lab pup. The GSD will go for a water bowl every few minutes when out of her kennel to stretch/play. When she was in the house it seemed like she constantly had her head in the water dish.

It has cooled down considerably here in Alabama but she is still drinking a lot of water. Is this normal for GSD? (she's my first)

Chris

Hi Chris,

I had a Samoyed puppy years ago that drank constantly. We didn't think much of it until he started becoming lethargic and vomiting, but he turned out to have juvenile diabetes. I'm certainly no dog expert, and I'm sure there are many other things it could be, but if you notice that she's not acting quite right, you may want to take her to the vet for some blood work just to be on the safe side.

Melissa

Chris,
In the years I have worked at a vet clinic we see this alot. Yes, diabetes is something that NEEDS to be ruled out. As with humans the drinking of large amounts of water are very common. This is a disease that can be controlled easily in dogs. You can regulate when they eat and that makes it easy to give the insulin. A lot of people think it is hard to give the shots but the needles are very tiny and usually the dog doesn't even realize you are doing anything. Don't be surprised that if this does turn out to be the problem that you vet suggest leaving the dog with them for 3 or 4 days to be able to totally control food intake, water intake and keep things on an even keel so to speak. If the owner is taking the dog home at night and back in the morning to check glucose levels during the day you don't know what sort of "changes" may be happening at home that could effect the sugars. I know a lot of people don't like leaving them but it is the surest way to get a good handle on the problem. Remember, this is manageable...it just takes a little work and planning on your part.

The other thing to ask your vet about if the glucose is normal is about Cushings Disease. This will also cause large amounts of water to be consumed. The testing for that can be a little trickery so be sure that your vet in familar with the disease. If not, I live in Alabama as well and if you want to e-mail me privately I can find out about other vets in your area that the doctors where I work are familar with. We have treated many dogs with this as well as several other not so common problems and I feel comfortable with anyone they would recommend.

But, yes, you do need to get it checked out and soon....just to give you some peace of mind if nothing else.

Jerri

Liver or kidney problems are also a possibility, I think. My sister had a dog who started drinking a lot and he had a problem with one or the other of those organs. The vet should be the next step. Let us know what you find out!

Added to all of the above, I'd also consider pyometra. The early stages can be quite subtle, but drinking alot of water is usually it. Tho, she is young, it may be possible.
You've gotten excellent and consistent advice: get to the vet!

You said she was 5 months old. Could it be that she is coming into heat (has the excessive drinking started recently)?

If it has been long term then taking her to the vet is very good advice.