Introduction
Many dog owners have experienced their canine companion waking them up in the middle of the night because they are thirsty and want a drink of water. This can be puzzling behavior since dogs tend to sleep through the night without needing to get up for water.
There are several common reasons why dogs may start waking their owners up for middle-of-the-night drinks of water. These causes can range from simple needs like dehydration or boredom, to more concerning medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing’s disease. Some dogs may just be adjusting to changes in routine or environment as well.
In this article, we will explore the most frequent causes for a dog’s increased nighttime water intake. We’ll provide tips on how to manage the behavior and know when it’s time to take your dog to the vet. With the right information, dog owners can get their pup and themselves back to a good night’s sleep.
Dehydration
Dogs can become dehydrated during the day, especially in hot weather or after exercising. Dehydration occurs when a dog loses more fluid than he takes in, causing an electrolyte imbalance.[1] Signs of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums, rapid heart rate, and loss of skin elasticity.[2] Mild dehydration can be treated by providing access to fresh water. More severe cases may require fluids given under the skin or intravenously.[3] Dogs that are outside in hot weather should always have access to shade and fresh drinking water. Limit exercise during peak heat.
[1] https://wagwalking.com/condition/dehydration
[2] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/
[3] https://wagwalking.com/condition/dehydration
Older Dogs
As dogs age, their kidneys may become less efficient at concentrating urine, so elderly dogs need to urinate more frequently 1. This causes them to need bathroom breaks during the night. Senior dogs are also more prone to medical issues like diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and incontinence, which can all increase urination and lead to waking up their owners at night to go outside 2.
If your elderly dog is waking you up at night, it’s important to rule out any underlying medical causes by taking them to the vet. But frequent nighttime trips outside may simply be a normal part of aging for some dogs. Making sure fresh water is always available, limiting food and water before bedtime, and setting up a comfortable potty area indoors can help manage the situation.
Medical Conditions
There are several medical conditions that can cause increased thirst and urination in dogs, especially at night. Three of the most common are diabetes, kidney disease, and Cushing’s disease.
Diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to properly regulate blood sugar levels. The excess sugar spills into the urine, causing more frequent urination. To replace the lost fluids, diabetic dogs tend to drink more water. Diabetic dogs will often need to urinate during the night, which also leads to increased water consumption at night. Diabetes is commonly seen in older dogs, but can occur at any age. Treatment involves insulin injections and a specialized diet (Source).
Kidney disease is another common medical issue in older dogs that results in increased thirst and urination. Damaged kidneys cannot concentrate urine properly, leading to excessive urination and fluid loss. The increased thirst is the body’s attempt to replace those lost fluids. Kidney disease is diagnosed through blood tests and urinalysis. Treatment focuses on managing clinical signs with medications, intravenous fluids, and dietary changes (Source).
Cushing’s disease, caused by excessive production of cortisol, also leads to excessive thirst and urination. The cortisol causes the kidneys to excrete extra water into the urine. Dogs with Cushing’s disease will drink more to keep up with their fluid loss. Diagnosis involves blood tests and imaging. Treatment options include medication and surgery in some cases (Source).
Medications
Some medications prescribed for dogs can cause increased thirst and urination as a side effect. Medications commonly associated with increased thirst include:
- Corticosteroids like prednisone and prednisolone – These steroids can stimulate thirst and cause the body to excrete more water (1).
- Diuretics – These medications designed to increase urination can lead to dehydration and increased thirst (2).
- Seizure medications such as phenobarbital – These drugs may increase thirst and urination as a side effect (3).
Always talk to your veterinarian if your dog is exhibiting excessive thirst after starting a new medication. There may be ways to manage the side effects or provide an alternative treatment option.
(1) https://vetster.com/en/symptoms/dog/increased-thirst-polydipsia-in-dogs
(2) https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/my-dog-always-thirsty
(3) https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/side-effects-pet-medications
Anxiety
Anxiety and stress can lead a dog to drink more water at night. Dogs may develop general anxiety or separation anxiety and feel the need to compulsively drink water when experiencing panic or stress, even if they are not thirsty. This is considered an obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs. According to Spirit Dog Training, anxious dogs may drink more water as it can have a calming effect during stressful situations. The excess water consumption can then lead to increased urination and the need to wake up and go out at night.
Try to identify sources of anxiety for your dog, such as loud noises, being left alone, or a change in routine. Work on crate training, separation training, creating a predictable schedule, and using calming aids like a Thundershirt to ease their anxiety. If your dog continues compulsively drinking water at night despite efforts to reduce stress, consult your veterinarian about anxiety medication or behavioral modification plans.
Boredom
Bored dogs may drink frequently at night simply for something to do. Without enough mental stimulation and activity during the day, dogs can develop behavioral issues like excessive drinking. Being left alone all day can cause feelings of isolation. Then at night when the owners are home, the dog drinks frequently to fill the time and interact. According to Psychogenic Polydipsia in Dogs – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost, healthy dogs who drink a lot may be acting out of boredom, lack of attention, or just because they like water.
To curb nighttime drinking for boredom, make sure your dog gets plenty of playtime, walks, training sessions, puzzle toys, and bonding time during the day. Try to tire them out mentally and physically. If they still drink frequently at night, interact with them when they go to the water bowl instead of ignoring the behavior. Over time, the excessive drinking should lessen as they get used to a more stimulating routine.
Change in Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit and can be disrupted by changes in their normal routine (WagWalking). Things like moving to a new home, having a new family member, or switching up feeding times and walk schedules can cause behavioral changes like increased nighttime water drinking. The disruption leads to stress and anxiety, which manifests in ways like restlessness, pacing, and excessive thirst and urination. Try to keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible, especially their feeding, walking, play time, and bedtime. Gradually introduce any changes over a period of several weeks to give your dog time to adjust.
How to Manage
There are some things you can do to manage your dog waking up at night to drink water:
Limit food and water before bedtime – Stop feeding your dog and take away their water bowl 2-3 hours before bedtime. This gives them time to digest their food and empty their bladder before settling in for the night.
Provide calming music – Soothing music can help relax your dog and make them less likely to wake up. Try leaving the radio or TV on softly when you go to bed.
Take them out right before bed – Make sure to give your dog one last potty break right before you go to sleep. This reduces the chance they’ll need to get up in the night.
Use treats and toys – Give your dog a special chew toy stuffed with treats to occupy them before bedtime. The mental stimulation can make them tired.
Make sure their needs are met – Ensure your dog gets enough physical and mental exercise during the day. A worn out dog is less likely to be restless at night.
Try natural calming aids – Products like calming collars, pheromone diffusers, and calming treats can promote relaxation.
Stick to a routine – Establishing a consistent bedtime schedule can regulate your dog’s bodily functions.
When to See the Vet
While increased nighttime water drinking may not always be a cause for concern, certain signs warrant a visit to the veterinarian. These include:
- Increased daytime drinking and urination in addition to nighttime drinking
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Significant increase in water consumption
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Increased panting
According to veterinarians, a good rule of thumb is to monitor your dog’s water intake closely and contact your vet if their daily water consumption has doubled or tripled. Any abrupt changes to their normal routine combined with increased thirst can signify an underlying medical issue that requires attention. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when evaluating changes in your dog’s behavior.
Some specific conditions that may lead to increased thirst and warrant medical care include kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, infections, and other illnesses. Medications may also cause increased thirst as a side effect. Your vet can run tests to pinpoint the cause and determine the right treatment.
With early intervention from your veterinarian, many conditions leading to excessive thirst and urination can be well-managed. It’s important not to ignore the signs and have your dog evaluated promptly if these behavioral changes arise.