What’s behind too much water in and out?

What’s behind too much water in and out?


If your pet is drinking and urinating more than normal, she’s said to have polydipsia (poli-DIP-sea-a) and polyuria (poli-UR-ia). And that’s more than a gee-whiz observation, because it usually has a medical cause.

But before you go further, it helps to know when “more than usual” is a real trend. Start by measuring the amount of water you offer and the amount left at the end of the day. Do that for a few days in a row. If you find that your pet’s water intake is consistently increased, it’s time to look for the reason.

Start by scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian. Any details you can provide — along with the veterinarian’s physical examination findings — will help chart the next steps. Polyuria and polydipsia can be associated with many different body systems, so diagnostic testing is necessary to pinpoint the cause.

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