Any time a pet owner notices that their dog is drinking a lot of water but not eating, they should start looking into the possibilities right away. It’s not uncommon for dogs to go a few days without meals, but they can become critically dehydrated and unwell without adequate hydration if they don’t receive any fluids.
It’s not uncommon for pets to feel the urge to drink more water when they are not feeling well. Sometimes this is due to nausea, but there are other causes too. Your dog may be in pain, have an infection, or it could even be a sign of kidney disease.
Let’s talk about what it could mean if your dog isn’t eating but is still drinking water.
What’s going on with your dog’s feeding habits when he’s just drinking water?
When a dog suddenly stops eating, it’s essential to rule out several possible causes before moving on to treatment.
When it comes to food, some dogs are picky eaters, while others resort to bad behavior to get what they want. Older or sick dogs may not eat as much as they used to.
When should I be concerned if my dog isn’t eating enough food?
According to the ASPCA, dogs typically eat three out of four times a day and drink water regularly. Slight variations can be normal for some breeds, like huskies and spaniels. However, if your dog refuses food and starts drinking more than usual, this could be cause for concern.
Lack of appetite and excessive thirst can be indicative of a variety of conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, liver illness, or infection. Your dog could also have an ulcer or some other stomach issue. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss diagnostic and treatment options.
You should also check your dog’s airway if he seems to have swallowed anything or is having difficulties breathing. Any signs of illness require a trip to the vet after at least two days, provided that your dog has continued to consume water throughout that time.
If your dog’s saliva is frothy, your dog may have been exposed to a harmful substance. Immediately contact a poison control hotline and your veterinarian, and follow their recommendations as outlined. Look around for any medications, home cleansers, and other possible toxins that the dog may have ingested.
Kidney (Renal) Failure in Dogs
Many disorders affecting the kidneys and other organs can lead to renal failure, often known as kidney failure. Red blood cells, which remove toxins, regulate hydration, and maintain electrolyte balance, are produced by the kidneys of a healthy dog. When a dog has renal failure, the kidneys can no longer execute their duties properly.
As with humans, canine renal failure can be caused by various underlying health issues. Here are some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of this life-threatening disease:
- Loss of weight
- Vomiting
- Stumbling or losing footing
- Breath has a nasty chemical odor
- Extreme loss of appetite
- Changes in water consumption
- Change in urine volume
- Inflammation of the mouth
- Blood in urine
- Lethargy
- Seizures
Related Question:
What is the maximum amount of time a dog can go without eating anything other than water?
Healthy dogs may go up to 5 days without food as long as they have access to water. It has been reported that dogs have been able to go for extended periods without food under dire circumstances, although this was not without profound health implications.
