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Why is my senior dog drinking and peeing a lot, then vomiting?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 12 years and 11 months old | 27 lbs

My 13 year old Chihu/Terrier mix has developed a huge increase in water intake in the last week. Her urine output has increased and she will suddenly vomit after having a large drink. Eating appears normal. Sleep and activity seem unchanged. Any ideas?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sarah Box, BVSc

Veterinarian

Published on June 16th, 2017

I'm sorry to hear about these changes for Shadow. Increased water intake and urine output is always concerning, especially in an older dog like Shadow. I would recommend a visit with your veterinarian, for a thorough physical exam and some blood work. A number of diseases/conditions can result in increased water intake and urination including diabetes, cushings disease, kidney failure and even a severe urinary tract infection. Your vet can run some bloodwork and may look at a urine sample to help determine the nature of Shadow's condition, and then they can discuss treatments and options.

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    Answered By Menolly Cote, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    I'm sorry to hear that you are having issues with Shadow. Changes in water intake and urination can often indicate an underlying problem. Great job for noticing this change in your pet! Potential causes for these symptoms include an infections, diabetes, kidney or liver disease and some hormonal imbalances. The majority of these conditions are treatable with medication and/or diet changes. The best course of action is to have Shadow seen by your veterinarian. They will likely recommend bloodwork and a urinalysis as the first step in determining what may be causing Shadow's symptoms.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 5th, 2017

    Hi there. So sorry the Heidi is having this issue. Drinking a lot of water and urinating a lot can be signs of many different ailments in dogs. The most common though are diabetes, kidney disease and Cushing's disease. You really need to get her to a vet to get this figured out. Diabetes and kidney disease can be easily ruled out with simple blood testing. Cushing's is a bit harder to diagnose but it can be done with additional testing. Of course something else may be going on but those are going to be the most likely. Please get her to your vet for an exam and some blood testing to start with. You need to get this figured out so that she can get the proper treatment. Hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Heidi.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 11th, 2018

    Drinking a lot more means that he is also urinating a lot more. This is called Polydipsia and polyuria or PU PD. There are various reasons for PU PD and they need to be investigated by a veterinarian, especially in an old dog. Blood work can rule out any of those. 1) diabetes---a urinalysis and blood test will be able to rule it in or out. Diabetes is usually treated with diet and insulin. 2) Cushing's disease: This is an overproduction of cortisone, either signaled by a pituitary tumor in the brain or by a malfunction or tumor of the adrenal glands. Medication can inhibit cortisone production. A potbelly and thinning or haircoat and excessive panting are common signs as well. 3) Kidney disease, treated with diet and supportive treatment 4)diabetes insipidus, usually tested with a water deprivation test and treated with a medication called Minirin. You will need to make an appointment with your vet for an exam and blood tests. I am sure your vet will find the cause of the PU PD.

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