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Why is my senior dog drinking more, losing weight, and struggling to get up?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 13 years and 5 months old | 18 lbs

My dog is drinking more water and urinating more. she lost weight having accidents at night. having a hard time getting up when she's sitting she is 13 half years old. her stomach is rumbling all the time. She is a min pin daschund mix

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 20th, 2017

Poor Pakalolo! Excessive drinking and urinating can be a sign of many diseases including diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, infections, Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, cancer, etc. She should be examined by a vet for blood-work and a urinalysis to determine the cause of her problem. Once diagnosed, your vet can determine the best way to treat. As for the hard time getting up, she may have some arthritis in her hips and need an anti-inflammatory to help.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 20th, 2019

    Hello, Health can change quickly in an older animal. An increase in thirst and urination could be signs of an endocrine disease, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or a urinary tract problem. I'd recommend having Nani seen by her vet again and having her blood and urine checked for signs of disease. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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