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Why is my senior dog drinking and urinating a lot more than usual?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 14 years and 9 months old | 26 lbs

Male JRT/Dachshund/Westie cross, almost 15. Neutered. Approx 12kg. For last 3-4 weeks has been drinking a lot more than usual (anywhere from 1 to 3 pints a day) & thus urinating more. No weight gain or loss, no change in appetite (always good!) No real lethargy (other than old age!) What are the possibilities? My research has suggested Diabetes mellitus/insipidus? Cushing's? What else? Many thanks, Ran Matthews

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 24th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, what you looked up are possible causes of increased thirst and urination. Causes can be: diabetes (either mellitus or insipidus), cushings, kidney failure, liver failure, increased calcium, a urinary tract infection or rarely in dogs an overactive thyroid I recommend making an appointment Monday for a physical exam and blood work. Bring a urine sample as well. Most of the above if not all can be ruled out by blood work and urine. Cushings does require more specialized testing if general blood work is suspicious for it. I hope this helps! I wish you and Harry the best!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Britni Miller, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 11th, 2017

    Increased thirst and urination can mean many different things. If she has already been evaluated by her veterinarian and nothing was found, it might be time to seek a second opinion. Sometimes a fresh look at a situation can be helpful. Things that should have been done at this point are a urinalysis, blood work, and bladder ultrasound. Other things that could be done are an abdominal ultrasound (specifically of the adrenal glands), ACTH stimulation, low-dose dexamethasone suppression test, and water deprivation test. Things that should be considered for a dog with increased thirst and urination are diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease, kidney disease, diabetes insipidus, and cancer. I hope they find what is wrong with Tressa.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 20th, 2019

    It’s probably noticed related to not liking his food. Just to make sure your list is complete make sure he has been checked for: bladder infection (with a culture), Cushings Disease (with either a low dose dexamethazone test or an ACTH Stimulation Test), liver disease, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes insipid and diabetes melltius. It’s also possible that he is moving into a disease process but has not yet developed the increased enzyme lev is yet. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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