My dog drinks a lot, has a hot head, and licks his mouth. Why?

Question

My dog's forehead gets hot to the touch, but cools once he drinks water. He'll start licking his mouth or moving his tongue around like he has a dry mouth and his forehead will get hot. Then he'll drink a lot of water for a good minute and it'll feel cool again. He eats normally and isn't lethargic or anything, but he is drinking a lot more than usual. Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 11 years and 5 months old | 120 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

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 hair coat 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.

My dog drinks a lot, has a hot head, and licks his mouth. Why?

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