If you’ve noticed your Bernese Mountain Dog lapping up water more than usual, you’re right to be concerned. A healthy dog typically drinks about 20-70 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 40 kg Berner, that’s roughly 800-2800 ml (3-12 cups) daily. Drinking significantly more – say over 100 ml/kg – is called polydipsia and often points to an underlying issue. Here’s what could be happening and what you can do.
Why is My Bernese Mountain Dog Drinking So Much Water?
Several medical conditions commonly cause excessive thirst in Bernese Mountain Dogs:
Diabetes
Berners are prone to diabetes, especially as they age. When blood sugar is high, the kidneys work overtime to flush out glucose, leading to increased urination and thirst. Other signs include weight loss despite a good appetite, lethargy, and frequent urinary tract infections. A simple blood and urine test can confirm diabetes.
Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is common in older large breeds. Damaged kidneys cannot concentrate urine, so your dog produces large volumes of dilute urine and compensates by drinking more. Watch for poor appetite, vomiting, bad breath, and weight loss. Early detection through bloodwork and urinalysis can slow progression.
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
This hormonal disorder results from an overproduction of cortisol. It causes increased thirst, urination, appetite, a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, and thin skin. It’s seen more in middle-aged to older dogs. Diagnosis involves specialized blood tests and sometimes ultrasound.
Urinary Tract Infection
A UTI can make a dog feel the need to urinate frequently, leading to increased thirst. Your dog may have accidents, strain to pee, or have bloody urine. A urine culture can identify bacteria.
Medications
Corticosteroids (prednisone) and some diuretics increase thirst. If your Berner is on any medication, check the side effects.
Psychogenic Polydipsia
Rarely, dogs drink excessively due to behavioral reasons, like boredom or habit. This is a diagnosis of exclusion after medical causes are ruled out.
When to See a Veterinarian
If your Bernese Mountain Dog is drinking more than 100 ml/kg per day (over 4 liters for a 40 kg dog) or if the increase is sudden, book a vet visit. Also seek immediate care if your dog shows other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or weight loss. Your vet will perform a physical exam, bloodwork, urinalysis, and possibly additional tests like an ACTH stimulation test for Cushing’s.
How to Monitor Water Intake
Measure how much water you put in the bowl each day and how much remains the next morning. Subtract the leftover from the initial amount to get daily intake. Do this for a few days to get an average. Also note if your dog is peeing more (polyuria) – you may see larger puddles or more frequent bathroom breaks.
Home Care and What to Expect
While waiting for your vet appointment, keep fresh water available at all times – do not restrict water, as that can lead to dehydration. If a medical condition is diagnosed, treatment will target the root cause:
– Diabetes: Insulin injections and dietary management.
– Kidney disease: Special prescription diet, medications to control blood pressure and phosphorus levels, and possibly fluids.
– Cushing’s disease: Medications like trilostane or mitotane, or surgery for adrenal tumors.
– UTI: Antibiotics and sometimes a diet change.
With proper treatment, your Berner can often return to normal water consumption. Regular check-ups and monitoring are key.
Key Takeaways
- Excessive drinking in Bernese Mountain Dogs is often a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing’s, or a UTI.
- Measure your dog’s daily water intake to provide your vet with accurate information.
- Never restrict water – let your dog drink freely until a diagnosis is made.
- See your veterinarian promptly for a thorough workup.
- With early diagnosis and proper care, many underlying conditions can be managed effectively.
Key Takeaway
Monitor your Bernese’s water intake and if it exceeds 100 ml/kg daily, consult a vet to rule out diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing’s.