A practical guide to tell mild from serious — but when in doubt, always ask your vet.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual
Veterinary advice recommended today — For most cases, follow the home-care steps below and call your vet the same day if warning signs appear.
Drinking more can follow heat, exercise or a salty treat. Sustained thirst with more urination can signal diabetes, kidney or hormonal disease.
Contact your vet if any of these apply:
Keep fresh water freely available — do not restrict water. Track how much your dog drinks and note any accidents. Contact your vet soon.
Your vet may test urine and blood to check for diabetes, kidney disease or hormonal conditions.
Roughly, dogs normally drink about 50–70 ml per kg per day and cats about 40–60 ml, but this varies with diet and weather. A sudden, clear and lasting increase is the real warning sign.
Increased thirst with house-soiling in older pets commonly points to kidney disease, diabetes or hormonal issues. Do not restrict water; book a vet visit to run blood and urine tests.
Same symptom in Cat: see Cat Drinking a Lot of Water — causes and home care can differ by species.
This page is educational triage information, not a diagnosis. Pets vary — when in doubt, ask your vet. In an emergency, contact your local emergency clinic or pet poison hotline directly.