If your dog is drinking a lot of water but not peeing, it’s a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore. This unusual combination may point to a serious issue with your dog’s urinary tract, kidneys, or even their ability to eliminate waste effectively.
We outline the common causes of dog drinking a lot of water and not peeing, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Drinking a Lot of Water and Not Peeing — Why It Happens
When a dog consumes large amounts of water but doesn’t urinate, it can signal a urinary blockage, kidney failure, dehydration compensation, electrolyte imbalance, or bladder rupture. These conditions interfere with urine production or elimination, posing a potentially life-threatening situation.
Common Causes of Dog Drinking a Lot of Water and Not Peeing
Urinary Tract Obstruction
A blockage—commonly caused by bladder stones, urethral stones, or tumors—can prevent urine from exiting the body even if the bladder is full.
Dogs with an obstruction may strain to urinate, cry out in pain, and become restless or lethargic.
This is a true emergency. Left untreated, pressure builds up and can lead to kidney damage or bladder rupture. Immediate veterinary intervention is required to relieve the obstruction.
Acute Kidney Injury or Kidney Failure
In kidney failure, the kidneys may stop producing urine or become severely inefficient.
Your dog may still feel thirsty and continue drinking water, but urine output decreases dramatically—or stops altogether.
Other signs include vomiting, bad breath, pale gums, and weakness. Blood tests and urinalysis are necessary to evaluate kidney function and guide treatment.
Read more: Dog Drinking a Lot of Water and Having Accidents (Here’s why)
Bladder Rupture or Tear
If your dog recently suffered trauma (such as a car accident or fall), a bladder rupture could be the reason behind the lack of urination.
The dog may continue drinking water but become lethargic, have a swollen abdomen, or show signs of pain.
Fluid may leak into the abdominal cavity, requiring emergency surgery. This is a critical situation that needs immediate veterinary care.
Neurological Issues or Spinal Injury
Nerve damage from a spinal injury, slipped disc, or neurological disease can disrupt bladder control.
In these cases, dogs may drink normally but be unable to voluntarily urinate. You might notice loss of coordination or hind limb weakness.
A vet will perform neurological exams and imaging to determine the extent of the problem and whether bladder expression or catheterization is needed.
Electrolyte Imbalance or Dehydration Rebound
Sometimes dogs drink excessively after periods of dehydration, but if their body is still out of balance, urine production may lag behind.
This can happen after vomiting, diarrhea, heat exhaustion, or certain diseases that alter sodium and potassium levels.
Your vet may perform blood tests and administer IV fluids to restore balance and encourage normal urination.
Related: Dog drinking a lot of water and not eating (Here’s why)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Drinking and Not Peeing
Do not wait more than 6–8 hours if your dog hasn’t urinated despite drinking a lot of water. Urinary retention is painful and dangerous.
Gently check the lower abdomen to see if the bladder feels hard or distended—avoid pressing too hard.
Keep your dog calm and restrict activity until a vet can assess the problem. Overexertion can worsen symptoms.
Avoid giving any human medications or supplements unless directed by your vet.
Write down the timing of water intake, attempted urination, and any unusual behaviors for your vet to review.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet or emergency clinic immediately if your dog:
Drinks large amounts of water but hasn’t peed for over 8 hours
Strains or cries when attempting to urinate
Has a swollen, firm belly or signs of discomfort
Is vomiting, disoriented, or lethargic
Recently suffered trauma or has known kidney issues
These signs suggest a potential obstruction or organ failure that needs urgent medical attention.
Read more: Dog Drinking a Lot of Water and Vomiting (Is this an emergency?)
Key Takeaway
A dog that’s drinking a lot of water but not peeing may be facing a serious health emergency, such as a urinary blockage, kidney failure, or internal injury.
Don’t wait to see if it resolves—act quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent lasting damage and ensure your dog’s comfort and safety.