When you notice your female dog drinking a lot of water and not eating, it’s natural to feel alarmed.
This combination of symptoms can point to a range of issues, from mild discomfort to potentially serious health conditions.
While some dogs occasionally skip meals or drink more on hot days, a female dog consistently refusing food but drinking excessive water should not be ignored. These behaviors are often her body’s way of signaling that something is wrong.
We outline the most common causes behind this pattern, why it might be happening, and what steps you should take if your female dog is exhibiting these symptoms.
Female Dog Drinking A Lot of Water and Not Eating: Why It Happens
A female dog drinking a lot of water and not eating may be experiencing an underlying health issue such as a urinary tract infection, pyometra, diabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal problems, hormonal changes, medication side effects, or stress.
These conditions often disrupt the body’s natural balance, leading to increased thirst as a response to dehydration or toxin buildup, and loss of appetite due to discomfort, nausea, or emotional distress.
When these symptoms appear together, they typically indicate that the dog’s body is trying to cope with internal disruption and should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.
Common Causes of A Female Dog Drinking A Lot of Water and Not Eating
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection is a common reason a female dog drinks a lot of water and refuses to eat.
UTIs make urination painful and frequent, and to compensate for the fluid loss, your dog may instinctively drink more water.
Loss of appetite may occur as her body copes with discomfort and inflammation.
Female dogs are more prone to UTIs due to their shorter urethra, which allows bacteria easier access to the bladder.
You may also notice frequent squatting, licking of the genital area, or small amounts of urine with a strong odor.
Related: Dog drinking a lot of water and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
Infection of the Uterus
In unspayed dogs, pyometra is a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus and a serious cause for concern when your female dog is drinking a lot of water and not eating.
The condition typically occurs a few weeks after a heat cycle and can be classified as open (discharge is visible) or closed (no discharge, making it harder to detect).
Dogs with pyometra often experience fever, vomiting, lethargy, and increased thirst due to toxin buildup.
Immediate veterinary attention is critical, as untreated pyometra can lead to sepsis and death.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is another condition that often presents with increased water intake and loss of appetite.
In female dogs, hormonal fluctuations can influence the development of diabetes, especially if they are unspayed.
When blood sugar levels are abnormally high, the kidneys try to eliminate the excess glucose through urine, leading to dehydration and excessive thirst.
As the condition progresses, dogs may feel nauseated and stop eating altogether.
Weight loss and sweet-smelling breath may also be present.
Kidney Disease
Chronic or acute kidney disease can cause a female dog to drink a lot of water and not eat, especially in older dogs.
As the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste, toxins build up in the bloodstream, leading to nausea, ulcers in the mouth, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
Increased water intake is the body’s way of compensating for poor kidney function.
Other signs include bad breath (ammonia-like odor), pale gums, and frequent urination.
Heat and Dehydration
On hot days or after intense exercise, your female dog may drink a lot of water and avoid food due to mild heat exhaustion or dehydration.
While temporary, this behavior should still be monitored closely.
Excessive panting, restlessness, and thick saliva are additional signs of heat stress.
Ensure she’s resting in a cool, shaded area and that she resumes normal eating shortly after rehydration.
Medication Side Effects
If your female dog is on medication, especially steroids or diuretics, it could explain why she’s drinking a lot of water and not eating.
These drugs can alter thirst perception or upset the digestive tract, leading to changes in appetite.
Some antibiotics may also cause nausea.
Speak to your vet if the symptoms began after starting a new prescription.
Gastrointestinal Issues
An upset stomach, gastritis, or intestinal blockage can all cause your female dog to avoid food while increasing water consumption.
When the digestive system is irritated or obstructed, it can trigger nausea, bloating, and pain—reducing appetite but increasing the desire to hydrate.
Dogs may instinctively drink water to soothe the stomach lining or compensate for fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea.
If your dog is also licking her lips, pacing, or looking uncomfortable, a GI issue might be to blame.
Related: Old dog drinking a lot of water and not eating (Here’s why)
Stress and Anxiety
Just like people, dogs can lose their appetite during times of stress.
A female dog may drink a lot of water and not eat if she’s anxious due to environmental changes, new pets, travel, or loud noises like thunderstorms.
Stress can also manifest physically with symptoms such as pacing, drooling, whining, or panting.
Increased thirst is a natural response to elevated stress hormones, while reduced appetite may reflect emotional distress.
Hormonal Changes
Female dogs, especially those who are not spayed, experience natural hormonal changes during their heat cycle.
During or shortly after heat, it’s common to observe a female dog drinking a lot of water and not eating due to the fluctuation in estrogen and progesterone levels.
These changes can affect metabolism, digestion, and behavior.
However, prolonged symptoms may signal a complication like pyometra or false pregnancy and should be evaluated by a vet.
What to do if your female dog is drinking a lot of water and not eating
If your female dog is drinking a lot of water and not eating, you should observe her closely for other symptoms and take action quickly to prevent complications.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Monitor symptoms carefully:
Track how much water your dog is drinking and how long she has gone without eating.
Look for other signs like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abnormal urination, or behavioral changes.
These details will help your veterinarian make an accurate diagnosis.
2. Offer easily digestible food:
Try offering bland foods such as boiled chicken and rice. If she refuses food for more than 24 hours, it’s time to call your vet.
Puppies and older female dogs are more vulnerable and may need earlier intervention.
3. Check for signs of dehydration:
Gently pinch the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. If it doesn’t snap back quickly, your dog might be dehydrated.
Dry gums, thick saliva, and sunken eyes are also red flags.
4. Limit stress triggers:
If you suspect anxiety is the cause, create a calm and familiar environment.
Provide comfort items like her favorite blanket or toy, and avoid loud noises or unfamiliar routines.
5. Contact your veterinarian:
Any instance where your female dog drinks excessive water and avoids food for over a day should be treated as a medical concern.
Delaying veterinary care can lead to worsening symptoms and complications, especially in cases involving infections, kidney disease, or pyometra.
6. Prepare for diagnostic tests:
Your vet may recommend blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, or ultrasound to determine the root cause.
Early diagnosis can prevent a treatable condition from becoming life-threatening.
Key Takeaway
A female dog drinking a lot of water and not eating may be showing signs of stress, illness, hormonal imbalance, or even a life-threatening condition.
While mild causes like heat or temporary stress can resolve on their own, prolonged or severe symptoms demand veterinary evaluation.
Never ignore a dog’s refusal to eat—especially when it’s combined with increased thirst.
Keep track of all related behaviors, provide hydration, and consult with your vet to ensure your dog receives the care she needs.
By acting early and understanding the possible causes, you can help your female dog recover and return to her happy, healthy self.