Old Dog Drinking A Lot Of Water and Not Eating

Common Reasons Your Old Dog is Drinking a Lot of Water and Not Eating

Kidney disease

One of the most common reasons for an old dog drinking a lot of water and not eating is chronic kidney disease (CKD).

As dogs age, their kidneys may begin to lose function, making it difficult for the body to filter waste and balance fluid levels.

Kidney disease leads to increased thirst as the body tries to flush toxins through more frequent urination.

At the same time, nausea and a buildup of toxins can suppress a dog’s appetite, leading to decreased food intake.

Watch for other signs such as:

• Weight loss

• Vomiting

• Lethargy

• Bad breath with a chemical smell

• Pale gums

If your dog is showing these symptoms along with drinking more water and not eating, it’s important to consult a vet for blood and urine tests to confirm kidney issues.

Diabetes

Diabetes is another serious condition that may explain why your old dog is drinking a lot of water and not eating.

In diabetic dogs, the inability to regulate blood sugar leads to excessive thirst and increased urination, while loss of appetite can occur due to complications like ketoacidosis.

Older dogs are more prone to developing diabetes, especially if they are overweight or have other underlying metabolic issues.

Other signs of diabetes include:

• Sudden weight loss

• Sweet-smelling breath

• Cloudy eyes (cataracts)

• Weakness or fatigue

If you suspect diabetes, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life.

Related: Dog drinking a lot  of water and not eating (Causes and when to worry) 

Liver disease

Liver dysfunction is also a possible cause for an old dog drinking a lot of water and not eating.

The liver is responsible for detoxifying the blood, and when it begins to fail, toxins accumulate in the system.

This can trigger nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss, while the body responds with increased water intake to compensate for fluid imbalances.

Look out for symptoms such as:

• Yellowing of the eyes or gums (jaundice)

• Vomiting

• Swollen abdomen

• Disorientation

Liver disease requires immediate medical attention, and early treatment can sometimes slow the progression of the illness.

Cushing’s disease

Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, occurs when a dog’s adrenal glands produce too much cortisol.

This hormonal imbalance often causes an old dog to drink a lot of water and not eat, especially when they begin to feel nauseous or lethargic.

Cushing’s is more common in senior dogs and may also present with:

• Increased urination

• Pot-bellied appearance

• Thinning skin or hair loss

• Panting

Although it can be difficult to diagnose, Cushing’s can often be managed with medication once identified.

Infections or dental disease

Bacterial or viral infections can cause both excessive thirst and loss of appetite in senior dogs.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), for example, may increase thirst while the discomfort suppresses appetite. Systemic infections can have similar effects.

Additionally, dental issues like infected gums, loose teeth, or abscesses can make eating painful for an older dog, leading to appetite loss.

In response, your dog might still drink a lot of water to stay hydrated or soothe oral discomfort.

Keep an eye out for:

• Bad breath

• Drooling

• Pawing at the mouth

• Facial swelling

Prompt dental or antibiotic treatment can make a big difference in comfort and health.

Cancer

Unfortunately, cancer is a reality for many senior dogs and can present subtly at first.

Certain cancers, especially those affecting internal organs like the liver, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract, can cause an old dog to drink a lot of water and not eat due to pain, nausea, or internal bleeding.

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer but may include:

• Lumps or masses

• Weight loss

• Lethargy

• Changes in breathing or mobility

If your older dog is showing persistent symptoms, advanced diagnostic tools like ultrasound and biopsy may be required.

Related: Dog drinking alot of water and not eating and throwing up (Here’s why)

Heat or dehydration

Older dogs may be more prone to overheating or dehydration, particularly in warmer months.

If your old dog is drinking a lot of water and not eating, it could be their body’s way of cooling down and preventing further fluid loss.

Even though they’re drinking, if your dog is lethargic, panting, or has dry gums, they could still be dehydrated.

Seniors are less efficient at temperature regulation and more vulnerable to heat stress.

Medication side effects

If your senior dog is on medication for an existing condition, some drugs may cause side effects such as excessive thirst and appetite changes.

Common examples include steroids, diuretics, and anti-seizure medications.

Always monitor your dog’s reaction to new prescriptions and report any changes to your veterinarian for possible dose adjustment or alternatives.

Stress and cognitive dysfunction

Just like humans, dogs can experience mental decline with age.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s) can confuse or disorient an old dog, disrupting their normal eating habits.

Some dogs may forget mealtime routines or feel anxious, leading to reduced appetite.

Stress from environmental changes, loss of a companion, or loud noises can also lead to behavior changes like drinking more water and refusing food.

What to do 

If you notice your old dog drinking a lot of water and not eating, here’s how to respond:

1. Monitor behavior and symptoms
Track how long the symptoms persist and note any other changes, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, or weight loss.

These can help your vet diagnose the issue more quickly.

2. Check for dehydration
Gently pinch the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades.

If it doesn’t snap back quickly, your dog might be dehydrated.

Also check their gums — they should be moist and pink.

3. Offer bland food
Try offering a bland diet like plain boiled chicken and white rice to tempt their appetite.

Avoid feeding table scraps or fatty foods, which can worsen digestive issues.

4. Don’t force-feed
Never force your dog to eat. If they’re refusing food for more than 24 hours, especially combined with other symptoms, it’s time to visit the vet.

5. Visit your veterinarian
Any senior dog showing these signs for more than a day should be examined.

A vet will run tests like blood panels, urine tests, and imaging to identify the root cause.

Early intervention is crucial for managing chronic illnesses like kidney disease, diabetes, or cancer.

Key Takeaway

An old dog drinking a lot of water and not eating is a clear sign that something could be wrong, especially if the change is sudden or accompanied by other symptoms.

While aging does bring about changes in behavior and body function, dramatic shifts like these are not normal and should never be dismissed.

Early detection, professional diagnosis, and appropriate treatment can improve your dog’s comfort, manage chronic conditions, and potentially extend their life.

Always follow your instincts — you know your dog best.

If in doubt, schedule a veterinary visit to ensure your senior companion gets the care and comfort they deserve in their golden years.