Dog Drinking More.

[starone]

I have been looking after my daughter's dog for a week and I noticed he was drinking quite a lot. He is fourteen years old and my daughter has now said the same as I noticed, that he is drinking far more than formerly. I wondered if he had diabetes - he is also sleeping a lot - but I don't think he has any other symptoms. Is this just old age or do you think a visit to the vet is necessary? How can you tell if he has diabetes, or indeed anything else?

[pixie373]

I would take him to the vet's to just check. I imagine they'll take his temperature, give him a check over and do a blood test.

[SMP]

Could be kidneys starting to go. Definitely a trip to the vet.

[starone]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Monday morning then. Hope it is treatable. He is a lovely little dog - very good tempered.

[CatGirl4]

That was my first thought starone-diabetes.

[islasmum]

I would agree with SMP and think that his kidneys are starting to go, probably due to age, but obviously your daughter needs to see her vet.

[starone]

Just to let you know, the vet says he has not got diabetes but he has a heart murmur and as you suspected, islasmum, his kidneys are deteriorating due to his age. Nothing can be done except to add mashed potato or rice to his diet. Don't know if he will eat that - he is a fussy eater. Thanks again for all your help and advice.

[starone]

Sorry SMP, didn't mean to miss you out, but pressed submit too quickly. You were definitely right.