phoebethedobie

We have a 6 month old doberman who is still working on her potty training. She is good for the most part, but everytime we have to limit her water since she doesn't know her limits. When we go to the dog park she will drink until her stomach is swollen, and then when we get home, taking her out every 15 minutes isn't even enough. We tried putting her in the crate and she'll pee in the crate as well.

She doesn't seem to learn that she's drinking too much water to handle. What can we do to help with her drinking problem?


-dana

avalonandon

What part of the country do you live (heat)? Dobes overheat quite easily and I'm wondering if this has anything to do with it. In any event, that is interesting.

Unless something is physically wrong, I wouldn't restrict the drinking. It seems that they would know how much they need - unlike a food thing where a dog might eat and eat and eat...I don't think water is like this.

GunnersMum

hehe, when I first read the title I thought she was stealing beer. lol.

I would only be limiting water intake in the evening - no fluids after say 8:00 pm. During the day they should have unlimited access to clean fresh water. With the exception of being in her crate if you are out.

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K9Jarko

Have you already ruled out a medical problem rather then assuming it is a behavioral problem? I would at least get a blood test and urine test done - I'm not a vet by any stretch of the imagination...but I always try to rule out possible medical problems/conditions before attempting to address what may or may not be a behavioral problem.

dobebug

Discuss this one with your vet--they can give you a good idea of how much water your dog should get (on average) per day.

There are some dogs who are simply water hogs who will drink until they vomit--they simply DON'T seem to have any idea how much is enough if they are thirsty.

I had one like that and he was fine as long as he didn't get too warm while playing--but when he did--he'd drink water either until the source of the water was gone or until he puked.

Ultimately we learned to not let him drink until he had cooled off after exercise--and until he did we'd give him ice cubes or closely supervise exactly how much much he was allowed to drink--usually not more that about 4 ounces every hour until cool.

But talk to your vet about it--there are occasionally physical causes for dogs who overdrink regularly.

Megs

I agree with the others. I would check with your vet.

I've read that excessive water drinking could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). Apparently puppies try to drink more water purposely, to dilute their urine so it won't be so concentrated and sting so bad as it passes.

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ddsalazar

Didn't I read somewhere that giving ice to dogs was not a good idea?

tjmom

I agree with everyone else. A trip to the vet is in order. This does not sound like a behaviourly problem however does sound like a health issue.

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sebsyd

I'm in agreement with the above members. You definitely need a trip to the vet. Excess drinking could point to several health issues. Good luck.

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