If your pet is drinking and urinating more than normal, she’s said to have polydipsia (poli-DIP-sea-a) and polyuria (poli-UR-ia). And that’s more than a gee-whiz observation, because it usually has a medical cause.
But before you go further, it helps to know when “more than usual” is a real trend. Start by measuring the amount of water you offer and the amount left at the end of the day. Do that for a few days in a row. If you find that your pet’s water intake is consistently increased, it’s time to look for the reason.
Start by scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian. Any details you can provide — along with the veterinarian’s physical examination findings — will help chart the next steps. Polyuria and polydipsia can be associated with many different body systems, so diagnostic testing is necessary to pinpoint the cause.