My schnauzer wants to drink water constantly..

My schnauzer wants to constantly drink water! I fill her bowl up and her water is gone almost immediately.
However, she is still eating all her food. I now am regulating her water intake due to her using the bathroom in my house. Even with me regulating her water intake she still has accidents.
Should I make a vet appointment? Her wanting water this way is something that is relatively new.

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Jul 28, 2020
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My Willow Baby
by: Anonymous

I am getting a mini Schnauzer soon and I am looking at dog water bottles. One can hold 250 ml of water and 200 ml of food/treats. How long can that keep my baby girl hydrated?
Thanks,
Sammy

It depends on exercise and the climate. If you were going off for a day, you'd need more, but it would be OK for a couple of drinks.

Jul 20, 2018
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Mine also consumes a LOT of water
by: Kenschnauzer

My Giant Schnauzer who is 11 years old consumes about 1 1/2 to 2 gallons a day. He’ ll drink a 1/2 gallon non-stop, then within 5 minutes pee what seems like a quart. His daddy was the same way. Our problem is that now that he is older he can’t seem to hold it like he use to. He rarely has a accident in the house, but needs to go out about six times a day. Is this normal?

NOTE FROM LINDA:
No, Ken, it's not normal. You should get your Giant checked out.If it's kidneys or diabetes, it can probably be controlled with drugs. Good luck.

Jun 14, 2017
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Kidney Disease was my diagnosis
by: Anonymous

I lost a poodle/schnauzer mix to Kidney disease many years ago, so when my mini-schnauzer started drinking profusely and even having occasional accidents in the house, I took her in, suspecting the worst. I hoped it was a bladder infection or even diabetes but for me and my 12 yr old fur baby, it was what I dreaded. She has kidney disease, and today I find out ($85 for the blood test) how advanced it is. She can live a year or two with this disease, with a change of diet, and a willingness to accept incontinent dog. As long as she isn't suffering, that's exactly what I'm going to do.
NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX, good luck with your mini, we hope she has some good days ahead still to come

Oct 04, 2016
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Drinking too much water can be sign of cushings
by: Anonymous

Go to the vet and have a blood test immediately as well as a urinalisis. My dog has cushings. One pill twice per day. End of problem.

Apr 20, 2015
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Milou is diabethic but Lives Just Like any other dog
by: Eric

Good day,
5 Years ago Milou started peing in the house... he became diabetic but 15 units in the morning and 15 at night, some good food and the little guy is doing Great! He will be 10 years old in a few months. He is now blind from 1 eye but can see only 20% from the other but it does not stop him at all! He loves to run in the open fields or on the beach and listens to my commands when an obstacle shows up. I will not kid you, it's about 250$ a month but he is my Life Savior and I owe him big time so as long as he is not suffering... he will be by my side.

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX:
Milou sounds like a fantastic dog -you are lucky to have him - and him you.
PS Love the name, very French!

Apr 13, 2015
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Maybe too late to correct
by: Michele ( Benji, Rebel & Rambo

Oh Dear .. it sounds like he has Kidney Disease which can lead to Kidney Failure, as he's urinating everywhere.. When that happens it's usually because his kidneys are leaking Protein, causing him to urinate constantly.. I definitely suggest that you must...
TAKE HIM TO YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY..
My Aussie Silky Rambo is 12 and I noticed that he was drinking & urinating more so I took him to my vet and his Protein level was up to maximum xxxx now after 3 months of the special Hills Prescription Diet from my vet K/D Canine his Protein level has gone down to xx but I noticed before this became as bad a PJ's.. He was leaking Protein from his Kidneys and if I had left this problem he eventually would have become so bad that there would have been Blood in his urine, and then possibly there would have been no rectification… My first Schnauzer had Kidney Failure at age 11 but he showed no signs until I noticed blood in his urine.. he was fine on 27th May 2005 and then on June 13 2005 he passed away in my arms 4 days after I noticed something was wrong and immediately took him to my vet.. Let us know what PJ's outcome is and get your vet to also check his Liver function as PJ might also be anaemic..

Apr 10, 2015
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My 9yr.old Schnauzer is drinking us dry
by: Kim Bowman

Hello, I have a 9year old Schnauzer "PJ", and he has a weight, problem. He has been over weight for some time, we seem to can't get it under control.
But in the last week, he has been whining, and DRINKING WATER....and URINATING every where. It's like he cant control it. I dont scold him, because I know that there has to be a medical reason. So, I got on the computer today, and I came across your web-site. So, I should take him to the Vet. I read your story, and I pray that PJ is not that sick. If so, I will feel soooo GUILTY for NOT taking him sooner.
Thank you for you web-site, this has helped me and taught me alot.
Thank You
Kim Bowman
babiebrat63@yahoo.com

NOTE FROM LINDA: Kim, get him checked out ASAP, could be diabetes or kidneys, etc.

Dec 10, 2014
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Taffy
by: Jennifer

Taffy is a diabetic for last 3 years, after I noticed large intake of water. She was already drinking a lot due to prescription food she was put on for bladder stones. She is now 12 and blind. I too was scared to give shots of insulin at first, I was breaking a sweat! But it's the norm now. I like how another person on here noted that there are dogs for the blind. And now we are the human for the blind dog...she has been my joy in life for the past 12 years. She's a bit slow but we are very patient with her which people need to understand and beware of when they take on a dog...it's for life...it's literally a child you need to care for, no matter what is needed.

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX:
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer, bless her.

Dec 16, 2013
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Diabetes for Schnauzers
by: Anonymous

Hi,
I experienced exactly the same thing with Milo my little Schnauzer. He was 7 year old at the time and was not a big drinker but then suddenly... he was drinking constantly... and peeing of course but not yellow but clear liquid... I thought I had a leak in my roof... but it turned out to be diabetes.
2 years later Milo is doing great, I have to insert morning and night some insuline into his little body but he got used to it... so did I... the first time was so hard... I was crying like a big 250 pound baby but now it's routine.
Unfortunately, Milo is now blind because of the diabetes but that does not stop us! You have the dogs for the blind and in our case Me for him... I figured out that he gave me a Great 7 years so the least I can do is to give him back as many years I hope.
It's not easy but he is my Best Friend Afterall...
Good Luck

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX: Thanks for sharing that with us, Milo sounds like one in a million, you are lucky to have him and he is lucky to have you.

Dec 12, 2013
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any help would be great !
by: charlotte

We have a miniature schnauzer and more recently we have just noticed he is drinking loads and loads so much we accuse each other of not filling up his bowl when actually it may have been filled twice and he's drank it clean again ? Any ideas what it could be ??

NOTE FROM LINDA: Drinking excessively can be a sign of many things, including urinary tract infections, diabetes, liver or kidney disease. Get him checked out by your vet. If it is one of these problems, they can be effectively treated if caught early.

Jun 21, 2013
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Mini Schnauzer - drinking problem
by: Bruce

Our white mini max also drains his gallon size self filling bowl several times a day. We have had many many vet visits and ruled out diabetes. After an ultrasound we finally found out "small liver" was the issue and is likely congenital. His body just cant process toxins correctly ...and excessive drinking - head rubbing - eccessive urination are all current symptoms. The vet put him on a special diet ...and we installed a doggie door to get sleep at night (he goes out 5-6 times a night). Max is nine now (and was diagnosed at 3) and seems healthy otherwise. He is a great dog and we hope he is with us for a long time to come.

Nov 19, 2012
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Make sure you see 2 Vets
by: Eric

Milo had the same issue, lots and lots of water... went to the Vet and we started him on 5 units of Caninsulin twice a day. Now we are up to 10 units twice a day and he is not sure anymore...
I will definitely consult another vet.
The whole process is expensive but you want to know what is wrong with your best friend. It seems that the Vets have you by the sentiments... They know you won't back down when it comes to your best friend...
The food is 3 times the prices for Royal Canin the Vet type... that you can get only at the Vet!!!
It's really hard to gauge...
I personally installed a Pet Door that allows my Milo to get out anytime he wants, day or night! I keep is bowl full of water and still give him insulin but I am looking for another Vet.
Good Luck

Nov 13, 2012
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my puppy schnauzer
by: jeannie

My puppy mini schnauzer wants to constantly drink water! I fill her bowl up and her water is gone almost immediately.
she is still eating food but rather drink the water then eat!. Im now controlling her water intake due to her wanting to drink water then eating.
Should I make a vet appointment? Her wanting water this way is not normal.. she has been this way since we got her.. We thought it was because had to share with other dogs. but it is now at a point that she rather not eat unless she has water first. I think i'm making and appt tomorrow.

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX:
Hi Jeannie,
Yes, we would recommend that you get her in to see your vet as soon as you can. It does not sound normal that she is drinking so much water.
Good luck.

Sep 04, 2012
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Update on Milo Drinking Always
by: Eric

Well... it is diabetes... will have to shoot him twice a day and Milo will be back to himself shortly... Could have been worst... Thank you all

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX:
Well, good news you have got Milo diagnosed and got him some treatment.
Once he has stabilised with the treatment, he should get back to his old self with any luck.
Schnauzerley wishes.

Sep 03, 2012
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Milo is always thirsty... which he was never before...
by: Eric

I fear the worst especially after reading your postings...
Milou was never much of a drinker even when he and I use to go for runs outside but suddenly, he will clear his water bowl in no time and of course he has started to have some accidents since the liquid has to come out...
I will see the doctor tomorrow.
He is turning 7 at the end of the month...

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX:
Good luck

Feb 19, 2012
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Thank you/ update
by: Anonymous

Thank you all for help and the comments. My dog is diabetic and so now we have begun the long journey of getting her healthy again. She spent 6 days at the vet so he could get her levels correct. She just had her checkup and he said she is doing fantastic. Thank you so much for all the help! - Kim

Feb 19, 2012
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us too!!!
by: kirsten

Mine does the same thing!!! Minnie is 5 years old and she has always drank a lot however lately she is consuming buckets!!!! The vet says she is fine.
I asked my breeder (she has 30 years experience with these little guys) and she says that tis is a habit that they have. It is simply there, so she drinks it!!! I have been putting fresh clean water with her meals only and this seemed to help with accidents.
goodluck!!!

Jan 24, 2012
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Drinking too much
by: Michele

I hope everything was OK when you took your Girl to the vet and that it wasn't what every owner doesn't want.. Diabetes or Kidney Failure.... My Rebel 1 was only 11 when he developed his Kidney Failure, but as I said showed no signs until it was too late to do anything... if you see my photo of " Rebel up his favourite tree " that was on the 27th May 2005 and 3 weeks later he was gone, only being poorly for 4 days..

Jan 24, 2012
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Diabetes
by: Anonymous

I hope you heard good news from the vet?!
My nine year old female schnauzer ended up with diabetes. And by the time we caught it she was in organ failure..It's terrible because she was her-sweet-self all the way up to her very last breath... Hopefully you're able to treat her and keep her around for a few more years!

Dec 23, 2011
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Thank you
by: Kim

Thank you all so much for the comments and advice! I have made an appointment with the vet for today. I hope it's nothing to serious but if it is, then my hopes is that I've caught it in time. My dog, Zoey, is 9 years old which is why I'm so worried.

Dec 23, 2011
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Go to vet
by: betsy

Yes, indeed. The need for more than normal water is a sign in both humans and animals that something could be seriously wrong. Go To the Vet.
Betsy

Dec 22, 2011
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Diabetes?
by: Anonymous

I would def. take your dog to the vet! My schnauzer was doing the same thing and they had to rule out diabetes as this is a sign of that. Im not trying to scare you but just want you to get it checked out. Thankfully my dog doesnt have it and hopefully yours wont either! Best to get it checked out!

Dec 22, 2011
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Drinking water constantly
by: Michele

You do not say how old your Schnauzer is.. but if she is drinking water constantly.. you MUST take her to your vet.. could be that she is developing a kidney problem and she will get worse if not treated NOW.. Hope that you have caught her in time.. but with her having accidents her water in take is too much .. she has to release it somewhere...It may just be an infection.. but DO TAKE HER TO YOUR VET.. Kidney Disease can develop into Kidney Failure.. and once that happens there is not much you can do.. her protein level may be too high..causing her kidneys to work overtime..I am no vet, but have had this problem with my first Schnauzer.. unfortunately he showed no signs until there was blood in his urine.. then it was too late and he passed away four days later, in my arms.. in 2005.

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