Dear VetBabble: Why Is My Older Dog Drinking Lots of Water, Shaking, and Eating Less?
First and foremost, we want to assure you that your concern for Pugster’s well-being is absolutely valid, and we understand the distress one can feel when their furry companion isn’t doing well. With that in mind, we would like to address your query in a more generalized manner, so as to provide insight for other pet owners who may be facing similar issues with their pets. This article will cover three topics germane to Pugster’s symptoms: excessive water consumption, shaking, and changes in appetite.
Reasons Behind Increased Water Consumption
There could be a variety of reasons why a dog may suddenly exhibit increased thirst and subsequent water consumption. Age could be a major factor, as older dogs are more prone to certain conditions. Furthermore, stress or anxiety due to a change in environment, such as staying with a sitter, can contribute to changes in behavior and physical health. To better understand the possible causes and implications of excessive water intake, please check out our article, Why Does My Dog Drink More Water?.
Shaking, Trembling, and Lethargy
Shaking and trembling in dogs can be attributed to various factors, including pain, anxiety/stress, or, in some cases, illness. Lethargy, often indicated by the dog becoming more tired or appearing weak, is another common symptom accompanying shaking. Lethargy is particularly worrisome when it is out of character for your dog. To better differentiate between normal tiredness and genuine lethargy in your dog or puppy, read our article, Is My Puppy Tired or Lethargic?.
Changes in Appetite and Diarrhea
It’s not uncommon for dogs to experience changes in their appetite, which could be due to stress, illness, or simply changes in their everyday routine. Reduced appetite, paired with weight loss, could be alarming and may warrant further investigation. One possible reason for your dog’s diminished appetite could be gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea. Learn more about why your dog may develop diarrhea in our article, Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?.
As previously mentioned, older dogs, such as Pugster, may exhibit certain symptoms due to their age or an underlying condition, like kidney disease. Our article on Kidney Disease in Cats could provide more insights into this topic, as the condition is similar in both cats and dogs, and many of the symptoms and management approaches can be transferrable between species.
In conclusion, we strongly recommend taking Pugster, or any pet displaying these symptoms, to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. It is essential to rule out any serious medical conditions and ensure that your beloved pet remains happy and healthy.
We hope this information proves helpful to you and all other pet owners facing similar concerns, and we wish Pugster a swift recovery!
