3 Reasons Why Your German Shepherd is Suddenly Drinking a Lot of Water

High-energy dog breeds like German Shepherds can have moments when they drink a never-ending amount of water, but what if it is becoming a regular occurrence? This behavior may warrant a visit to the vet, especially if your dog is showing other concerning symptoms. Here are the most common reasons for German Shepherds that drink a lot of water.

Your German Shepherd has a Medical Illness

A medical condition can most often lead to an increased thirst. Your German Shepherd may be affected by infections like urinary tract infection or longer-term conditions like diabetes. For any strange dog behaviors, it’s important to always rule out any medical conditions first before you determine it’s a behavioral one.

The vet will observe and ask about a number of symptoms and may also request a urine and blood test for further diagnosis.

Your Dog is Eating Too Much Dry Food

Your German Shepherd’s food diet may also affect his level of thirst. For example, German Shepherds that eat too much dry food may drink a lot more water than usual. Dog foods like kibble contain very little water content so the German Shepherd will need to compensate that by drinking more water.

The same applies for high-sodium food, which should be avoided for a number of health reasons. Large amounts of salt consumption can lead to sodium poisoning so make sure your German Shepherd stays away from such treats.

Your German Shepherd is Feeling Hot

German shepherds are able to tolerate hot summer weather but not for too long of a period. You may notice the dog is always trying to look for a cool shaded spot to rest in. If you have a backyard then the German Shepherd may also try to dig a hole to rest in.

In this situation, it’s important to make sure that the German Shepherd has access to plenty of water and to turn on the AC for an appropriate amount of time to keep the temperature at a cool level. Do note that contrary to popular belief, your dog wouldn’t necessarily feel cooler by having his dog coat trimmed in the summer.

How Much Water Does a German Shepherd Drink a Day?

Large dog breeds like German Shepherds will need a decent amount of water to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Generally-speaking, an adult dog will need up to 2.5 liters of water a day to maintain good health. German Shepherd puppies will require slightly less but it’s good practice to make sure they always have access to water throughout the day.