Why is my pet peeing more?

Is your pet using the litterbox or asking to go out more than usual?  There are a few key illness's we look to in the instance of Polydipsia or increased urination as it is most commonly called.

Diabetes

This is always our clients first thought when it comes to increased urination and it definitely deserves a spot on the list but often Diabetes is associated with a number of other changes so a whole health examination and blood panel need to be performed.  Diabetes causes a spike in drinking, often eating and urinating.  This is all in response to a high blood sugar levels.

Kidney Disease

When kidneys become damaged from either age related changes or a toxic event the kidneys have a hard time concentrating the urine and pets urinate large amounts frequently.  Advanced kidney disease is often associated with other symptoms such as weight loss and even anorexia or loss of appetite. This disease process also requires a blood and urine panel to be completed for appropriate staging and diagnosis. 

Metabolic Changes

There are a few metabolic diseases such as cushings disease and even hyperthyroid that can cause a change in both drinking and peeing habits.  These diseases can be associated with other symptoms such as hair loss and ravenous appetites respectively. 

Urinary Tract Infections

By far this is the most commonly seen reason for increased urination.  Most pets show an increased frequency but not an increased volume of urine production when afflicted with a urinary tract infection.  To properly diagnose a urinary tract infection your vet will either collect or ask you to collect a fresh urine sample for diagnostics. 

Psycogenic Polydipsia

Most commonly seen in young puppies the brain does not send an appropriate signal to the body to stop drinking simply put.  This leads to puppies (most often) that drink and drink and then pee and pee.  As you can imagine this makes house training difficult.  To diagnose this your vet needs a good history as well as a urine and possibly blood panel completed.  This problem often will correct itself with some behavioural therapy.  If noted in a young animal it is always important to rule out all other causes before this is considered a diagnostic option.  

So what do I do about all this pee?

Simply visit your local veterinarian and provide them a detailed history and follow their lead.  The history you present is like a trail of crumbs leading to an appropriate diagnosis and the lab work is like a sign on the road.