Why is My Dog Drinking Pee?
If you’ve noticed your dog recently drinking urine, you may be wondering why. Though it can seem gross and be a bit embarrassing, there are several reasons why your dog may be drinking pee.
Health Reasons
One of the most common reasons for a dog drinking urine is due to health issues such as dehydration, low blood sugar, or an underlying medical condition. To check for dehydration, take a look at your dog’s gums and check for signs of dryness. If they’re dry, your pup may be trying to make up lost fluids by lapping up their own pee.
Additionally, if your pup is acting lethargic and drinking their own pee, this could be a sign of low blood sugar, which is also known as hypoglycemia. If your pet’s blood sugar levels are too low, they may be desperate for a quick energy source, which can cause them to sip on their own pee. It is important to have your dog’s blood sugar tested and to speak with your veterinarian if they’re exhibiting symptoms.
This behavior could also be indicative of an underlying medical condition or nutritional deficiency. If your pup is drinking their own pee or the pee of other animals, it is important to speak with your veterinarian about testing for any medical issues.
Behavioural Reasons
It is possible that your dog may be drinking pee for behavioral reasons. Drinking pee could be a sign of boredom or a way to get attention. Dogs that are bored or lacking physical and mental stimulation may act out in quirky ways, such as drinking their own urine.
It could also be a way of getting the attention of their human. Dogs can sometimes develop attention-seeking behaviors if they aren’t getting enough one-on-one time with their owner.
Preventing your Dog from Drinking Pee
If you’ve determined that your pet is drinking pee due to a behavioral issue, there are ways to prevent and reduce this behavior.
- Provide Quality Exercise: Make sure your pup is getting enough physical activity such as walking and running. If your pet isn’t getting enough exercise, they may become bored and start seeking out unnecessary stimulation.
- Mental Stimulation: Smart pups need to play games that stimulate and challenge them. You can provide mental stimulation with interactive toys, feeding puzzles and activities, and training sessions.
- Interaction and Bonding Time: Spending just a few minutes each day connecting with you pup through activities such as belly scratches, walking, playing catch or fetch, and food puzzles will strengthen your bond and provide them with the interaction they need.
By providing your pooch with quality physical and mental stimulation, your pup should be less likely to drink their own pee or the pee of other animals. It is also important to provide them with fresh water and to take them to veterinary check-ups to ensure they’re in tip-top health.