Excessive drinking?

[Jill & Tugboat]

Hi, All,

I know I may end up needing to call the vet on this, but figured I'd see if what I'm perceiving as excessive drinking in Tugboat is really excessive or not.  We've had smaller dogs to this point so I have nothing equal to compare it to.

He's currently 10.5 weeks old, 12 lbs.  He's drinks about 1/2 gallon a day, which we leave out for him except at night and about 1.5 hour before. 

What this is doing is making housebreaking challenging as when he's awake and out of his crate, he literally goes every 15 minutes or so.

We make sure to take him out immediately upon coming out of his crate, after all meals, and after playtime, but he cannot even make through playtime without going.  He's not had any accidents in his crate at all, so we know he can hold it for many hours while crated.

Thoughts? Suggestions?  Is 1/2 gallon too much for a dog this size?

Thanks!

[John and Finn]

Finn has always drank an enormous amount of water..  1/2 gallon does not seem that much to me based on how much Finn has drank but it comes down to that every 15 minutes thing,  That seems excesive but every dog is different.  Finn went about every couple hours at that age.

[John and Finn]

BTW, have you asked your vet about this?  Finn never had a UTI (had several parasites) but that would be something I would check for.

[Vanessa Mueller]

Jill, 1/2 gallon is not excessive.  However, how quickly is he drinking?  Our dog, Bailey had a problem with gorging on his water.  Our vet said this was due to anxiety.   However it was also causing accidents in the house, with a dog that was house trained.  The suggestion we got was to only give Bailey a bowl of water with meals, after playtime etc.  and to stop water after his last pee break before bed.  We also had to work on  his separation anxiety.  He also developed seizures during this time which is brought on by anxious situations.  Hope this helps.

[Corey Melillo]

Maybe you can try not to leave free water around. I have a 12 week old and while housetraining (90% there!), I put out water about 5 min, after I put his food out and give him water after play. If he wants more he comes to the sink, and I give him some, I cannot leave out free water because Bodhi would play in it :)
Good luck.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Do NOT withhold water from a puppy.    They do drink a lot.  They need to drink a lot.  Never withhold water.  A fresh bowl should always be available.  Sometimes a puppy will get active, drink, and puke even.  Still, at this point, they are 90% water ( that is my vet's joke).  So let him drink.   Dogs ( especially puppies) can dehydrate quickly and this is dangerous.  But really, this is  normal to have them drink, play, eat, sleep, drink, drink, drink

[Bob Johnston]

at this age sophie had to go out every 15 to 20 mins after drinking or eatting. if we were playing and she stopped we would only have 2 mins to get her outside before she would have to go. we had an umbrella and boots at the door for ease of getting her out there as quick as possible.

[Jill & Tugboat]

Thanks to everyone for their responses.  Based on what you all said, I think he's doing fine and we just have to be extra diligent in watching him every minute for a while longer.  Thanks!