Water Obsession/High PH level

[Andrea]

I just got Archie's urine tested because he's been peeing in crate so much and is so obsessive and desperate for water (even though we give him more than enough for his weight). The vet says he has a high PH and there are very few crystals. She wants him to go on Urinary SO BUT she also said it was OK that we've been limiting his water (again still way more than enough for his size- he is 15 lbs and we're giving him almost 30 a day). I understand this food makes him want to drink even more water.

Any suggestions what other doodle owners have done in this situation? Is your dog also obsessed with water?

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Is a low PH and crystals a good thing? I'm sorry I don't know much about dogs' urine. Oscar was a seemingly obsessive drinker, too, as a youngster. He never had accidents in his crate, but we sure took him outside for potty breaks frequently. He still drinks a lot, but now its only about 3-4x a day. He'll stand there for about a minute drinking. Off subject, but I also have a male cockatoo who drinks a lot (and poo/pees a lot too!). Hope you find an answer.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It's the urine specific gravity I would wonder about. I have real reservations about limiting fluid intake. I think you may need a second opinion.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with F, and I would get that second opinion from a veterinary internal medicine specialist. Excessive water consumption and urinating can be symptoms of a couple of diseases. A specialist will do appropriate bloodwork to get a better picture of what is going on.

The crystals in and of themselves are actually not a big deal, and dogs often outgrow that. And crystals in the urine are usually unrelated to food.

I would not use the Rx food. It's absolute garbage; it amazes me that any vet could think this would be a healthy food for a dog. Corn and floor sweepings as the first two ingredients? 14% protein? I'm surprised any dog can even stay alive on this junk. 

• Ingredients: brewer's rice, corn, chicken fat, chicken meal, natural flavors, dried egg product, corn gluten meal, salt, powdered cellulose, potassium chloride, fish oil, calcium carbonate, potassium phosphate, calcium sulfate, taurine, choline chloride, DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), biotin, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin A acetate, niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, marigold extract (tagetes erecta L.), zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite and rosemary extract preserved with natural mixed tocopherols and citric acid
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 14.0%, Crude Fat (min) 14.0%, Crude Fiber (max) 4.6%, Moisture (max) 10.0%

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I just dig a little internet research and it seems that low protein diets can actually cause excessive water consumption, excessive urinating, and kidney problems in puppies. I really would not give him this food. 

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

My doodle drinks like he never drank before also. It is excessive. I always thought it was maybe bored
Like when we look in the fridge when we have nothing else to do.. I wonder if he also has this..

[Andrea]

The crystals are definitly bad-they can lead to stones. Usually it means they aren't getting enough water which is so odd for us!

[F, Calla & Luca]

If you are feeding kibble it is completely dry and the dog needs to rehydrate it o to speak. I don't know what 30 refers to but the safest thing to do is to let your dog regulate hi own water intake. You may need to take him out more often. If a dog is really drinking or urinating excessively than you need to find the underlying medical problem.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yep. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's a recent discussion that may be helpful: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/puppy-diagnosed-with-cryst...

[Andrea]

Thanks everyone! I spoke with my vet and she agreed that the food wasn't right for him. We're going to do a blood test tomorrow just to be sure it's not a kidney disease or anything genetic. For the amount that he's drinking, the fact that his urine is still such a high pH and that he's always thirsty just isn't sitting well with me! Will keep you posted. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Urine specific gravity not pH is an indicator of urine concentration.

[Stella]

The first thing I would think about with excessive thirst is diabetes. Good that your vet is doing bloodwork.