| OCD with drinking water?
Taser is obsessed with drinking water. He is now 9mnths old. We first noticed his water obsession at approx 14wks. He would blow out into his water bowl making bubbles then sit back and stare at the water. Of course we laughed! He would pick up a mouthful then drop it back into the bowl...generally just playing with the water. Then we began to notice he was drinking A LOT of water making potty training difficult as his bladder would overflow very quickly. He would leave a zigzagging line of pee drops on the way to the door. We talked to our vet and he said it is too early for a dog to typically develop diabetes or thyroid issues. He suggested we closely monitor his drinking, limit the water intake, and to never laugh when he plays with his water.
We warned our friend about this when she agreed to watch him for several days. She has one of the "never ending" water bowls...approx 4L. She forgot and he managed to drink all 4 liters in one sitting. Another time my husband's friend forgot the toilet seat up (typical man ;} )and Taser drank ALL the water in the toilet bowl. Many other examples.
A month after doling out cupfulls of water periodically throughout the day and we decided to attempt to train him out of this. We fill his water bowl and when his lapping changes from drinking to "playing" we tell him to "take a break." We are lucky enough (or maybe cursed) to be able to hear him drinking throughout the house and listen closely to remind him. He is finally starting to take breaks on his own. However, in a different environment he is just as obsessed.
I honestly don't believe he is thirsty as his lapping changes to a boring, playing lapping. His skin turgor is good and his coat is beautiful.
Has anyone ever had this problem or have suggestions?  |