Answer

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's problems.

The medical term for this excessive urinating is polyuria (pu); excessive thirst is termed polydypsia (pd), and pu/pd is a significant symptom; it is a crucial first sign behind several major medical problems that can develop.

Reasons for pu/pd can include Liver failure, kidney failure, Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, diabetes, cancers, and other metabolic and endocrine issues.

However, the pu/pd, less energy and now not wanting to eat along is likely all related, and I would not bother trying to treat with any home remedies, as something more serious is going on. It does not have to be the end necessarily for him, but without a blood profile done, you will not know what system is being affected and what treatments can be done to help improve his quality and quantity of life.

In fact, it could be just a matter of a couple of injections and a bland diet to get him feeling perkier, but the underlying medical problem should be diagnosed as soon as possible to give him the best chance at life. It is up to you obviously how drastic or how conservative you wish to be with treatment, as indeed you don't wish to stress him with anything. But some problems may just require a diet change, a medication, or at least knowing what to expect if he is declining too quickly.

I hope this helps shed some light on the situation. I've included links here for you to read up on several of these problems, and please don't hesitate to reply if I can help further. Do keep in mind when reading these that not all symptoms appear in each dog, and each individual dog like people handles their medical problems differently in their symptoms, behaviors, etc.

Liver failure: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hepatic-failure-in-dogs/page1.aspx

Kidney failure: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/chronic-renal-kidney-failure-in-dogs/page1.aspx

DM: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/diabetes-in-dogs/page1.aspx

DI: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/diabetes-insipidus/page1.aspx

Addison's: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hypoadrenocorticism-addison-s-disease-in-dogs/page1.aspx

Cushing's: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hyperadrenocorticism-cushing-s-syndrome-in-dogs/page1.aspx

Best wishes to you and your dog!

Christine

Expert:	ChristineLVT
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Answered:	6/15/2008

Certified Veterinary Technician

Licensed veterinary technician (B.S. Mercy College), 10 yrs in animal medicine and training