Puppy Drinking Water

My new 8 week old puppy seems like he can't get enough to drink. He just got his first shots the day I got him. Is this normal? Should I let hime drink all he wants?

Janice here...

In my experience, puppies (as well as older dogs) drink a lot of water. But this of course depends on various factors.

Dogs and Puppies drink more in the hot weather because they pant and loose fluids that need to be replenished, just as we do when we sweat.

Dogs and Puppies will drink more if they are eating dry kibble as opposed to kibble that has been soaked in water, raw, or canned foods.

I never withhold water from puppies except at night when I am trying to potty train.

With that said, there are some medical conditions that cause dogs to drink more than normal. This is a question best answered by a veterinarian. I would recommend that you call the vet that administered the vaccines to get his/her opinion. If a vet did not give the shots, it would be very important to have your puppy checked out.

A puppy that young should be supervised very carefully as they do tend to explore, wander and get into things they should not get into. As with human babies, puppies explore with their mouths and can accidentally ingest something that is not safe causing him to drink more water. Hopefully this did not happen. Good Luck with your New Puppy!!

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"Hi, I'm Janice Jones, a former veterinary technician and Shih Tzu expert with over 40 years of experience with the breed. Through Miracle Shih Tzu, I combine my medical background and extensive breed knowledge to provide reliable, practical advice for Shih Tzu owners. My mission is to help you give your Shih Tzu the happiest, healthiest life possible through evidence-based information and real-world solutions. Whether you're new to the breed or a seasoned owner, you'll find trusted guidance here for all aspects of Shih Tzu care.

I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling.