1) It may actually be the right amount -
The first thing to keep in mind is that looking at the above chart, an adult Boxer needs just about as much water as a typical adult human. It wasn't too long ago that we were told to drink 8 cups a day. That's changed now and the recommended amount is about 13 cups (3 liters) for a male and 9 cups (2.12 liters) for a female.
A 70 lb. (31.7 kg) Boxer needs around 11.34 cups (2.68 liters) per day and that's almost exactly the median amount for us, which is 11 cups (2.60 liters).
We must add to this the fact that a Boxer needs even more he's
exercising, being more active than usual or is being walked on a hot day in the
summer, etc. So, what may seem like a lot to us is in fact the perfect amount for our dogs.
The element that often makes us take a step back is when a Boxer is drinking water too fast, (which we'll hit on in a moment)
2) A health issue -
If a Boxer begs for more water or makes attempts to drink from other sources such as puddles in the yard, etc. this can point to a medical condition. It is important to note that many of these
health issues can strike puppies.
Owners often overlook these possible health concerns since there is a belief that only older dogs are at risk. However, excessive thirst (Polydipsia) on a continual basis despite being given an adequate amount often point to one of the following conditions:
Diabetes -
Increased thirst is often the very first symptom. Others signs include: change in appetite, weight loss, fruity smelling breath, weakness, a thinning or dullness of the coat, and/or vomiting. Left untreated there may be UTI's, skin infections, eye problems including cataracts and blindness. This disease strikes 1 in 500 dogs. This is not just a concern for older, senior Boxer dogs; puppies can develop this as well and it is often referred to as Juvenile diabetes mellitus.
Liver disease -
Increased thirst for water is among the leading sings of liver disease. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, a yellowing of the eyes, weakness and/or
blood in the urine. Left untreated there may be fluid buildup in the abdomen (Ascites) and/or seizures.
Kidney disease -
Increased thirst is one of the first signs of problems with the kidneys. Other signs include change in urination (with an increase or decrease), urination at night, uncontrolled dibbling of urine, blood in the urine, decreased appetite, dulled coat, weakness, diarrhea and/or vomiting.
Left untreated, it will lead to kidney failure at which time there may be a buildup of waste products in the body that manifests as uremia (a distinct ammonia smell), mouth ulcers, severe weight loss, loss of muscle mass, anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells presenting as pale skin and weakness), dangerously high blood pressure, difficult breathing and /or
seizures.
Cushing's disease -
The most prominent signs of this in dogs is drinking excessively which leads to excessive urination and also incontinence issues; a Boxer may urinate at night in his bed or have trouble holding his bladder during the day.
Over time, approximately 90% of all dogs with Cushing's will develop a pot-bellied appearance which is due to a redistribution of body fat coupled with a a breakdown of abdominal muscles, caused by hormone fluctuations. Left untreated, there may be hair loss, a darkening of the skin (most often seen on the underbelly) and/or skin infections.
Cancer -
Many types of cancer can cause a dog to drink more water than normal, including adrenal and pancreatic cancer.
Stomach / Intestinal ailment -
Any time that a Boxer is eating less than normal due to illness, the body may try to make up for this by drinking more. In addition, any sort of stomach ailment that causes vomiting and/or diarrhea will cause a puppy or dog to quickly become dehydrated.
Some dogs need encouragement to hydrate - and may need a supplement such as Pedialyte, while others will actively seek out more water.
3) Too long of a period without adequate hydration -
You might have taken your Boxer out with you to run errands or left the house for a walk without bringing water. In any case, if a dog goes for too long of a period without water, he'll make up for it later by emptying his bowl super fast once he does have access.