thirsty dog

Question
Any idea why my mostly golden retriever dog (frisky, always jumping, about 48 pounds, 8 years old, seems in very good health) can drink-up 15 ounces of water at one time? Then an hour later go for 10-15 ounces more? And then later...same thing. Maybe we are giving the pooch too much people-food, although I really don't think it's all that much. The dog is always hungry but gets fed only one good doggie-meal once a day. He loves to eat at all hours. And drinks water like a fish (!) --and then scampers outside to relieve himself many times a day. --But (and this may seem funny) there are no brown spots on the grass to talk about! --He must be too watered-down to even burn up the backyard lawn.! Seriously --Any ideas on how to cut back on his H2o intake? Otherwise, he howls and whines when his water bowl is empty. Or does it matter at all?

Thanks in advance from max/Chicago

Answer
hello. No, doesn't matter. give him all the water he wants. mine drink a lot too.  if he's jumping around and playing alot, he needs that extra energy.  Maybe some pedialyte once a day, or ask your vet about gatorade, maybe his electolytes are down.  Next time you take him to the vet, maybe a thyroid or diabetes test might help.  good luck