Bladder problem?

Question
 Hello! I have an 8 month old Papillon. She has been a little difficult to housetrain but I think she is almost 100% there. She knows to pee outside and has her signal. She does mess up occasionally though when I dont notice her.
 I have crate trained her and used to keep her crated all day while I was at work. She only soiled the crate once and can now hold it.
 For the past month, I have started leaving her out of the crate while at work. I bring up her water bowl so she doesnt drink too much. She can also hold it all day while out of the crate(when we're not there). And of course I let her out once I get home.
 Ever since she was a young puppy, she always had to go pee a lot. More than an average puppy that I've seen. Her bowels are okay (2 per day). So on days that we are here with her all day, I have to take her to pee about 20 times per day. Sometimes, I have to take her 3 times over a period of 30 minutes. Each time, she does urinate. And also each time she acts like she cant hold it any longer.
 I thought at first that she just likes to go outside and was using that to get out there but, when I take her out, after she pee's, I bring her right in.
 She was spayed at 6 months. I dont know if I should take her to the vet, or if this is normal and she will just grow out of it. But I take her out enough that it is troublesome so I think it may not be normal. I have had a lot of other dogs and none have had this problem.
 If you have any other questions for me, I'll be glad to answer them. Any help on this will be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!!

:)  Stephanie

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

If your dog needs to go outside as often 20 times per day, you definitely should have her examined by your vet.

It's possible she has a urinary tract infection, which would account for her increased frequency of urination. This is a simple condition to treat, and once it's cleared up, your dog should be able to "hold it' and need far less walks a day.

You've said you withhold water from your dog during the day, but given the chance, does your dog drink excessively too? If your dog is having a kidney problem, withholding water can be dangerous. Your vet may want to check for conditions such as diabetes.

A trip to your vet will answer all of your questions, and your dog will be the better for it.

Best of luck,

Patti