Excessive thirst and excessive shedding

Question
I recently inherited my Moms 12 yr old Black Lab-Collie mix female. My Mom passed on 2 months ago. However the dog has lived here with us for 1 yr.
She takes Rimadyl for arthritis.
She weighed about 90lbs but looks like she has lost at least 10lbs.
She drinks at least 2 gallons of water a day and she is shedding worse than any dog I have ever seen.
Any suggestions as to the why?
Thank You
Georgie

Answer
Thanks for your question.  First off I wanted to say sorry about your mother my thoughts are with you and your family.  Humm lets see she is rather old for a large dog and it could be as simple as age.  She might also sense that there has been a loss in the family with the way people are acting.  That is alot of water to be drinking in a day I would take her to the vet and tell them what you told me and see if they might want you to change her dog food to a senior brand.  Or if you dont want to do that try purinea senior brand and see if that doesnt help with the dehydration.  As dogs get older they will shed alot more.  There skin condition isnt what it use to be and there bodys tell them that if they loose hair then the problem will be solves.  If you think she is well enough to go to a groomer then take her and have a deep coat conditoning done.  That will help alot but wont solve it.  I think in my opinion its just age but take her to the vet and see what he says.  Hope this helps

Kati