I am hosting a dog that obsessively drinks water (to the point of throwing up, his owner says). How can I limit his water intake, while ensuring my dog gets the water he needs?

If you have to leave water out at all times for your dog, then you will need to segregate the dogs with a physical barrier. Another method would be to monitor usage when it is on the floor. In cold weather, dogs don't require all that much water. If you add moisture to your dog's food, then you lessen the need for having water around. Another method is to feed your dog watery vegetables, like cucumbers. I have had incontinent dogs stay with me and I was instructed to remove any water after 8 pm. It didn't affect my dog, not having any water around until morning.

Unusual water drinking to the level of obsession is a symptom of diabetes. Suggest asking the owner if their dog has been screened for high glucose levels by a vet. The water drinking and excessive urination that is sticky to the touch when cleaning up is a sign. Best caught early so it can be controlled.

I've had a couple dogs visit who have stress-drank at first, and I've coped by just offering smaller amounts of water a few times a day so I can monitor intake and picking it up before bed. It may not be the most feasible in the winter, but you can also give them ice cubes, so they can't gulp it down so quickly. As Karen mentioned, adding water to your dog's food will also keep her hydrated throughout the day.

Another tip would be to try adding ice cubes to the water bowl. This can slow down their intake and may deter them from drinking so incessantly to the point of vomiting.