Illness

• Dogs suffering fro urinary tract infections or kidney problems may start licking and drinking their own urine. This is fairly common and will not place any further stress on the dog's health as long as there is plenty of fresh water available to drink as well. It will help to clean the dog as often as possible to reduce the opportunity to lick urine.
  
  

Significance

• Licking and drinking urine could be a learned behavior. According to VetInfo.com, this is typical of pet store dogs and puppy mills. It develops as a result of poor care and boredom. The habit can stay with dogs into their adult life. Witnessing this behavior in your dog could be a sign that he once came from such as place.
  
  

Considerations

• Drinking urine could be related to a dog's sexual behavior. Male dogs will sometimes taste the urine of a female dog to see if she is in season. Noticing a male dog doing this to your female could be an indicator that she is in heat.
  
  

Theories and Speculation

• According to James Glover of PetPeoplesPlace.com, a dog may drink his own urine to hide evidence of an accident. Glover recommends cleaning the area with a non-ammonia based cleaner to prevent the dog urinating in the same place again. A firm "no" also will help the dog break the habit.
  
  

Effects

• According to UrbanHound.com, drinking urine can be healthy. The site also says that urine contains several vitamins, hormones and nutrients. The practice is considered to be therapeutic in many Asian cultures and is studied in alternative medicine. Despite the possible benefits, you should not force your dog to drink urine.