Question
Why is my diabetic dog drinking so much?
Sunny, owner notes“I wish my dog lived as long as I do.”Updated
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
Short answer
A bowl that's always empty is often the first thing that worries owners, and it's very common in diabetic dogs. It usually eases once the diabetes is better controlled, but kidney disease or Cushing's, a hormone condition, can cause it too, so let your vet check. Write down how often you fill his bowl. If it's new, book a visit. Never cut back his water.
What you might notice at home
The bowl is empty again. He wants to go out at night. The bed is wet. With Cooper, the extra drinking and peeing were what I noticed before he was diagnosed. The thirst is often one of the first things to ease once treatment starts working. If he's still very thirsty even when his numbers look good, talk to your vet.
Most vets say water should always be there. The thirst comes from the illness, so cutting his water won't help.
What to write down for the vet
- How many times you fill the bowl, or that you cannot keep up.
- Night waking and accidents.
- Appetite, weight, and energy beside the thirst.
- Any reading you already have, with the time it was taken.
What to take with you
Two days of notes on his water is enough to start. If the clinic asks for a urine sample, collect it the way they tell you. If he's straining, or there's blood or a smell, tell your vet, because that can mean a urine infection.
My diabetic dog is having accidents in the house.
Coming home to puddles is upsetting, but your dog isn't being naughty. New accidents are a health sign. Making more urine, an infection and other problems all need checking. Tell the vet whether your dog is peeing bigger amounts, straining, leaking while asleep or asking to go out more.
Keep water out and make it easier for your dog to get outside while you arrange a vet visit. Don't punish them or cut back water to protect the floor. Ask whether a urine test is needed and how soon your dog should be seen, especially if there's pain or they seem ill.
Should I limit my diabetic dog's water?
When the floor keeps getting wet, taking the water away can feel like the answer. Please don't ration water to cut down accidents or get through the night. Keep fresh, clean water out. If your dog is very thirsty, the vet needs to know, and an empty bowl only hides the sign.
Note how it's different from normal and make it easier to get outside while you arrange a visit. If your dog can't keep water down or seems weak, call the vet soon instead of waiting to see how tomorrow goes.
Sources
- My dog has diabetes and Cushing's. How does that work?Cushing's as another cause of thirst
- My diabetic dog has kidney problems or protein in the urine.Kidney problems alongside diabetes
- Could a urine infection be part of this?Urine infections and accidents
- Can I judge control by thirst and energy?Judging control by thirst and energy
- How can I tell if my diabetic dog is dehydrated?Why water must stay out
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
Can I judge control by thirst and energy?
If you can't test, his thirst, peeing, hunger and weight still tell you a lot. If any of them get worse, call your vet.
Q&A
Could a urine infection be part of this?
Straining, blood, a strong smell or new accidents mean a vet visit. Don't use leftover medicine.
Q&A
Does this mean my dog has diabetes?
Drinking more, peeing more and losing weight mean it's time to see a vet. Only the vet can tell you if it's diabetes.
Q&A
My diabetic dog is losing weight
Write down his weight and what he eats. If he keeps losing, see your vet before you feed him more.