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My dog is on insulin and drinking a lot. Why is he so thirsty?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Why Is My Dog, Who Is on Insulin, So Thirsty?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Paula Simons

Veterinarian

Published on December 9th, 2014

Excessive urination and drinking are often signs of unregulated blood sugar that is too high (meaning not enough insulin). That being said, I would never adjust your dog's insulin dosage without first consulting with a vet and understanding how to treat hypoglycemia if needed. You can discuss at home testing of the urine or blood to determine your dog's blood sugar levels.

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219Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 11th, 2019

    Increased thirst is a very common symptom of many diseases. If there are no other confounding factors, then it likely means the Diabetes is not regulated yet. This can take some time to accomplish. In general resolution of increased thirst in a Diabetic is a good sign of diabetic control. Your vet will continue to work on regulating your pet but it is important to do this slowly as too much insulin (thus resulting in low blood sugar) is much more concerning then too little. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 7th, 2017

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If your pet is a known diabetic (on insulin and previously diagnosed) and they become symptomatic again as you have described, I will usually have my clients bring them back in for a glucose curve testing. Sometimes the insulin dosage will have to be adjusted as our pet's bodies acclimate to the drug and sometimes become a bit resistant to its effects. Prescription diets like Hills Sience Diet WD can help with the illness as well in many animals by changing the type of carbs and limiting fat they are ingesting. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 6th, 2017

    That can be a sign the blood sugar is high and he may need more insulin. I would not increase the dose until you have the level checked to be sure. Other things such as a kidney infection or cushings disease can have similar symptoms and may make the diabetes not regulated until they are equally controlled

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