My diabetic dog won't eat and drinks a lot. Why is this happening?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 10 lbs
Our dog I'd a diabetic and sometimes she eats and other times she will not eat,she drinks a lot of water,can yup pls tell us why.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 26th, 2017
I am very sorry to hear that you are experiencing these issues with Matilda. These clinical signs, inappetance and increased water consumption are unfortunately very common for diabetic dogs. Because Matilda's body cannot handle the Sivan she eats in her food in a normal way, an excess amount is passed through her urine. The sugar drags water with it, meaning that Matilda will urinate more of her water intake and reserves then a normal dog will. Keeping her insulin medication and feed intake carefull monitored will help slow this diuretic effect and keep her more hydrated. The same issues with handling sugar inside her body can affect her appetite. If you are noticing that these problems are becoming worse, I suggest a recheck with your vet to make sure that the medications are at an appropriate dosage, and that there aren't any complicating factors present, such as a yeinary tract infection, which are common in diabetic dogs. I hope this answer was helpful, and more Importantly that Matilda feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 13th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Anytime a diabetic has a change in thirst and appetite I recommend that the animal see a Veterinarian. If you have urine dip sticks at home that measures ketones, catch urine and check if ketones are present. Ketones are bad to have in diabetic patients. If you do not have the urine sticks that measure ketones then call your Vet in the morning and have Zowee seen before the weekend. If you do and there are ketones present you need to see your Vet. Be careful giving the full dose of insulin if Zowee isn't eating normal amounts because that could cause her blood sugar to drop too low. Please consult the veterinarian managing Zowee's diabetes when they open today. I hope this helps and I wish Zowee the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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