Dog diabetes types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

By: Kristia Goodnight

Diabetes is a serious health condition that can affect both humans and dogs. While diabetes is a well-known human condition, fewer people are aware that dogs can develop diabetes as well.

With early detection and consistent treatment, diabetes in dogs can be effectively managed, allowing your dog to continue to enjoy a happy and healthy life.

Diabetes in dogs can have serious consequences if left untreated. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage the condition and even help prevent it from developing in the first place.

Can dogs get diabetes?

Yes, while more common in older dogs, all breeds and ages of dogs can get diabetes. Diabetes is a common condition, affecting 1 in 300 adult dogs.

How do dogs get diabetes?

Diabetes in dogs is a chronic (ongoing) condition where the dog’s body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels properly. Just like in humans, diabetes can affect dogs in different ways.

The most common type of diabetes in dogs is similar to type 1 diabetes in humans, which is caused by a deficiency of the hormone insulin or insulin producing beta cells. This is known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in dogs, or IDDM.

In diabetes mellitus, the dog’s pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate the blood sugar levels, leading to high blood sugar. Dogs with this type 1 diabetes depend on insulin injections to stabilize their blood sugar levels.

There is another rarer form of diabetes in dogs, known as insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus (IRDM), which is similar to type 2 diabetes in humans. In IRDM, the dog's body produces insulin, but the cells in the body are resistant to its effects, leading to high blood sugar.

Type 3 diabetes results from hormone-induced insulin resistance resulting from pregnancy or hormone-secreting tumors.

High blood sugar levels result in a range of symptoms, some more noticeable than others.

What are the symptoms of diabetes in dogs?

The warning signs of diabetes in dogs can be subtle at first but will become more prevalent as the condition progresses. Some of the common clinical signs of diabetes in dogs include:

Increased thirst and urination: This is one of the most common signs of diabetes in dogs. Your dog may drink more water than usual and may need to go outside to urinate more frequently.
Increased appetite: Another common symptom of diabetes in dogs is an increased appetite. Your dog may be more hungry than usual, but not gaining weight.
Weight loss: Despite an increased appetite, dogs with diabetes may still lose weight. This is because their body can't use the sugar in their food for energy, so they start breaking down fat and muscle tissue for energy.
Lethargy: Dogs with diabetes may seem more lethargic than usual. They may be less active and sleep more often.
Cloudy eyes: Diabetes in dogs can cause cataracts, which can appear as cloudy eyes.

What do I do if my dog shows signs of diabetes?

If you suspect that your dog has diabetes, it is important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Make note of the clinical signs you've observed and talk openly with your veterinarian.

Diabetes in dogs can be managed with consistent care. But if left untreated, canine diabetes mellitus can lead to serious health complications and even death.

The first step is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may also recommend urine and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection and treatment is the best option for effectively managing diabetes in dogs.

What should I do if my dog is diagnosed with diabetes?

Fortunately, diabetes is not fatal for dogs when it is caught and treated early. However, most dogs do require medication treatment.

Work with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan. Treatment for diabetes in dogs typically involves insulin injections, dietary changes, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.

How to treat diabetes in dogs

If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, follow your veterinarian's treatment plan closely. Consistency is key when it comes to treating diabetic dogs. Some things you can do to manage your dog’s condition include:

Administer daily insulin injections: Insulin therapy is usually given twice a day, at the same time each day to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Your veterinarian will show you how to give insulin injections. It's imperative to follow their instructions carefully. Be sure to store the insulin properly and dispose of used needles safely. Measuring and administering insulin injections can be made easy using a metered-dose insulin pen.
Monitor blood glucose levels: Regular monitoring of your dog's blood glucose levels is important to ensure that their insulin dosage is appropriate. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific testing schedule and device for you to use at home.
Feed a consistent, balanced diet: Your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet for your diabetic dog, which is typically low in carbohydrates and high in protein. It's important to feed your dog at the same time each day and avoid giving them table scraps or treats to maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obese dogs can have a harder time managing diabetes, so it's important to keep your dog at a healthy weight. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate exercise plan and may adjust your dog's insulin dosage based on their weight.
Schedule regular check-ups: Your dog will need regular check-ups with the veterinarian to monitor their blood glucose levels and overall health. They may also need periodic blood and urine tests. Blood sugar monitoring has been made easier with using a continuous blood sugar monitoring device like GluCurve or Freestyle Libre.

Managing canine diabetes requires a commitment to consistent care, but with the right treatment, most dogs with diabetes can lead happy, healthy lives.

What can make a dog more likely to get diabetes?

Any dog can develop diabetes, but some factors may make them more likely to suffer from the condition:

Age: while any dog can develop diabetes, middle-aged to senior dogs are more likely to be diagnosed; most dogs are 5+ years old when diagnosed.
Sex: unspayed female dogs are twice as likely as male dogs to have diabetes.
Chronic or repeated pancreatitis: can eventually cause enough damage to the pancreas that it cannot function properly, resulting in diabetes.
Obesity: contributes to insulin resistance and is a risk factor for pancreatitis.
Steroid medications: if used long term can lead to diabetes.
Cushing’s disease: this condition also can cause diabetes.
Some autoimmune disorders are thought to possibly trigger diabetes.

What dog breeds are most likely to get diabetes?

While diabetes can affect any dog breed, some dog breeds have a higher risk of developing the condition than others. A few breeds that are more prone to developing diabetes include:

Samoyeds
Miniature Schnauzers
Miniature Poodles
Pugs
Toy Poodles

If your dog is considered a breed more at risk for developing diabetes, consider getting pet insurance to help cover potential financial costs.

How to prevent diabetes in dogs

Although there is no way to guarantee that your dog won’t develop diabetes in their lifetime, there are things you can do to improve their health and reduce the overall risk of developing the condition. Here are some things you can do to help reduce your dog's risk of developing diabetes:

Manage their weight: It's important to note that obesity is a significant risk factor for diabetes in dogs, regardless of breed. Dogs that are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is key to preventing the condition. Ask your veterinarian about the appropriate amount of food for your dog and the right exercise routine for their breed.
Feed a healthy diet: Feeding your dog a balanced, healthy diet is important for maintaining their overall health and reducing their risk of diabetes. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your dog and avoid feeding them table scraps or high calorie treats.
Promote regular exercise: Regular exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing diabetes. Aim for daily exercise, such as walking or playing fetch.
Schedule regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help catch diabetes early or prevent it altogether. Your veterinarian can also recommend appropriate preventative measures and provide guidance on maintaining your dog's health.
Be mindful of medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as pancreatitis and Cushing's disease, can increase a dog's risk of developing diabetes. Work with your veterinarian to manage any underlying conditions and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Spaying female dogs has been shown to help manage diabetes quite well.
Watch for signs of diabetes: Be aware of the signs of diabetes, such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and lethargy. Early detection and treatment can help manage the condition and prevent complications. If you notice any of these symptoms, or signs of pain, contact your veterinarian right away.

By following these steps, you can help reduce your dog's risk of developing diabetes and promote a healthy lifestyle.

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