What is Diabetes in Dogs?
Diabetes mellitus is a complex condition where your dog's body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels. In dogs, diabetes is typically characterized by:
Rapid and progressive loss of insulin-producing cells
Typically caused by immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic cells
Often develops quickly, with most dogs progressing to clinical diabetes
Recognizing the Signs of Diabetes
Watch for these key symptoms:
Increased thirst (polydipsia)
Increased urination (polyuria)
Increased appetite (polyphagia)
Unexplained weight loss
Potential development of cataracts
Lethargy or weakness
Risk Factors for Canine Diabetes
Some dogs are more likely to develop diabetes, including:
Certain breeds (Australian terriers, beagles, Samoyeds, Keeshonds)
Intact female dogs (during diestrus)
Dogs with:
Obesity
Hyperadrenocorticism
Hypertriglyceridemia
Hypothyroidism
Dental disease
Systemic infections
Diagnosis Process
Your veterinarian will:
Perform a complete physical examination
Conduct blood tests
Check urine glucose levels
Measure fructosamine (a protein that reflects average blood sugar)
Rule out other potential conditions
Treatment Approach
Insulin Therapy
The primary treatment for dogs with diabetes
Most commonly used insulins:
Lente (Vetsulin): Typically started at 0.25 U/kg twice daily
Protamine Zinc Insulin (ProZinc)
Glargine
Dietary Management
Feed consistent, measured meals twice daily
Goals:
Maintain ideal body weight
Control calorie intake
Minimize post-meal blood sugar spikes
Consider high-fiber diets to help control blood glucose
Coordinate meal times with insulin injections
Monitoring Your Diabetic Dog
At-Home Care
Keep a daily log of:
Food intake
Water consumption
Insulin doses
Any unusual symptoms
Learn to recognize signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia):
Lethargy
Weakness
Tremors
Unusual behavior
Veterinary Monitoring
Regular blood glucose curves
Periodic blood tests
Fructosamine measurements
Adjusting insulin doses as needed
Important Management Tips
Consistency is key
Maintain a strict feeding and insulin schedule
Work closely with your veterinarian
Learn proper insulin handling and injection techniques
Monitor your dog's weight and overall condition
Potential Complications
Be aware of:
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Insulin resistance
Potential development of other health issues
When to Contact Your Vet Immediately
Signs of hypoglycemia
Refusal to eat
Excessive thirst or urination
Lethargy or significant behavior changes
Vomiting
Weakness
Prognosis
Diabetes in dogs is rarely reversible
With proper management, many dogs live happy, comfortable lives
Regular monitoring and care are crucial
How to Prevent Diabetes: Proactive Steps for Dog Owners
Preventing diabetes starts with a holistic approach to your dog's health. Maintain your dog at a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise. Feed high-quality, balanced nutrition and avoid overfeeding. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to catch and manage potential risk factors early.
Key prevention strategies:
Keep your dog at a healthy weight
Provide balanced nutrition
Exercise regularly
Address underlying health conditions
Spay/neuter at appropriate times
Breeds with higher diabetes risk should be monitored more closely. By focusing on overall health and working closely with your veterinarian, you can significantly reduce your dog's chances of developing diabetes. Remember: Prevention is always better than treatment.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice tailored to your specific dog's needs.
References
Based on the 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats