Did you know that dogs can develop diabetes too?
According to Banfield’s State of Pet Health report, which analyzed data from more than 2.5 million dogs across the U.S., roughly 1 in 300 dogs will be diagnosed with diabetes in their lifetime — and cases are steadily on the rise.
Diabetes in dogs occurs when the body can’t properly produce or use insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar and helps convert food into energy. When insulin is lacking or the body stops responding to it correctly, blood sugar rises to dangerous levels, leading to diabetes.
Below, you’ll learn how canine diabetes develops, the symptoms you should never ignore, and the steps you can take to help your dog live comfortably with this condition.
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
Canine diabetes, formally called diabetes mellitus, works very similarly to diabetes in humans. The pancreas produces insulin in response to elevated blood sugar. In diabetic dogs, either:
- the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or
- the body doesn’t respond properly to the insulin produced.
Either issue leads to consistently high blood sugar.
Several factors can increase a dog’s risk, including:
Genetics and Sex
Certain breeds and female dogs have a slightly higher risk.
Excess Weight
Overweight dogs are significantly more likely to develop diabetes — which means maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent it.
Medications and Other Conditions
Long-term steroid use can trigger diabetes, as can hormonal disorders such as Cushing’s disease. Dogs who haven’t been spayed may also develop hormonal imbalances that raise their risk.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, feeding a well-balanced diet, and limiting treats can meaningfully reduce the chances of diabetes developing.
Signs of Diabetes in Dogs
The most common early symptoms of diabetes include:
- Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite
- Excessive thirst and increased urination
But other symptoms can appear as the disease progresses, such as:
- Changes in appetite
- Sweet or fruity-smelling breath
- Cataracts or vision changes
- Lethargy or episodes of sudden weakness
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Chronic skin infections
- Frequent urinary tract infections (from a weakened immune system)
If you notice any combination of these symptoms, contact your vet right away. Early treatment makes a huge difference.
How Diabetes in Dogs Is Treated
While diabetes isn’t curable in dogs, it can be managed very successfully. With proper care, diabetic dogs can live long, happy lives.
Here’s what treatment usually involves:
1. Daily Insulin Injections
Diabetic dogs require insulin injections every day — ideally 12 hours apart, consistently. This helps regulate blood sugar and prevent dangerous highs and lows.
2. A Strict, Vet-Approved Diet
Your vet will recommend a diet formulated for diabetic dogs. Feeding the same food, in the same amount, at the same time each day is essential for keeping blood sugar steady.
3. Regular Exercise
Consistent physical activity helps improve insulin regulation and keeps your dog healthier overall. Daily walks, playtime, or backyard exercise all help.
4. Screening for Secondary Problems
Dogs with diabetes are more prone to infections, especially UTIs, so routine checkups and testing are important.
Diabetic Dog Food: Why It Matters
A specialized diabetic diet is a major part of managing the disease. Many vets recommend prescription formulas like Hill’s Prescription Diet, which help stabilize blood sugar and support healthy weight management.
Your veterinarian will choose the right diabetic food based on your dog’s weight, lifestyle, and overall health.
Helping Your Diabetic Dog Live Well
Although diabetes can’t be cured, proper management — including daily insulin injections, a consistent diabetic diet, and regular exercise — allows most dogs to live full and comfortable lives.
Early detection is key. If you ever notice increased thirst, weight loss, or other signs on this list, reach out to your veterinarian right away.
With attentive care, your dog can still enjoy a happy, healthy life by your side.
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