What is Diabetes in dogs - what to look out for and how it is treated

The symptoms of diabetes in dogs often develop gradually and may not be obvious at first. 

Common signs include: 

• Drinking more water than usual (increased thirst) 

• Passing larger amounts of urine or urinating more often 

• Urinating in the house or needing to go outside more frequently 

• Weight loss  

• Reduced energy or appearing more tired than usual 

• Recurrent infections, particularly urinary tract infections 

• Sweet-smelling breath 

• Poor eyesight  

Very sick pets may struggle to walk and vomit.  

You should contact your vet if you notice any of the symptoms listed above, especially increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, or changes in appetite. 

These signs can develop gradually and may indicate diabetes or another underlying health problem that needs veterinary assessment. 

Seek urgent veterinary care if a dog shows signs of a diabetic emergency, including: 

• Vomiting 

• Weakness or collapse 

• Severe lethargy 

• Loss of consciousness 

Prompt veterinary treatment is important to stabilise the patient and prevent serious complications. 

Diabetes develops when the body cannot produce enough insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. 

In many dogs, the exact cause is not known. However, several factors can increase the risk of developing diabetes. 

These include: 

• Middle-aged or older dogs 

• Female dogs, particularly if they are not neutered 

• Being overweight 

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) 

• Hormonal diseases such as Cushing’s disease 

• Long-term treatment with steroid medications 

In most dogs, diabetes occurs because the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas become damaged. As a result, affected dogs usually require lifelong insulin treatment. 

Diabetes is usually diagnosed using blood and urine tests. These tests allow the vet to check blood sugar levels and look for glucose in the urine. Dogs with diabetes usually have high blood sugar levels and glucose in their urine. 

Additional tests may also be recommended to assess overall health and check for conditions that can occur alongside diabetes or affect treatment. These may include:  

• Blood tests to evaluate organ function 

• Urine testing to check for infection 

• Other tests if an underlying condition is suspected 

In many cases, diabetes can be diagnosed quickly. This allows treatment to begin as soon as possible.

Most dogs with diabetes require lifelong treatment with insulin to control blood sugar levels. 

Insulin is given as an injection under the skin, usually once or twice a day. These injections are normally given at the same time as feeding. 

Many owners feel nervous about giving injections at first. However, most find that it quickly becomes part of the daily routine. The veterinary team will show you exactly how to give insulin and make sure you feel confident before starting treatment at home  

Successful management of diabetes also involves: 

• Feeding a consistent diet at the same times each day 

• Maintaining a regular daily routine 

• Monitoring symptoms and response to treatment 

• Regular veterinary check-ups 

• Neutering female dogs. This can make diabetes easier to manage because the hormone progesterone, produced during the heat cycle, can interfere with insulin. In some cases where diabetes is triggered by progesterone, the condition may go into remission after neutering. 

The insulin dose may need to be adjusted over time, particularly during the early stages of treatment while the condition is being stabilised. With appropriate treatment and monitoring, many diabetic dogs maintain a good quality of life for years after diagnosis. 

Regular monitoring is important to ensure diabetes remains well controlled. 

During the early stages of treatment, more frequent check-ups may be needed while the correct insulin dose is being established. 

Monitoring may include: 

• Blood glucose testing to assess how well insulin is controlling blood sugar levels 

• Glucose curves, which measure blood sugar levels at intervals over several hours 

• Fructosamine blood tests, which provide an average of blood glucose levels over the previous 2–3 weeks 

• Checking weight and overall health 

Owners also play an important role in monitoring diabetes at home. Changes in drinking, urination, appetite, weight or energy levels may indicate that control has changed. If you notice any significant changes in symptoms, contact your veterinary practice for advice. 

With appropriate treatment and monitoring, many dogs with diabetes do well. However, some complications can occur, particularly if blood sugar levels are not well controlled: 

• Cataracts are very common in dogs with diabetes. They cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy and can lead to reduced vision or sudden blindness. Cataracts may develop quite quickly in diabetic dogs, sometimes even when the condition is being managed. If you notice cloudiness in the eyes or changes in vision, contact your vet for advice. 

• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can occur if a dog receives too much insulin, misses a meal, or exercises significantly more than usual. Signs may include: 

  Weakness 

  Trembling 

  Disorientation 

  Seizures or collapse 

If you suspect hypoglycaemia and your dog is conscious, rub a small amount of honey or glucose syrup onto the gums and contact your vet immediately. 

• Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication that can develop when diabetes is poorly controlled. Signs may include: 

  Vomiting 

  Lethargy 

  Loss of appetite 

  Collapse 

This is a medical emergency and requires urgent veterinary treatment. 

Diabetes cannot always be prevented. In many dogs, the condition develops because the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas become damaged. 

However, some factors may increase the risk of developing diabetes. 

Steps that may help reduce the risk include: 

• Maintaining a healthy body weight 

• Feeding a balanced diet 

• Regular veterinary check-ups 

• Appropriate use of steroid medications under veterinary guidance 

• Neutering female dogs, which prevents hormonal changes that can interfere with insulin 

With appropriate treatment and monitoring, many dogs with diabetes can enjoy a good quality of life. 

Managing diabetes requires commitment to a consistent daily routine. This includes regular insulin injections, feeding at the same times each day, and ongoing monitoring. 

Most dogs respond well to treatment once the correct insulin dose has been established. Some adjustments may be needed over time, and regular veterinary check-ups are important to ensure the condition remains well controlled. 

If a dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, the veterinary team will guide owners through treatment and provide ongoing support. Contact your veterinary practice if you have any questions or concerns about symptoms or treatment.