What is Diabetes in dogs - what to look out for and how it is treated
Diabetes in dogs, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a condition where the body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't properly use the insulin it produces, leading to high blood sugar levels in the blood stream.
It can be caused by genetic or lifestyle factors and affects dogs in a similar way to us, causing several unpleasant effects.
Causes of Diabetes in dogs:
'immune-mediated’ disease where the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin and destroy them
after suffering from pancreatitis
obesity contribute to insulin resistance which can lead to diabetes
long term steroids medications
hormonal imbalance such as Cushing's Disease or un-spayed female dogs are more at risks due to hormonal fluctuation
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published September 2025 | Review date September 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs
Being thirsty and drinking a lot
Urinating a lot
Unexpected weight loss
Tiredness
Breath smells sweet
Poor eyesight
Very sick pets may struggle to walk and vomit.
When to contact your vet
If your dog shows any of the signs listed or if your dog shows signs of a diabetic emergency like vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of consciousness, immediate veterinary care is essential.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination of your dog by your vet
Blood test, particularly glucose test (sugar test in the bloodstream)
Urine test for the presence of glucose (not present in non-diabetic dogs) and ketones (toxic elements)
Possible other tests, such as X-rays and ultrasound
Treating Diabetes in Dogs
Treatment with insulin will be the starting point:
Typically, dogs will start off on insulin injections twice a day, around their feeding times.
Insulin types are prescribed by your vet (commonly use Caninsulin) depending on what is the best for your dog
Veterinary staff will explain how to handle and store insulin, and how to correctly use the syringes.
You will learn how to give the injections under your dog’s skin at the back of the neck.
Additionally, a specific, balanced diet that is high in protein, low in fat and low in carbohydrates or a prescription diet
Monitoring your dog’s glucose levels
Also neutering your female dog make the diabetes condition easier and achieving better blood sugar control by removing the hormone progesterone which can interfere with insulin; occasionally diabetes caused by progesterone, can go into remission.
Preventing Diabetes in Dogs
While not every case of diabetes in pets can be prevented, the good news is that there is a range of things that you can do to minimise your animal’s risk of developing this debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition:
Feeding your dog with a balanced and healthy diet
Avoiding overfeeding or giving him/her fatty foods
Keeping your dog active and healthy
Regularly seeing your vet for check-ups
Careful use of long-term medication
Outlook
The outlook for dogs with diabetes depends on several factors:
Identifying and treating diabetes early can significantly improve a dog's long-term survival
Managing canine diabetes is a lifelong commitment requiring strict routines for insulin injections, diet, and exercise
Younger dogs often have a more promising outlook than those diagnosed in old age
Presence of other conditions, such as Cushing's disease or pancreatitis, can make diabetes harder to regulate and affect prognosis
Most dogs respond well to insulin therapy; some are more difficult to regulate and may have a more guarded long-term prognosis