Dog Diabetes: symptoms, causes, and when to call a vet

Dog diabetes is a serious disease that affects about 1 in 300 dogs. Properly called ‘diabetes mellitus’, it’s a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, causing dangerously high blood sugar. Without treatment, dog diabetes can become fatal.  

Can a dog get diabetes?

Dogs get diabetes just like people do. Although what causes dog diabetes is sometimes a mystery, we know that diabetic dogs don’t produce enough insulin. This may be due to damage to their pancreas, pancreatic disease, or a genetic predisposition. Insulin is used by the body to move glucose from the blood into cells. Without it, the glucose in the blood rises to dangerously high levels, while the cells that need it can’t get enough.

Dog diabetes symptoms

The symptoms of dog diabetes generally get worse as your dog’s diabetes progresses. In the early stages of dog diabetes, you might see drinking more and urinating more. Hunger is also a common sign, but despite eating more, dogs often lose weight. In the final stages of dog diabetes, dogs progress to ‘diabetic ketoacidosis’, which is an emergency. They will lose appetite, start vomiting, and may collapse. The signs of diabetes in dogs are:

• Drinking more/thirst (polydipsia)
• Eating more/hunger (polyphagia)
• Urinating more often and in larger amounts (polydipsia)
• Accidents in the house
• Weight loss
• Blindness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy and lack of energy
• Unsteadiness
• Collapse

Dog diabetes treatment

Treating diabetes in dogs requires a lot of dedication. Diabetes is a life-long illness, and your dog will need a strict routine from now on. 

Diabetic dogs often benefit from a special dog diabetes diet. This prescription diet contains slow-release energy to help to prevent blood sugar spikes after eating. If necessary, your dog can stay on their usual diet, but you will need to make sure they have the same amount each day. You shouldn’t give them treats outside of mealtimes, as this will upset their blood sugar. 

Your dog’s exercise regime will also need to be carefully adjusted so that it’s the same each day. Routine is so important for stabilising diabetic dogs as it allows their medication to be tailored to their lifestyle. Try to take your dog out for the same amount of time each day, and at the same time of day.

Dogs will need daily or twice-daily insulin injections for the rest of their life. This insulin is essential, as dogs with diabetes aren’t producing enough insulin for their body. Unfortunately, there are no tablets for diabetes in dogs, but the good news is that the injections are not difficult, and your vet will help you learn how to give them at home.

Dog diabetes cost

As well as their insulin, diabetic dogs will need regular check-ups at the vet, blood tests, and treatment for complications. This can be expensive – the insulin alone is £30-40 per month, meaning dog diabetes costs are unaffordable for some. If you have pet insurance, dog diabetes might be covered, so you should check your policy. Either way, discuss your budget constraints with your vet, who will try to make a treatment plan that you can afford.

Conclusion

Dog diabetes is a serious disease that is fatal without treatment. If you suspect your dog has diabetes you should take them to the vet straight away, as an early treatment increases their chance of survival. It can be overwhelming hearing your dog has diabetes, but your veterinary team will help you adjust so you can have many more happy years with your dog.