Diabetes in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Every year, hundreds of dogs across the UK are told they have diabetes mellitus. Most diabetic dogs can still enjoy full, happy lives—but only if owners act fast and work closely with a vet. In this guide you will learn how to spot symptoms early, understand the different types of canine diabetes, and find out what treatment looks like here in Britain.

What Is Diabetes in Dogs?

Canine diabetes is a long-term illness where the pancreas no longer makes, or the body no longer uses, the hormone insulin. Without insulin, the dog’s cells cannot absorb glucose for energy; excess sugar stays in the blood and spills into the urine. High blood sugar causes excessive thirst, increased urination, weight loss and, if untreated, life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis. In most dogs the disease resembles human type 1, meaning it is usually insulin-dependent diabetes that requires lifelong insulin injections. Only a small number develop insulin resistance, often linked to Cushing’s disease, obesity or steroid medications. Modern veterinary medicine lets owners monitor a dog’s blood glucose curve at home, adjust the insulin dose, and keep most diabetic pets stable for many years.

Types of Diabetes in Dogs

1. Insulin-dependent (Type 1) – The immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. This is the form seen in most dogs and always needs insulin therapy.

2. Insulin-resistant (sometimes called Type 2) – The pancreas can still produce insulin, but obesity, hormones or drugs block its effect. Female dogs in heat, animals with growth hormone excess, and some obese dogs fall into this group. Proper treatment includes weight loss and controlling any underlying illness.

3. Gestational diabetes – Rare and temporary; appears in late pregnancy when hormones cause insulin resistance. It usually resolves once the pups are born, but affected bitches have a higher risk of later diabetes.

4. Secondary diabetes – Damage to the pancreas from pancreatitis, tumours or long-term steroid use leaves the organ unable to produce insulin.

UK vets tailor the insulin type and dose to match each category, using products licensed by the VMD to guarantee safety.

How Common Is It in the UK?

The RVC’s VetCompass™ study found that roughly 1 in 300 British dogs is diagnosed with diabetes, with cases rising over the past 20 years. Certain breeds—such as Border Terriers, Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels—show a higher risk, and female dogs are nearly twice as likely to be affected as males. Age matters too: most diabetic dogs are between seven and twelve years old when the disease occurs. Obesity increases risk, so does previous pancreatitis.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Watch for the classic “Four Ps” of canine diabetes:

• Polyuria – increased urination; puddles may appear overnight.

• Polydipsia – excessive thirst; water bowls empty fast.

• Polyphagia – big appetite but no weight gain.

• Pounds lost – unexpected weight loss despite eating.

Other clinical signs include sweet or “nail-polish-remover” breath (a ketoacidosis warning), cloudy eyes from cataracts, tiredness, or urine accidents that invite urinary tract infection. If you note two or more signs for longer than 48 hours, call your vet immediately. Prompt blood tests can confirm high blood glucose, and early care prevents emergencies.

When to Contact a Vet

Call your vet immediately if your dog:

• Drinks or wees excessively for over 48 hours.

• Collapses, trembles, or shows glassy eyes—possible low blood sugar.

• Vomits, pants heavily, or seems dazed—could be diabetic ketoacidosis.

Rub honey on the dog’s gums only as a first-aid boost and head to the clinic. Fast care keeps blood glucose levels safe and prevents costly ICU stays.

What Causes Diabetes in Dogs

• Dog Breed & genes – Miniature Schnauzers, Border Terriers and Cocker Spaniels show a higher risk of diabetes mellitus in VetCompass studies.

• Sex & hormones – Un-spayed female dogs get the disease almost twice as often as males, partly because hormones create insulin resistance.

• Obesity – Obese dogs have more fat around body's cells, blocking insulin’s signal and pushing them toward type II diabetes.

• Other illnesses – Cushing’s disease, chronic pancreatitis, or overactive growth hormone can damage insulin-producing cells.

• Medicines – Long courses of steroid medications raise blood sugar levels and may trigger diabetes.

• Age – Most dogs are 7–12 when diabetes occurs, but younger pets with genetic risk can be affected too.

Knowing these triggers lets pet owners act early—keeping dogs lean, treating hormone problems fast, and talking to a vet immediately if new clinical signs appear.

Diagnosis of Diabetes in Dogs

Your vet runs:

• A fasting blood glucose check.

• Urine dip-stick for excess sugar or infection.

• A fructosamine test to show average blood sugar levels over two weeks.

Some clinics fit flash sensors to create a painless glucose curve at home, reducing stress for diabetic animals. Accurate data lets vets fine-tune how much insulin your pet needs and confirms no underlying fatty liver or kidney issues.

Treatment of Diabetes in Dogs

1. Insulin therapy – Nearly all diabetic pets need twice-daily insulin injections. UK vets start with a porcine lente insulin type licensed by the VMD and may switch to detemir or insulin glargine if control is poor.

2. Balanced meals – Two fixed meals rich in fibre and complex carbohydrates prevent sharp swings in blood sugar.

3. Exercise – Gentle, daily walks help the body absorb glucose and can lower the insulin dose over time.

4. Monitoring – Weekly home blood glucose curves or flash sensors show whether your dog has high blood sugar or low blood sugar, guiding dose tweaks.

5. Vet checks – Regular blood tests catch early urinary tract infection, fatty liver, or dose errors.

With this plan, most diabetic dogs stabilise within a few weeks and avoid medical emergencies like diabetic ketoacidosis.

What Medication Will My Dog Need?

The UK-licensed porcine lente product, listed on the VMD database, mirrors canine insulin and suits most dogs. Hard-to-control cases may swap to insulin glargine or detemir. Your vet teaches how much insulin to draw, safe storage temperatures, and proper insulin dose adjustment. Pets require injections for life, but ultra-fine needles and calm routines make jabs quick and painless. Never alter doses without veterinary guidance—too much insulin plunges sugar dangerously low.

Possible Complications

• Diabetic ketoacidosis – A sudden spike in blood glucose plus dehydration; smells like “nail-polish remover” on the breath—rush to the vet immediately.

• Hypoglycaemia – Too much insulin can drop sugar fast; watch for wobbling, glazed eyes, or seizures and rub honey on the dog’s gums while heading to the clinic.

• Cataracts & blind dogs – Persistent high blood sugar clouds the lens; early surgery can restore sight.

• Diabetic neuropathy – Nerve damage causes weak back legs in many dogs; good control often reverses it.

• Infections – Sugar-rich urine feeds bacteria, so diabetic animals risk repeat bladder issues.

Spotting these dangers early and keeping glucose levels steady prevents long-term harm.

Are There Any Long Term Impacts?

With consistent care, Blue Cross reports many pets live almost as long as healthy dogs. Still, lifelong insulin costs, routine vet checks, and possible eye surgery are realities for pet owners. Weight control and fast treatment of infections help diabetic pets dodge later complications such as chronic kidney disease or persistent skin problems.

Recovery and Management

The first 3 months, called the “stabilisation phase,” focus on:

1. Finding the right dose – Your vet will tell you how much insulin to start and adjust after each glucose curve.

2. Routine – Feed, inject, and walk at the same times every day so dog’s blood sugar levels stay even.

3. Records – Log meals, exercise, and clinical signs like increased thirst or weight loss; share notes at check-ups.

4. Support – Blue Cross and PDSA helplines pair new pet owners with mentors who explain needles and diet.

Once stable, most dogs need only quarterly vet visits—proof that lifelong treatment can still mean a fun, active life.

Care at Home

• Washable dog beds and sofa covers catch leaks from increased urination weight loss spells and keep the house fresh.

• Orthopaedic mats ease joints for older, less active diabetic dogs.

• Cooling pads stop heat spikes that raise blood sugar.

• Night lights & scent markers help partially blind pets navigate.

• Claw trims and paw checks prevent sores—poor circulation heals slowly in dogs with diabetes mellitus.

These simple tweaks help dogs cope day-to-day and keep owners relaxed too.

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Preventing Diabetes in Your Dog

1. Keep weight down – Slim dogs are less likely to become insulin-dependent. Ask your vet for a plan if your pet must lose weight.

2. Balanced diet – Choose foods with fibre and complex carbohydrates; avoid treats loaded with excess sugar.

3. Regular exercise – Daily play keeps blood sugar levels stable and muscles using glucose.

4. Timely neutering – Spaying female dogs after breeding age cuts hormone-linked insulin resistance.

5. Annual screening – Yearly blood tests in at-risk breeds catch rising sugars before full diabetes diagnosed.

6. Avoid steroid overuse – Only give steroid medications when essential; long courses can affect dogs by damaging insulin-producing cells.

Follow these steps and you may never need to ask “How do I manage my dog with diabetes?”—you’ll have prevented it instead.

Costs and Financial Help

Expect £40–£60 per month for insulin, syringes, and blood tests. Some insurers cap chronic-care payouts; read limits closely. If bills mount, ask your clinic about the Blue Cross Veterinary Care Fund, which partnered with over 1,600 practices in 2024 to help low-income families afford treatment.

FAQs

What is the life expectancy of a dog with diabetes?

RVC data show that, with proper treatment, dogs often live five years or longer after diabetes diagnosed, nearly matching non-diabetic peers.

What to expect when your dog has diabetes?

Daily shots, timed meals, and more vet visits at first. Within weeks, routines feel normal and dogs cope well, regaining energy once glucose is controlled.

How do you manage a dog with diabetes?

Use set feeding times, correct insulin type and dose, monitor a weekly blood glucose curve, watch for symptoms of diabetes returning, and visit the vet immediately if you notice increased thirst or urination weight loss.

What kind of diet should a diabetic dog have?

Vets recommend measured portions of high-fibre, low-fat food with complex carbohydrates to keep glucose levels stable. Avoid sugary titbits that cause excess sugar spikes.

Conclusion

Catching diabetes in dogs early makes all the difference. If you notice excessive thirst, increased urination, or sudden weight loss, see your vet immediately for blood tests. With the right insulin treatment, balanced meals full of complex carbohydrates, and steady exercise, most diabetic dogs keep their blood glucose levels steady and enjoy long, happy lives.