Diabetes in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Signs of Dog Diabetes

Diabetic dogs tend to drink more, urinate more and eat more. Other common signs of dog diabetes include:

• Lethargy
  
• Muscle and weight loss (although diabetic dogs can also appear obese)
• Blindness
• Decreased strength in their legs
  
• Poor coat quality

Diabetes can also present as a medical emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Dogs with DKA become very weak, depressed, dehydrated and may have severe metabolic abnormalities. If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to an emergency clinic right away.

Diagnosis of Dog Diabetes

If your dog is showing any of the signs mentioned above, a veterinary visit is in order. The vet will conduct a thorough medical history, physical examination, blood work and urinalysis to diagnose canine diabetes. These tests can determine whether your dog has diabetes and, if they have it, its severity.

Treatment for Diabetes in Dogs

In both humans and dogs, the aim of diabetes treatment is management. The goal is to make your dog's blood sugar levels as normal as possible, with fewer dips and peaks. This helps lower the risk of your dog experiencing the worst consequences of diabetes, such as blindness and kidney failure.

Two of the most effective therapies for diabetes in dogs are insulin injections and switching to therapeutic food to help manage the disease. Most vets recommend feeding foods that are higher in fiber to dogs with diabetes. Fiber slows the entrance of glucose into your dog's bloodstream and helps them feel full. Vets may also recommend a reduced fat meal plan to help prevent obesity. For all overweight or obese dogs, it is recommended to change their food and increase exercise to help the pet reach a healthy weight. Ask your vet for a dietary recommendation for your dog if they are diagnosed.

Dogs' insulin needs can differ, so your vet might try giving your dog different types, doses and frequencies of insulin until the diabetes is well managed. The handling, storage and administration of insulin is different for each type of the medicine and your vet will help you understand what is best for your pet. Most pet parents get used to the routine of managing their dog's diabetes faster than they expect.

Once your dog starts treatment for diabetes, your vet will ask you to bring them in for regular visits to evaluate their blood glucose levels. These visits tend to be more frequent right after the diagnosis in order to make sure the insulin dose is correct, but will be necessary long-term so that the diabetes remains well managed.

Good News for Dogs with Diabetes

Though it often takes some trial and error, diabetes in dogs is usually manageable. While treatment for canine diabetes can seem overwhelming at first, rest assured that with time, your commitment and veterinary treatment, your pooch can live healthily and happily with this condition.