What is diabetes?

There are two main forms of diabetes that occur in dogs: diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Diabetes mellitus is the most common type and is caused by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or an inability to use insulin effectively. Insulin regulates blood glucose (sugar) levels in the body, helping to regulate the movement of glucose obtained from food into the body's cells to provide the body with fuel necessary for life. Without adequate insulin levels or the ability of the body to respond to insulin appropriately glucose builds up in the blood, resulting in high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia). Diabetes insipidus, on the other hand, is a rarer form of diabetes that involves a problem with water balance in the body rather than blood glucose control.

Diabetes is relatively common in dogs, with a reported worldwide prevalence ranging from 0.2-1.2%, with certain breeds and age groups being more susceptible. It typically occurs in middle-aged and older dogs, with certain breeds - like Dachshunds, Poodles, Australian Terriers, Schnauzers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Beagles - at higher risk of developing diabetes. Puppies can also develop a less common form of diabetes, known as congenital diabetes, although this is rare.

What causes diabetes in dogs?

There are a number of suspected or confirmed factors that might result in diabetes in dogs:

• Genetic predisposition: Some breeds are genetically more likely to develop diabetes.

• Obesity: Overweight dogs are likely to have reduced insulin sensitivity.

• Autoimmune disease: In some cases, the immune system can mistakenly attack the insulin producing cells in the pancreas resulting in impaired insulin production

• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal conditions like Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism or even altered growth hormone levels (which can occur in certain phases of a female dogs oestrus cycle or due to a condition called acromegaly) are associated with diabetes development.

• Drugs: Certain drugs, especially corticosteroids if used for prolonged periods, are associated with increased risk of developing diabetes.

• Pancreatitis: Chronic inflammation of the pancreas can also damage insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes in dogs

Recognising the early signs of diabetes in dogs is most important for timely diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Increased thirst (polydipsia): A dog with diabetes will often drink a lot more water than usual.

• Frequent urination (polyuria): Due to the excess glucose in their bloodstream, diabetic dogs tend to urinate more frequently.

• Weight loss: Despite eating normally, dogs with diabetes often lose weight as their bodies are unable to use glucose for energy production, resulting in the body breaking down fat stores more rapidly than normal.

• Increased appetite (polyphagia): Many diabetic dogs become more hungry because their bodies are not able to access the energy provided from their food like normal.

• Lethargy: Dogs with unmanaged diabetes will often show signs of weakness or low energy.

• Cloudy eyes: Cataracts (cloudy/white eyes) can develop in diabetic dogs, which often results in reduced vision or complete blindness as symptoms progress.

• Persistent or recurrent infections: Diabetic dogs are often at increased risk of infections, especially urinary tract infections.

If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and prevent further complications.

Diagnosing canine diabetes

Diagnosing diabetes in dogs starts with a physical exam but will also often require blood tests and urine tests. It's likely that your pet will receive a comprehensive blood test to check a range of parameters which may include a: 

• Blood glucose: This test measures the amount of glucose in your dog’s blood. Persistent hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) is the primary indicator of diabetes.

• Urine glucose: This test can detect glucose in the urine, which is another sign of diabetes. 

• Urine ketones: Abnormal ketone levels can be found in animals that are metabolising fat for energy rather than glucose, which often occurs with diabetes. If there are ketones in the urine, this could suggest a more severe stage of diabetes known as diabetic ketoacidosis. 

• Fructosamine test: This blood test measures the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three weeks. It can confirm a diagnosis of diabetes and help monitor long-term blood glucose control.

Your veterinarian will work with you to determine which type of diabetes your dog has and develop a clear treatment plan.

Dog diabetes treatment options

Treatment for diabetes in dogs is all about maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The most common treatment options include:

• Insulin therapy: Almost all diabetic dogs will need insulin injections to regulate their blood glucose. Insulin is usually administered twice a day under the skin. Your vet will teach you how to give the injections and monitor your dog’s blood glucose levels at home. It can take some time to establish the right insulin dose for your pet, so regular communication with your vet will  often be required.

• Oral medications: In rare cases, oral medications may be prescribed. They are generally not as effective as insulin therapy.

• Dietary changes: A balanced, low-carbohydrate and high-fibre diet can help regulate glucose sugar levels. Consistent feeding schedules that minimise changes in the type and amount of food and timing of meals is often important. Speak to your vet about the best diet for your diabetic dog. They may recommend a slow transition onto a new diet if this is required. 

• Exercise: An appropriate exercise regime helps improve glucose control by promoting weight loss and reducing insulin resistance. Exercise also helps move the insulin from the injection site around the body. Daily exercise, often at times of the day when your pets blood glucose is likely to be the highest, is often recommended. Your vet will recommend the best exercise plan for your dog depending on their specific needs.

Managing diabetes in dogs: Diet and nutrition

Diet is a big part of managing diabetes in dogs. Your veterinarian might recommend a prescription diet or a diabetic dog food, such as Royal Canin Diabetic Dog Food, which has been designed specifically for maintaining stable blood glucose levels in dogs.

Some important dietary guidelines for diabetic dogs include:

• Regular feeding schedule: Feed your dog at the same times each day. The exact timing of meals will depend on the type of insulin your pet is receiving, but it is usually just before or within 1-2 hours of the insulin being given. Your vet will give you specific guidance on this for your pet. 

• Low-carbohydrate, high-fibre diet: These diets help slow the absorption of glucose and avoid spikes in blood sugar levels.

• Avoid sugary treats and human food: Foods with high sugar content, such as treats or table scraps, can cause dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels.

   

Living with dogs with diabetes

Living with a diabetic dog requires you to be diligent and perceptive to how they are feeling, but with the right care and monitoring your pet can lead a happy and active lifestyle. Here are some tips for managing your dog’s diabetes on a day-to-day basis:

• Monitor their blood-glucose levels: Regular monitoring of your dog’s blood glucose levels at home can help ensure their diabetes is under control. Your vet will guide you on how to use a glucose reader and will help interpret the results. In some cases your pet may wear a special monitoring device, and in other cases you may be directed to obtain a small blood sample (often from the ear) to measure their levels.

• Monitor their water intake: Regularly measuring your pets water intake will help to monitor how well their diabetes is being controlled as increased water intake is often an early sign of elevated blood glucose levels.

• Monitor their urine ketone levels: Your vet may also recommend routinely checking for ketones in your pets urine using a special urine dipstik to ensure your pet is not showing signs of possible diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise helps regulate blood glucose levels and maintain a healthy weight. Strenuous activity or sudden changes in exercise routines or activity levels should be avoided though as this can negatively affect their blood glucose levels.

• Watch for behavioural changes: Keep an eye out for any changes in your dog’s behaviour, appetite or energy levels. Sudden changes might indicate that their blood glucose is too high or too low, which could mean their insulin dosage needs adjusting. It could also indicate there is a complication developing secondary to their diabetes that warrants treatment, such as cataracts impacting their vision or even a urinary tract infection. 

• Routine vet visits: Regular check-ups with your vet should be part of monitoring your dog’s condition. All changes to their treatment plan should be discussed with a vet before being implemented.

With a consistent routine and ongoing monitoring of their health, you can help your diabetic dog enjoy a full and happy life.