Vet Guide to Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs 2025🐶🩺  

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Diabetes mellitus in dogs results from insufficient insulin production or poor insulin response, leading to chronically high blood glucose. It affects middle-aged to older dogs—especially females and overweight individuals—but can appear in juveniles too. With proper management, diabetic dogs can live full lives.

📍 Types & Risk Factors

• Insulin-deficient (Type I): Beta-cell destruction, common in dogs—requires lifelong insulin injections.
• Insulin-resistant (Type II): Body produces insulin, but cells fail to respond—often linked to obesity or endocrine disease.
• Gestational diabetes: A Temporary condition in females during heat or pregnancy.
• High-risk dogs: Middle-aged/older females, overweight, history of pancreatitis or Cushing’s, and breeds like Samoyeds, Miniature Schnauzers, and Poodles. 

👀 Signs to Watch For

• Polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (frequent urination)—early telltale signs.
• Polyphagia (ravenous appetite) with concurrent weight loss despite eating more.
• Lethargy, weakness, depression, vomiting.
• Complications: cataracts, recurrent urinary infections, neuropathy.

🔬 Diagnosis

• Blood glucose + urine tests: Fasting hyperglycemia plus glucosuria confirms diabetes.
• Fructosamine levels: Reflect glucose control over the previous 2–4 weeks. 
• Glucose curves/home monitoring: Help adjust insulin dosing; use pet‑specific glucometers for accuracy.
• Screen for DKA: Look for ketones in blood/urine—emergency condition causing vomiting, dehydration, lethargy.

💊 Treatment & Management

• Insulin therapy: Lifelong, typically intermediate-acting; administered 12 hours after meals.
• Consistent diet: Two meals/day, same type/timing; high-fiber, fixed-formula prescription diets are ideal. 
• Exercise & weight control: Maintain a healthy body condition to enhance insulin sensitivity. 
• Monitor glucose: Home blood glucose curves, fructosamine tests, and regular vet visits.
• Emergency care: DKA requires hospitalization, fluid therapy, insulin correction; hypoglycemia is treated with oral sugar/hospital therapies. 

📈 Prognosis & Follow-Up

• Properly managed dogs can live near-normal lifespans.
• Frequent monitoring (every 3–6 months) and dose adjustments are essential.
• Watch for complications: infections, cataracts, neuropathy—managed by prompt veterinary care.

✅ Dr Houston’s Veterinary Tips

• ☑️ Check for PU/PD in middle-aged or obese dogs—even early signs matter.
• 📊 Use pet-specific glucose meters like AlphaTRAK to avoid misdosing.
• 📅 Coordinate meals and injections precisely every day.
• 🩺 Educate owners on hypoglycemia signs and emergency response (honey under tongue).
  
• 🔍 If DKA symptoms (vomiting, collapse) appear, seek emergency care without delay!

If your dog shows excessive drinking, urination, hunger with weight loss, or weakness, contact your veterinarian or use AskAVet.com. With consistent insulin, diet, and monitoring, we can help your dog thrive—and enjoy the sweet moments of life. 🐾❤️