Diabetes in Dogs

Category
Hormonal
Inheritance
Multifactorial
Breeds documented
14
Published sources
6

Overview

Blood sugar provides energy, but it needs help from the hormone insulin to enter the body's cells. Diabetes mellitus develops when too little insulin leaves sugar building up in the bloodstream instead of supplying the cells. The body then breaks down its own fat and protein for fuel, which can cause weight loss. Poorly controlled diabetes can also damage the eyes and lead to a dangerous buildup of acids in the blood called diabetic ketoacidosis.

Signs to watch for

  • Drinking more than usual
  • Urinating more often
  • Increased hunger
  • Losing weight
  • Weakness during a serious complication
  • Vomiting during a serious complication

Middle-aged females are a higher-risk group.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog becomes weak and starts vomiting.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet considers the dog's signs alongside blood tests and a urine examination to diagnose diabetes. If blood sugar is high without typical signs, a fructosamine test can help distinguish diabetes from a temporary stress response. Additional testing may look for another condition, such as inflammation of the pancreas, that could complicate care.

Breeds with documented risk

14 breeds

By breed size
  • 1 Toy
  • 4 Small
  • 8 Medium
  • 1 Large

Most popular breeds on this list

All 14 breeds, A to Z

Inheritance

  • Multifactorial

    Several genes and the environment together set the risk. Diet, growth rate, weight and exercise can all play a part. There is no single DNA test. Screening the parents (for example hip or elbow scores) and choosing from lines with good results lowers the risk, but does not remove it.

    As stated by OMIA

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. OMIA: Diabetes mellitus: omia.org
  2. Cornell Riney Canine Health Center: Diabetes in dogs: vet.cornell.edu
  3. Finnish Hound: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Giant Schnoodle: petmd.com
  5. Shichon: petmd.com
  6. Yorkiepoo: petmd.com