Hormonal disease · Updated 2026-09-29
Diabetes in dogs
Lack of insulin leads to high blood sugar, with increased thirst, weight loss and a risk of cataracts.
Illustrative cover using relevant category imagery; it does not depict the exact subject.
Signs to watch for
- Drinking and urinating more
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss
- Sudden cloudy eyes (cataracts)
- Lethargy
Causes and risk factors
In dogs, usually immune destruction of insulin-producing cells; pancreatitis, Cushing's disease and some breeds increase risk.
How veterinarians diagnose it
Persistently high blood and urine glucose, with further tests to check for complications.
Treatment and management
Twice-daily insulin injections, consistent meals and regular monitoring. Most dogs need insulin for life.
Prevention
Not reliably preventable; keeping dogs lean and spaying (which removes progesterone-related risk) help.
Outlook
Well-managed diabetic dogs often live good lives for years. Cataracts are common but can be treated surgically.
Common questions
- What are the signs of diabetes in dogs?
- Drinking and urinating more; Increased hunger; Weight loss; Sudden cloudy eyes (cataracts); Lethargy.
- What causes diabetes in dogs?
- In dogs, usually immune destruction of insulin-producing cells; pancreatitis, Cushing's disease and some breeds increase risk.
- How is diabetes in dogs diagnosed?
- Persistently high blood and urine glucose, with further tests to check for complications.
- How is diabetes in dogs treated?
- Twice-daily insulin injections, consistent meals and regular monitoring. Most dogs need insulin for life.
- Can diabetes in dogs be prevented?
- Not reliably preventable; keeping dogs lean and spaying (which removes progesterone-related risk) help.
- When should I contact a veterinarian?
- Weakness, wobbliness or seizures in a dog on insulin may mean low blood sugar — an emergency. Contact a vet immediately.
Preparing for a diabetes in dogs consultation
- Record when these signs began and how they changed: Drinking and urinating more; Increased hunger; Weight loss. Record appetite, water intake, toileting and any medicines or supplements.
- The listed urgency is prompt; worsening breathing, collapse, seizures or severe pain can make any situation an emergency. Ask the clinic rather than relying only on this category.
- Ask what else could explain the signs, which tests would change the plan and how discomfort will be managed. Symptoms alone cannot confirm this condition.
- Before going home, agree what to monitor, when to recheck and which signs mean calling sooner. Follow the individual treatment plan; do not copy another pet's prescription.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs – Overview — VCA Animal Hospitals
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.