What is Canine Diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects the amount of glucose, or sugar, in your dog’s blood. Diabetes occurs when your dog’s body makes too little insulin, stops producing it completely, or has an abnormal response to insulin.

Insulin affects how your dog’s body uses food

When your dog eats, carbohydrates are converted into several types of simple sugars, including glucose. Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the blood, where it travels to cells throughout the body. Insulin is required for the transfer of glucose from the blood into the cells so it can be used for energy. If there’s too little insulin available, glucose can’t enter cells, and instead builds up to a high concentration in the bloodstream. This is known as hyperglycemia.

As a result, there is not enough energy for the cells to function normally and they become “starved.” Over time, weight loss ensues despite a ravenous appetite. The build-up of glucose in the blood spills over into the urine and draws large volumes of water, resulting in increased thirst and urination.

How Common is Pet Diabetes?

Canine diabetes is more common in middle-age and older dogs, but it is also seen in young dogs. While believed to be underdiagnosed, diabetes mellitus affects an estimated one in 1 in 300 dogs.¹

The primary cause of canine diabetes is largely unknown, but experts suggest that genetics may play a role.

“My vet told me certain dogs are at greater risk for diabetes!”

-SPIKE

Related Conditions

Dogs with diabetes can develop complications subsequent to becoming diabetic. Careful control of blood glucose concentrations may help minimize these complications.

Common complications of canine diabetes

Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye following prolonged high blood glucose concentrations, leading to blindness. Other complications could include frequent infections and ketoacidosis (which cause decreased appetite, vomiting and lethargy,) which requires immediate veterinarian attention or similar.

These complications can be severe and impair how insulin works. Contact your veterinarian any time your dog experiences any change in signs.

Which Dog Breeds Are at Risk?

Diabetes typically occurs when dogs are between 4 to 14 years of age. Unspayed female dogs are twice as likely as male dogs to suffer from diabetes.

Any dog could develop diabetes, but these breeds appear to be at greater risk for developing canine diabetes²:

If you feel your dog is at risk for developing diabetes, consider having your pet tested during a regular veterinary examination at least once a year.

Next Article: Detection and Diagnosis

Further Reading

Monitoring Blood Glucose

Nutrition for Dogs With Diabetes

Managing Diabetes