Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus

Species: Dog

Breeds Affected: All Breeds (middle-aged to senior; obese and female dogs at higher risk; breeds like Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles, Dachshunds, Keeshonds, Samoyeds predisposed)

Diabetes mellitus in dogs is a disorder of blood sugar regulation, most commonly due to inadequate insulin production by the pancreas (analogous to Type I diabetes in humans). This results in chronically high blood glucose. It is a manageable condition, but if untreated leads to severe complications (like ketoacidosis). Most diabetic dogs require insulin therapy to survive.

• Key signs include excessive thirst and increased water intake (polydipsia)
• increased urination (polyuria) – often causing accidents or larger volumes of urine
• increased appetite (polyphagia) coupled with weight loss. Owners might notice sweet or fruity-smelling breath. Over time
• diabetes can cause cataracts leading to blindness (many diabetic dogs develop cloudy eyes)
• recurring urinary tract infections
• and lethargy or weakness. In advanced untreated cases
• vomiting
• dehydration
• and depression occur (diabetic ketoacidosis).

Management of diabetes focuses on regulating blood glucose through diet and insulin therapy. Almost all dogs have insulin-dependent diabetes and are treated with daily insulin injections (typically twice daily) to replace the missing hormone. Diet changes are also important: a high-fiber, consistent diet helps stabilize blood sugar. Some stable diabetic dogs can be managed at home after an initial hospital regulation period. Weight loss (if obese) and spaying intact females (hormones can affect insulin) are recommended. The veterinarian will adjust insulin dose based on blood glucose curves and monitor for complications. With proper treatment, many diabetic dogs live normal lives.

Insulin injections are the cornerstone: commonly used insulins in dogs include lente insulin (Vetsulin) or NPH insulin, given under the skin every 12 hours. These injections lower blood glucose by aiding its uptake into cells. In rare cases of type II-like diabetes, oral hypoglycemic drugs (like glipizide) have minimal effectiveness and are generally not used in dogs. Alongside insulin, a strict diet (prescription diabetic diet or high-fiber home diet) is used to modulate glucose absorption. Regular glucose monitoring is needed to adjust dosing. Additionally, if infections (like UTI) occur, antibiotics are given since infections can worsen blood sugar control.