Canine Diabetes: Managing a Lifelong Condition with Confidence
Diabetes isn’t just a human disease—our dogs can get it too. In fact, diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine conditions we diagnose in middle-aged and older dogs. At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque, we help pet parents catch this condition early and navigate treatment options with confidence. While canine diabetes isn’t reversible like it sometimes is in cats, dogs can still live full, happy lives with the right care.
Signs of Diabetes in Dogs
The symptoms of diabetes can develop gradually and are often missed in the early stages. Keep an eye out for:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite
- Cloudy eyes (a sign of cataracts)
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Accidents in the house
- Frequent urinary tract infections
If your dog is showing any of these signs—especially if they’re middle-aged, overweight, or a female—diabetes may be the cause.
Diagnosing Diabetes in Dogs
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Bloodwork showing elevated blood glucose levels
- Urinalysis showing glucose in the urine (glucosuria), sometimes with a concurrent infection
- Fructosamine levels to assess longer-term glucose control
We may also run additional tests to check for underlying infections or complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in more advanced cases.
Treating Diabetes in Dogs
Unlike cats, dogs do not respond well to oral diabetic medications and will require twice-daily insulin injections for life. Fortunately, most dogs tolerate insulin injections very well—and many owners are surprised at how easy it becomes with practice.
Insulin options include:
- Vetsulin and NPH are commonly used insulins for dogs.
- We tailor your dog’s insulin choice and dose based on their weight, blood sugar curve, and response to therapy.
We’ll show you exactly how to give injections at home, how to store insulin, and how to recognize signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can be a concern if doses are too high.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Management
Proper nutrition is just as important as medication. We typically recommend:
- A prescription diabetic diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Consistent feeding and medication times—same time, same amount every day
- Weight management, as obesity worsens insulin resistance
In some dogs, we’ll also monitor for other endocrine conditions, like Cushing’s disease, which can complicate diabetes control.
Is Diabetic Remission Possible in Dogs?
Unlike cats, dogs do not go into remission from diabetes. It is a lifelong condition, but one that can be well-managed with routine care and follow-up.
Ongoing Monitoring Matters
Managing diabetes isn’t “set it and forget it.” Dogs need:
- Regular blood sugar curves to fine-tune insulin dosage
- Urine monitoring for glucose and ketones
- Routine wellness exams and lab work to track progress and catch complications early
At PetMed of Key West, we help you every step of the way—from diagnosis to daily management to long-term monitoring.
We’re Here to Support You
A diagnosis of diabetes can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go it alone. With our help, your dog can live a long, energetic, and joyful life. Call PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic today to schedule a diabetic screening or consultation for your dog. We’re here for you and your four-legged family member.