Diabetes in dogs: Signs, care, and prevention tips – Insider

Just like humans, dogs can develop diabetes. In fact, up to 1% of dogs get diabetes at some point in their lifetime. 
This condition happens when their bodies don’t produce enough insulin — a hormone that controls the amount of glucose in the bloodstream — or can’t use insulin correctly.
A dog with diabetes can still live a long and active life, so long as they get an early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Without treatment, though, diabetes may be life-threatening for dogs or involve serious complications, according to Dr. Corinne Wigfall, a registered veterinarian with SpiritDog Training. 
Possible complications of diabetes can include:
Below, veterinarians share key signs of diabetes in dogs and steps you can take to prevent and treat this condition.
Three different types of diabetes can occur in dogs:
The following risk factors might make your dog more likely to develop diabetes:
Your dog’s breed can also increase their risk of developing diabetes. According to Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon and consultant for FiveBarks, breeds at higher risk include: 
According to Dr. Amanda Takiguchi, a registered veterinarian, and founder of Trending Breeds, some of the most common early signs of diabetes in dogs include:
When a dog has diabetes, their body tries to send excess sugar out through their urine — and in the process, they also excrete more water, which can lead to increased thirst and urination.
“Not all owners monitor their dog’s urination and drinking habits closely, so it can be possible to miss these subtle signs,” Wigfall says. 
Important: Routine yearly or six-month blood screens can help your dog’s veterinarian pick up early signs of diabetes.
Signs of more advanced diabetes may include:
If your dog has a diabetes diagnosis, Wigfall advises paying attention to the following signs:

There’s no cure for diabetes, but treatment can help.
Once your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with diabetes, they’ll typically prescribe insulin injections. Your vet will teach you how to administer these with a very small needle under the skin. Rest assured these injections cause minimal pain for your pet. 
Your vet may also advise regularly checking your dog’s glucose levels to measure their progress, particularly when they first begin insulin therapy. They can teach you how to use a glucometer to get blood samples and take readings.
What’s the cost: While the dosage can vary from dog to dog, insulin injections are usually given twice daily. The cost of insulin will depend on the dose needed, according to Simon, but it can range anywhere from $40 per month for smaller breeds to $150 per month for larger breeds.
According to Takiguchi, your vet may also provide specific recommendations for diet and exercise based on your dog’s breed and target weight. Wigfall says these prescription diets will typically be:
Other things you can do to help a dog with diabetes:
Here are some steps you can take to lower your dog’s risk of diabetes.
If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, try not to panic. A combination of insulin injections, a high-fiber and low-fat diet, and regular exercise can all help manage this condition by regulating your dog’s blood sugar.
If you’ve noticed any signs of diabetes in your dog, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible to get a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
With early diagnosis and consistent treatment, the prognosis for dogs with diabetes is very good, according to Wigfall and Simon. Most dogs can go on to live comfortable, full lives.
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