Diabetes

Diabetes in dogs is almost always the insulin-dependent kind, and it is a disease of middle-aged and older dogs. UK studies put prevalence at roughly 0.26 to 0.34 percent, with higher odds in the Border Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier and lower odds in the German Shepherd Dog and Golden Retriever¹². The classic signs are drinking and urinating far more, hunger with weight loss, and, in dogs, cataracts that can appear within weeks.

Untreated diabetes leads to ketoacidosis, which is life-threatening, so the signs above deserve a prompt visit. Once diagnosed, dogs need insulin injections, usually twice a day with meals, for life. AAHA's diabetes guidelines are clear that success depends on the owner: giving insulin on schedule, recognising the signs of poor control and of low blood sugar, and doing some monitoring at home³.

That schedule is what Oldie's medication reminders and supply tracking are for. Keep a note of appetite and water intake in the care history, and tell the clinic straight away about wobbliness, weakness or collapse, which can mean blood sugar has dropped too low.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet knows your dog.

Sources

1. Diabetes mellitus in dogs attending UK primary-care practices: frequency, risk factors and survival (Heeley AM et al.). Canine Medicine and Genetics 7:6, 2020 (peer reviewed). Accessed 2026-09-22.
2. An epidemiological study of diabetes mellitus in dogs attending first opinion practice in the UK (Mattin M et al.). Veterinary Record 174:349, 2014 (peer reviewed). Accessed 2026-09-22.
3. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (Behrend E et al.). American Animal Hospital Association, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 54(1):1-21. Accessed 2026-09-22.