Managing canine diabetes

You can successfully manage your diabetic dog's health with insulin therapy, the correct diet and exercise.

Can diabetes be cured?

The underlying cause of diabetes cannot be cured. Diabetic dogs usually require lifelong treatment with an insulin preparation.

Aim of diabetes treatment

The aim of treatment is to restore your diabetic dog’s quality of life. This means stopping the signs of diabetes mellitus and minimizing diabetic complications without causing hypoglycaemia.

Untreated or poorly managed diabetes mellitus may result in a serious condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. This is an emergency and requires prompt treatment. Read more under Emergencies.

How are diabetic dogs treated?

A regular routine is vital for successful diabetes management.

• Regular insulin injections– See Insulin therapy
• Correct diet – See the section on Diabetes diets for advice on establishing the correct diabetes diet for your dog.
• Regular exercise
• Intact bitches with diabetes should be spayed. The ovaries produce progesterone for a period known as diestrus after the bitch has been on "heat". Read more...

Effective treatment of canine diabetes is very rewarding. You can help your dog regain its quality of life.