Does this mean my dog has diabetes?

What I can't help with here

I can't say yes, no or 'probably'. I can't read a photo of a meter, and I won't give you a number that means diabetes.

While you wait for the appointment, just keep things normal: water available, the food he already eats, and no new medicines.

What to do instead

• Book the visit. If he is weak, vomiting or not eating, don't wait: call the vet today.
• For two days, write down how much he drinks, how he eats, his weight and his energy.
• If you already have a reading, bring it with the time you took it.
• Tell the vet about any other medicines or treatment he's on.

What to take with you

Take your notes and your dog. If it does turn out to be diabetes, the starting-out guide covers the first few weeks at home. The insulin amount will still come from your vet.

Could it be Cushing's, kidney disease or something else instead of diabetes?

Thirst, peeing and weight changes show up in several conditions, including Cushing's, kidney problems and diabetes insipidus. They can look much the same at home but need very different tests and treatment, so only your vet can work out which it is.

Ask what points to diabetes, what else they're checking for, and whether more than one thing could be going on. Take your dog's medicine list and any old results. Don't try a medicine or cut back water to see what happens, because that can hide the signs and make your dog unwell.

My dog is drinking and peeing a lot. Could it be diabetes?

If your dog is suddenly emptying the water bowl and asking to go out more, it's worth getting checked. Book a vet visit if they're clearly drinking or peeing more, including new night trips or accidents. That was the first thing I noticed with Cooper. Keep fresh water out, because taking the bowl away won't show the cause and isn't safe.

Write down how it compares with what's normal for your dog, along with appetite and weight. Take the medicine list and any readings you have, but don't put off the visit to collect numbers. If your dog is weak, vomiting or won't eat, call the vet straight away.

What are the signs of diabetes in a dog?

More thirst, more peeing, a bigger appetite and weight loss can all be signs. They're a reason to book the vet, but they don't confirm diabetes on their own. Your dog might not show all of them, and other illnesses can look the same.

Write down what changed and take medicine details and old results with you. If your dog is vomiting, won't eat, or is weak or unusually sleepy, call the vet straight away. Don't wait to see if more signs turn up.