Diagnosis & first weeks
The first questions, the tests, and a plan you can take home.
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
- My puppy or young dog has diabetes. Is that different?3 minYes, a young dog needs a plan made for his age and growth.
- Can a diabetic dog go into remission or come off insulin?3 minMost diabetic dogs need insulin for life, and remission is rare in dogs.
- Can diabetes be managed without insulin, with pills, diet or natural remedies?3 minNo. Food changes and supplements can't replace insulin for a diabetic dog.
- What is diabetes insipidus and how is it different?3 minDespite the name, diabetes insipidus is a problem with how the body handles water, not blood sugar.
- What tests confirm diabetes, and what do the results mean?3 minYour vet confirms diabetes with blood and urine tests, and one home reading isn't enough.
- How long do diabetic dogs live? What is the outlook?3 minDiabetes on its own doesn't tell you how long your dog will live, and many diabetic dogs do well.
- What should I know before adopting or fostering a diabetic dog?3 minTaking on a diabetic dog is a big, kind step, and it goes much better with the right information up front.
- My dog is in hospital after diagnosis. What happens next?3 minBefore he comes home, ask for a written home plan and for someone to show you the routine.
- Why did my dog get diabetes? Did I cause it?3 minYou probably didn't cause your dog's diabetes, and most causes aren't things an owner could have stopped.
- Are some breeds more likely to get diabetes?3 minSome breeds get diabetes more often, but any dog can get it.
- Should my diabetic female dog be spayed?3 minHormones in an unspayed female can make insulin work less well, so ask your vet about spaying.
- My dog was just diagnosed with diabetes. Where do I start?3 minGetting the diagnosis can leave you feeling like there's too much to learn at once. Before you leave that first appointment, ask for the food and treatment plan in writing.
- Could it be Cushing's, kidney disease or something else instead of diabetes?3 minThirst, peeing and weight changes show up in several conditions, including Cushing's, kidney problems and diabetes insipidus. Only your vet can work out which it is.
- My dog is drinking and peeing a lot. Could it be diabetes?3 minIf 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.
- What are the signs of diabetes in a dog?3 minMore 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.
- What should I ask the vet at the next appointment?3 minAppointments can go by fast, and it's easy to forget what you meant to ask. Start with whatever is worrying you most.
- Does it get easier? What does the first month look like?3 minMost of the first month goes on learning the equipment, noticing changes in appetite and asking the vet to explain things again. For most people it gets easier as the weeks go on.