Question
Are some breeds more likely to get diabetes?
Sunny, owner notes“I wish my dog lived as long as I do.”Updated
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
Short answer
You may be wondering whether your dog's breed made this more likely. Some breeds get diabetes more often, but any dog can get it. If he's drinking more, peeing more, always hungry or losing weight, take him to the vet whatever his breed. With Cooper, the extra drinking and peeing came first. Don't brush these signs off because his breed is meant to be low risk.
What to know at home
Even if his breed is on a list, that doesn't mean the food, the breeder or you caused it. His signs, his history and his test results matter far more than any breed list.
What to write down
- Changes in thirst, peeing and appetite
- Weight and activity changes
- Relevant family or medical history if known
What to ask next
Ask the vet what the results mean for your dog, and whether anything else needs checking. Whatever his breed, his care from here is the same.
Sources
- Does this mean my dog has diabetes?What the early signs mean
- Why is my diabetic dog drinking so much?Why extra drinking happens
- Why did my dog get diabetes? Did I cause it?Why it is rarely the owner's fault
- What tests confirm diabetes, and what do the results mean?What the test results mean
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
My puppy or young dog has diabetes. Is that different?
Yes, a young dog needs a plan made for his age and growth.
Guide
Starting out with a diabetic dog
From the diagnosis to a settled routine: what the tests mean, what to ask before you go home, how insulin and supplies work, and what the first weeks really look like.
Q&A
Does this mean my dog has diabetes?
Drinking more, peeing more and losing weight mean it's time to see a vet. Only the vet can tell you if it's diabetes.