Dog owner’s guide to diabetes in senior dogs

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common condition in dogs characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) as a result of low or absent insulin levels. While any dog can develop the condition, most dogs diagnosed with DM are middle-aged or older. Caring for a senior dog with diabetes is the same as for younger dogs. However, seniors are more likely to have other underlying health conditions, making diabetes management more complicated. If your senior dog has a diabetes diagnosis, read on to learn:

• Why senior dogs have a higher risk of diabetes mellitus
• Symptoms of diabetes in dogs to be aware of
• How canine diabetes is managed in seniors

Regular insulin injections are needed to maintain healthy blood glucose levels in nearly all dogs with diabetes mellitus. Management of diabetes in seniors also involves regular monitoring and testing, diet and weight management, and treating other underlying health conditions that may make managing diabetes more challenging.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disorder in dogs caused by a lack of insulin in the bloodstream. It’s the most common form of diabetes in dogs.

Insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar and glucose uptake, is used by the body for energy. When insulin levels are too low, and the dog can’t get enough energy from glucose, the body begins breaking down fats and muscle tissue for energy, despite blood sugar levels remaining high. This is because the body can’t break down glucose without insulin. As a result, diabetic dogs begin losing weight due to the breakdown of muscle mass and fat, become increasingly hungry, and become lethargic due to a lack of available energy. They also urinate a lot and drink excessively because of all the extra glucose in their bloodstream.

Over time, the breakdown of fats and muscle releases ketones into the bloodstream. Ketone buildup can result in a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Additional complications of diabetes can result due to constant high glucose levels, such as blindness from cataracts and recurrent bladder infections.

Are senior dogs at risk for diabetes?

Dogs of any age can develop DM, but most of those diagnosed are middle-aged or older. Senior dogs are more likely to have other underlying health conditions that can make regulating diabetes more complicated, such as:

• Kidney disease
• Obesity
• Infections, such as gum disease

Other age-related medical issues can increase the risk of DM in dogs, such as:

• Obesity
• Cushing’s disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Long-term steroid use for other health issues

It’s often recommended for senior dogs to visit the vet more frequently for regular checkups to help catch age-related conditions such as DM.

Signs of DM in dogs include:

• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Increased appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sweet or acetone-smelling breath
• Lack of energy
• Sudden blindness, cataracts, or cloudy eyes

Symptoms of DM in dogs can be subtle at first, and in the early stages of the disease, many diabetic dogs appear otherwise normal. The first signs are often drinking more water and urinating more than usual; however, excessive thirst and urination are common symptoms of other age-related diseases in dogs.

Diabetic dogs can develop sudden blindness, cataracts, or cloudy eyes due to consistently elevated levels of glucose in the blood. This can look similar to lenticular sclerosis, an eye condition that’s normal as dogs age. If you’re wondering if your aging dog’s cloudy eyes are normal or if it could be cataracts, a virtual vet appointment can help. Be sure to upload clear, close-up photos of your dog’s eyes prior to the appointment so the vet can clearly see what you’re concerned about.

“It’s important to keep an open line of communication with your veterinarian and closely follow all of their instructions for your dog’s care,” explains Dr. Jo Myers. “Never hesitate to ask questions or bring up concerns you may have.” Every dog’s treatment for DM is different and may need to be adjusted over time. Treatment options include:

• Insulin injections
• Weight management
• Change in diet or meal frequency
• Managing other underlying conditions

Insulin therapy

Insulin therapy is the cornerstone of treating dogs with diabetes mellitus. A dose of insulin is usually given after each meal. Insulin must be carefully stored, handled, and administered to work properly. Virtual vets are readily available to watch your injection process at home and coach you with proper mixing, measuring, and administration.

It takes time to narrow down the right insulin dose once a dog is diagnosed with DM. This initial period is called the regulation period. While care and insulin administration for dogs with diabetes mellitus eventually becomes simpler, the regulation process is a little more challenging due to:

• Pet parents being new to mixing, measuring, and administering insulin
• Needing to start with a low dose of insulin and gradually increasing

Giving too much insulin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so insulin dosages start low and are increased until the proper insulin requirement is determined. Frequent monitoring and communication with a vet is usually necessary during the regulation period. However, once the right starting dose of insulin is found, diabetes management often becomes more straightforward because at that point the owner is more comfortable with the insulin injections and the patient’s blood sugar levels are stable.

Close monitoring

Monitoring is also a critical part of successful diabetes management. Your vet may advise you to monitor:

• Blood glucose with a home monitor
• Glucose in the urine
• Changes in symptoms

There are now apps available to aid in monitoring dogs with diabetes. Follow your vet’s instructions, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Dogs with well-managed DM can live a good quality of life. Virtual vet appointments are a great tool to use for long-term management and to help monitor glucose levels in blood or urine.

Managing weight and diet

Weight and dietary management are also important parts of managing DM in dogs. Because obesity is a common risk factor for DM and a condition that makes it harder to manage, it’s important to keep your dog at a healthy weight.

Diabetic dogs often need a special diet to help regulate their blood sugar. Choosing the right diet can be more complicated for senior dogs due to the increased likelihood of other underlying conditions that may require specific diets. There are prescription diets available for diabetic animals, but they’re not always a good fit for every dog.

It’s important to work with a vet to choose a diet that supports your dog’s overall health. An online vet can help you choose a healthy diet and feeding schedule based on your dog’s specific needs.

Treating other health issues

Proper treatment of other health issues that make managing DM more challenging is also an important part of treatment. For example, it’s common for senior dogs to have some degree of periodontal disease. Any infection, even a minor one, can interfere with insulin metabolism and lead to insulin resistance. It’s common for a dog with a new diagnosis of diabetes to need a dental cleaning while an appropriate insulin dosage is determined.

Most dogs with DM require daily insulin injections — usually after each meal — to facilitate the absorption of glucose for energy and to regulate blood sugar levels. It’s very important to follow a vet’s instructions on insulin storage, dosage, and administration.

An overdose of insulin or giving insulin at the wrong time can result in life-threateningly low blood sugar levels. Not giving enough insulin means the disease won’t be regulated well enough and may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis or other serious complications of diabetes. It’s important to find the right balance.

Improper storage or administration of insulin can also affect its efficacy. If you have questions about insulin administration or storage, an online vet can help walk you through the process in real time.

Can senior diabetic dogs undergo anesthesia?

Senior dogs are likely to need anesthesia for medical procedures, such as dental cleanings. The fact that a dog is older doesn’t mean they can’t have anesthesia. Risks associated with anesthesia are minimized by taking special considerations for patients with diabetes. Anesthesia is often necessary for procedures that improve the overall health and well-being of a senior diabetic pet. Talk to your vet about any concerns you may have about your dog’s safety during anesthesia and other medical procedures.

What is the life expectancy of a dog with diabetes?

Dogs with diabetes can live long, healthy lives as long as the condition is well-managed. However, most dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus are middle-aged or older and have other underlying health concerns that may impact their life expectancy and quality of life.

Can diabetes in dogs be cured?

Canine diabetes mellitus is a lifelong, chronic disease that can’t be cured. However, it can be managed well enough in many dogs to provide otherwise healthy, happy lives. Diabetes is managed through insulin treatments, dietary management, close monitoring, and addressing other health issues.

What are the first signs of diabetes in dogs?

The first signs of diabetes mellitus in dogs are extreme thirst and excessive urination. As the disease progresses, affected dogs may also experience weight loss and lethargy. It’s important to seek veterinary care if your dog is suddenly drinking and urinating more than usual, even if they seem otherwise healthy.