What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?

by Yvette Sajem

Overview

What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?

Although most common in middle-aged and senior dogs, diabetes can affect dogs of any age, sex or breed. There are two types of canine diabetes: diabetes mellitus, characterized by the under-production of insulin, and diabetes insipidus, characterized by a lack of vasopressin, which helps regulate absorption of water in the kidneys. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, weigh fluctuation, appetite fluctuation, vomiting, lethargy and sudden blindness. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect diabetes; there is treatment available.
Heredity

Heredity is a main factor of diabetes in dogs. If your dog's dam or sire had diabetes, it is likely that your dog will develop it too.

Obesity

Diabetes is a common complication in obese dogs. If your dog is obese, his body will require an increased amount of insulin; when the required amount exceeds the amount your dog's pancreas can produce, the result is diabetes.

Help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
Illness

Diabetes can be triggered by another illness. If your dog already suffers from certain conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis or Cushing's disease, she is at higher risk for developing diabetes.
Steroids

If your dog is being given regular doses of glucocorticoids or progestagens, he could develop diabetes. Steroids can disrupt pancreas function, causing the under-production of insulin.

Use steroids only if absolutely necessary.
Reproductive Hormones

Dr. Thomas Burke, DVM (University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine), recommends spaying or neutering your dog. Fluctuations in your dog's hormonal cycle can disrupt insulin regulation.