Diabetes is relatively common in dogs, especially those that are older and have been overweight for much of their lives (see, just like humans). Females are at a far greater risk than males, and smaller breeds are more prone to the disease than larger dogs. During diabetes, cells can’t use the glucose it needs for energy because the body’s insulin isn’t working properly. This means that the dog’s appetite for both food and water go into overdrive. She’ll also need to pee more frequently, she’ll stop running around as much but will actually lose weight, and she may develop eye problems.

The three types of diabetes are as follows:
• Type 1: lack of insulin
• Type 2: sufficient insulin is present, but the body can’t use it
• Type 3: the result of overmedication for a different condition

Most dogs don’t act normally when going through diabetes, so you should have sufficient warning to get your pup to the vet. Once there, she’ll undergo blood and urine tests for a proper diagnosis. If the vet is sure it’s diabetes, her therapy will be much like any human diabetic’s. Her diet will need to be adjusted to be higher in fiber, she’ll need insulin shots daily, and she may need surgery to correct any cataract or eye problems she develops as a result of the diabetes.