Diabetes in Dogs & Cats

Your pet’s water bowl empties faster than ever, dinner is never enough, and still the scale keeps dropping. Those changes can point to diabetes, a condition dogs and cats can live with happily when it is caught early and managed well.

At Pawtown Veterinary Care, our two owner veterinarians help families make sense of changes like these. Blood and urine testing through our diagnostic services can confirm whether diabetes is the cause, and we guide you through every step of care.

What Is Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats?

Diabetes mellitus is caused by a lack of insulin, the hormone moving sugar from the blood into the body’s cells. Without enough insulin, blood glucose stays high. The disease typically develops in middle-aged or older dogs and cats, especially those carrying extra weight, so a healthy body size is a smart habit. Our guide to weight loss for pets can help you get started.

Left untreated, diabetes can lead to ketones in the blood and urine. According to the 2026 AAHA diabetes guidelines for dogs, ketosis follows within days when insulin is absent entirely, and most dogs show signs only briefly before reaching a veterinarian. Ketones can make pets very sick, which is why prompt care matters.

Signs to Watch for at Home

Early signs are easy to miss because they build gradually. Watch for these changes in your dog or cat:

• Weight loss: pets may drop pounds even while eating well.
• Increased thirst: your pet empties the water bowl more often.
• Increased appetite: your pet seems hungry all the time.
• Frequent urination: more trips outside or accidents in the house.

If you notice any of these changes, schedule a visit with our team. Vomiting, weakness, or a loss of appetite alongside these signs may mean your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian right away, and our guide to warning signs your pet needs urgent care explains when to act quickly.

How We Diagnose and Treat Diabetes

A clear diagnosis comes first, and a steady routine makes treatment manageable.

Testing Confirms the Diagnosis

Diagnosis starts with blood and urine testing. High blood glucose along with glucose in the urine points to diabetes, and sometimes we add a fructosamine test for a fuller picture. Our post on blood work for senior pets explains why lab testing is so valuable.

Daily Insulin and Routine

Both dogs and cats need insulin injections under the skin, usually twice a day for life. Many insulin types exist, and some pets regulate better on one over another. Consistent mealtimes and a diet made for diabetic pets help too. Although injections may sound scary, most owners find they are not difficult once taught, and most pets tolerate them very well.

Monitoring Keeps Your Pet Steady

Your pet will need a glucose curve whenever insulin starts or the dose changes, and it can be done at the clinic or at home. Please check with your veterinarian before changing a dose. AAHA describes good control in dogs as normal thirst, urination, and appetite with steady or increasing weight.

Once your pet is regulated, expect rechecks twice a year with an exam, blood work, and a urine sample. Regular dog checkups and cat checkups fit well with this schedule.

Watching for Complications

Diabetic pets are more prone to urinary tract infections, so urine checks matter even without symptoms. Some dogs develop cataracts, so tell us about vision changes, redness, squinting, or cloudy eyes. Low blood sugar can also occur on insulin, and weakness, incoordination, or lethargy mean your pet should be seen right away.

Schedule a Visit With Pawtown Veterinary Care

Diabetes is a lifelong condition, but it is very manageable with the right plan and a steady routine. Diabetic pets can live happy, healthy lives, and early attention gives yours the best start.

Pawtown Veterinary Care is locally owned by two veterinarians, and our family-like clinic gives every pet and owner personal attention. We also offer CareCredit and Scratch Pay financing options to help with care costs. To get started, contact us today.