High Blood Sugar in Dogs

High blood sugar in dogs is also called sugar diabetes or diabetes mellitus. This is similar to Type 2 diabetes in humans where the body cannot regulate its production of blood sugar. Dogs do not get Type 1 diabetes. The good news is that this is is a treatable condition in dogs. Some breeds that are more prone to getting high blood sugar are golden retrievers, German shepherds and poodles, but all overweight dogs are at risk.

Causes

Causes are the same as with people--too rich of a diet and not enough exercise. This damages the pancreas, which helps make blood sugar. Obese dogs or dogs that have pancreatitis are prone to getting high blood sugar.

Early Symptoms

If your dogs are always hungry, always thirsty and urinate a lot more often, please go see a vet as soon as possible. Sudden weight loss may occur.

Diabetic Coma

High blood sugar can eventually kill dogs, causing them to lose appetite, become disoriented, lose their coordination and then slip into a coma.

Treatment

This requires a combination of daily insulin injections, keeping to a strict diet and regular exercise. Diabetic dogs can live quality lives for years.

Time Frame

High blood sugar is a chronic condition that will have to be treated for life. It generally sets in when the dog is between six- and nine-years-old.