Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs: A Guide

If you’re Googling symptoms of diabetes in dogs, you’re not alone—and the good news is that catching it early can make a huge difference in how well it’s managed.

Quick reassurance: diabetes is serious, but many dogs do really well once they’re diagnosed and on a consistent plan. The key is noticing the pattern before your dog gets truly sick.

One reality check: these symptoms can overlap with other conditions (like kidney disease, liver issues, infections, or hormone problems), so it’s not about one sign—it’s the combo, the trend, and how fast things are changing.

If you’re noticing classic diabetes red flags like increased thirst and urination, weight loss, or sudden changes in appetite or energy, don’t wait it out—early testing makes a big difference. Good Dog Veterinary Care is a dog-only veterinary team in Atlanta (West Marietta, Smyrna, and East Cobb) and we can run the right diagnostics and build a straightforward management plan if diabetes is the cause—book an appointment to get answers and next steps.

What Diabetes Is in Plain English

What’s happening in the body

Your dog’s body needs glucose (sugar) for energy—but diabetes means glucose can’t get into the cells the normal way. Either there isn’t enough insulin, or the body isn’t using insulin correctly. Result: the body acts like it’s low on fuel, even when there’s plenty of sugar in the bloodstream.

Why dogs start drinking and peeing so much

When blood sugar gets high, the kidneys can’t keep up. Glucose spills into the urine, and it pulls water with it. That’s why the two most common “first clues” are:

• Drinking way more than normal
  
• Peeing way more than normal
  

The Most Common Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

1) Drinking more than normal (excessive thirst)

This is the classic “why is the water bowl always empty?” sign. You might notice:

• Your dog drains the bowl faster than usual
  
• They hang around the water source
  
• They wake up at night to drink
  
• They seem thirsty even after drinking
  

2) Peeing more often (and accidents)

More drinking usually means more peeing. Common owner clues:

• Asking to go out more often
  
• Larger urine puddles than normal
  
• Accidents in a previously house-trained dog
  
• “Can’t hold it” behavior on walks or overnight
  

3) Increased hunger (ravenous appetite)

Some dogs act weirdly hungry because the body isn’t using glucose properly. You may see:

• Constant begging
  
• Scavenging behavior (counter-surfing, trash diving)
  
• Acting “starving” right after meals
  
• Getting pushier around food
  

4) Weight loss even though they’re eating

This one is a big red flag: eating normally (or more) but losing weight. It happens because the body starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy when it can’t use glucose effectively.

5) Low energy and less interest in normal activities

A lot of dogs just seem… off:

• Tires faster on walks
  
• Less playful
  
• Sleeps more
  
• Seems weaker or not as excited for usual routines

6) Weakness, stiffness, or “walking weird”

Some dogs look subtly off before they look truly sick. Things owners notice:

• Hind-end weakness or a slight wobble
  
• Struggling to jump, climb stairs, or get up from laying down
  
• Stiffness that seems new or out of proportion
  
• Occasional stumbling or “not placing feet right”
  

7) Coat and skin changes

Diabetes can show up on the outside too, especially if dehydration and poor nutrition are building.

• Dull, dry-looking coat
  
• Thinning hair
  
• Dandruff or flaky skin
  
• Slower skin healing or recurrent skin irritation
  

Eye Changes That Are a Big Clue

Cloudy eyes and cataracts

Owners usually describe this as “his eyes look foggy” or “there’s a white/blue haze.” Cataracts can develop fast in some diabetic dogs—sometimes over weeks, and occasionally even quicker—so new cloudiness is not something to sit on.

Vision changes

If your dog can’t see clearly, behavior shifts can be the giveaway:

• Bumping into furniture or doorframes
  
• Hesitating on stairs or at curbs
  
• Acting anxious in dim light
  
• Sticking close to you more than usual
  

Symptoms That Mean “This Might Be an Emergency”

Vomiting, not eating, profound lethargy

This combo is a red flag for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—a dangerous state where the body can’t use glucose and starts producing ketones, which can make the blood acidic. If your dog is vomiting, refusing food, and acting profoundly weak, don’t “wait and see.”

Fruity/acetone-like breath

Not every owner will notice it, and it’s not always present, but breath that smells sweet/fruity or like acetone/nail polish remover is a take-seriously sign—especially with vomiting or lethargy.

Severe dehydration or collapse

“Go now” territory:

• Very dry/tacky gums
  
• Sunken eyes, extreme weakness, can’t stand
  
• Collapse or near-collapse
  
• Fast breathing or obvious effort to breathe
  

Symptoms That Can Look Like Diabetes (And Why That Matters)

Kidney disease and liver disease

Both can cause increased thirst and urination, so those signs alone don’t automatically equal diabetes. The difference is what shows up on testing and how treatment needs to be handled.

Hormone issues and cancer

Some hormone conditions (and some cancers) can drive increased hunger, weight loss, and low energy. Same symptoms, completely different plan.

Why you shouldn’t self-diagnose

Because the overlap is real—and treating the wrong thing wastes time. Diabetes needs a specific, consistent routine. Kidney disease, infections, Cushing’s, and others need different therapies and monitoring.

Who’s Higher Risk

Age range and body condition

Diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in middle-aged to older dogs, and obesity increases risk because it can make insulin work less effectively.

Medical factors linked with diabetes

Dogs are at higher risk if they have a history of:

• Pancreatic disease (including pancreatitis)
  
• Cushing’s disease
  
• Hypothyroidism
  
• Long-term steroid or progestin use
  

Sex and reproductive status

Female dogs have a higher risk overall, and in some cases spaying can help reduce hormone-driven swings that complicate regulation.

How Vets Confirm Diabetes

What your vet asks you

Expect straightforward, practical questions:

• How much water your dog is drinking (and whether that changed)
  
• How often they’re peeing and whether accidents started
  
• Appetite changes
  
• Weight trend (even rough “feels lighter” counts)
  
• Energy level and timeline (when you first noticed it)
  
  

The tests that matter

The core confirmation is simple:

• Blood glucose
  
• Urinalysis (looking for glucose in the urine)
  Most vets also run baseline labs to check overall organ function and rule out look-alikes.
  

Screening for complications

Depending on symptoms, your vet may also check for:

• Infections (skin or UTI)
  
• Dehydration and electrolyte issues
  
• Ketones (especially if sick)
  
• Cataracts/eye changes
  

What Treatment Usually Looks Like

Insulin is the foundation for most diabetic dogs

Most diabetic dogs need insulin. Often it’s a twice-daily routine, and the dose is tailored—then adjusted based on how your dog responds.

Diet and consistency

Diabetes management is less about perfection and more about repeatability:

• Same food
  
• Same feeding times
  
• Steady, predictable exercise

• Big swings in meals or activity can create big swings in blood sugar.
  

Follow-up monitoring

Early on, follow-ups matter. Your vet may recommend:

• Rechecks and weight checks
  
• Glucose curves (in-clinic or at-home options)
  
• Periodic lab work as things stabilize
  

Hypoglycemia: The “Too Low” Problem Owners Should Know

What it can look like

Low blood sugar can happen, especially if insulin dose, meals, or activity don’t line up. Signs can include:

• Sudden weakness or wobbliness
  
• Shaking/trembling
  
• Confusion or “not acting right”
  
• Collapse or seizures in severe cases
  

What to do immediately

Treat it as urgent and contact your vet/ER right away. If your dog is alert enough to swallow safely, follow your vet’s guidance on quick sugar support—but don’t delay getting medical advice, because low blood sugar can turn serious fast.

Living With a Diabetic Dog

What “well-controlled” looks like

When things are on track, you typically see:

• Normal (or near-normal) thirst and urination
  
• Stable weight
  
• Steady energy
  
• A normal appetite without “ravenous” behavior
  

Common bumps in the road

Even well-managed dogs hit speed bumps:

• Infections can throw numbers off
  
• Dose adjustments are normal
  
• Schedule drift (late meals/late insulin) can cause swings
  
• Big changes in activity can change insulin needs
  

Long-term complications to watch for

Two common ones:

• Cataracts/vision problems
  
• Recurring infections (skin and urinary)
  

When to Call the Vet

Call today if you notice

• Sudden increase in thirst/urination plus weight loss
  
• Increased hunger with weight loss
  
• Any new eye cloudiness
  

Go to urgent/ER if you see

• Vomiting, not eating, severe lethargy
  
• Signs of dehydration or collapse
  
• Breathing changes or extreme weakness
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Can diabetes symptoms start subtly?

Yes. Many cases start with “just” more drinking and peeing—then the other signs layer in over time.

Can my dog have diabetes even if they’re young?

It’s less common, but yes. Age lowers the odds, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility.

Do cataracts always mean diabetes?

No. Cataracts can happen for other reasons—but new or fast cloudiness is a strong reason to get checked promptly.

How fast do symptoms progress?

It varies. Some dogs change slowly over weeks; others worsen quickly, especially if they develop DKA or dehydration.

Is diabetes curable in dogs?

Most dogs need long-term management, but many live full lives with the right routine.

What’s the difference between diabetes and kidney disease symptoms?

They can look similar (thirst/urination). Testing is what separates them—bloodwork and urine results point to the real cause and the right treatment.

If you’re seeing symptoms of diabetes in dogs, schedule an exam and baseline testing so you can get answers quickly—and start the right plan before it becomes an emergency.

Bring notes to your appointment:

• Water intake changes (how much, how often refilling)
  
• Urination changes (more frequent, bigger volume, accidents)
  
• Appetite changes
  
• Weight trend (even “feels thinner” is helpful)
  
• The date you first noticed symptoms
  
• Any photos/videos (cloudy eyes, wobble, vomiting, unusual behavior)

Conclusion

Diabetes symptoms can look subtle at first, but the sooner you confirm what’s going on, the sooner you can get your dog feeling stable and back to normal routines. If you’re seeing increased thirst and urination, weight loss, appetite changes, or low energy, Good Dog Veterinary Care is a dog-only veterinary team in Atlanta that can run the right testing and build a clear treatment plan. Book a visit at the location that’s most convenient: West Marietta Veterinary Clinic, Smyrna Veterinary Clinic, or East Cobb Veterinary Clinic.