Can dogs get diabetes?

Q: Can dogs get diabetes?

Yes, dogs can get diabetes. Diabetes mellitus commonly affects dogs and occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot use it properly, causing high blood sugar. This condition leads to symptoms like increased thirst and urination, and most often appears as Type 1 diabetes in dogs.

Medically reviewed by Emma Ryan, DVM

Veterinarian

Written by Sarah Bradley

Contributor

Updated Jan 9, 2026 • Published Jan 9, 2026

Fact Checked

Yes, dogs can get diabetes. Diabetes mellitus commonly affects dogs and occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot use it properly, causing high blood sugar. This condition leads to symptoms like increased thirst and urination, and most often appears as Type 1 diabetes in dogs.

Want to learn more about diabetes in dogs? Read our full analysis: How to manage diabetes in dogs

Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pets medication regimen.

Medically reviewed by Emma Ryan, DVM

Veterinarian

Emma Ryan, DVM, practices primarily emergency and critical care veterinary medicine at a 24-hour veterinary specialty center. She continues to maintain her presence in a general practice setting as a relief veterinarian for other local animal clinics. When away from work, her hobbies include equestrian jumping, home renovation, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Written by Sarah Bradley

Contributor

Sarah Bradley is a freelancer writer from Connecticut, where she lives with her husband and three sons. Her reported features and personal essays on parenting and women's health have appeared at On Parenting from The Washington Post, Verywell Family, Women's Health, Healthline, and O the Oprah Magazine, among others. In her so-called "free time," Sarah is an amateur baker, homeschooler, and aspiring novelist.

Can dogs get diabetes?

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