Canine diabetes mellitus requires lifelong insulin therapy and dietary management, but well-controlled diabetic dogs can maintain excellent quality of life with committed owner care.
Uncontrolled diabetes causes significant suffering through the effects of hyperglycaemia — weight loss, weakness, dehydration, and progression to diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening emergency. Poorly regulated diabetic dogs experience the equivalent of chronic, uncontrolled thirst and urination alongside metabolic compromise. Cataracts, if left untreated, cause complete blindness and significantly affect quality of life. Well-controlled diabetes, however, is fully compatible with excellent welfare — many diabetic dogs live happily for years with committed owner management. The welfare burden falls heavily on owners, requiring twice-daily injections, careful feeding schedules, and regular monitoring. Continuous glucose monitoring devices adapted for dogs have significantly improved management by enabling non-invasive home monitoring.