Canine diabetes is quite common — about one dog in 500 develops diabetes and that number is increasing.

Any dog could develop diabetes, but certain breeds are more likely to develop the condition. These breeds appear to be at greater risk for developing canine diabetes:

• Cocker spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Doberman pinschers
• German shepherds
• Golden retrievers
• Labrador retrievers
• Pomeranians
• Terriers
• Toy poodles

Diabetes typically occurs when dogs are between 4 to 14 years old. Unspayed female dogs are twice as likely as males to suffer from diabetes.