Diabetes in Dogs

What is canine diabetes? > How common is it?

Canine diabetes is quite common—anywhere between 1 in 100 to 1 in 500 dogs develops diabetes,1 and those numbers are expected to increase.

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 (intact) female dogs are twice as likely as male dogs to suffer from diabetes.

Reference:
1. Panciera DL, Thomas CB, Eicker SW, Atkins CE. Epizootiologic patterns of diabetes mellitus in cats: 333 cases (1980–1986). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1990;197(11):1504–1508.

Canine Diabetes
Did you know?

Less than half of surveyed dog and cat owners know their pets could suffer from diabetes.

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