Dog Diabetes Symptoms & Monitoring Tools in Australia & NZ (2025)

Just like humans, dogs can develop diabetes – and early detection is critical for managing the condition and protecting your furry friend’s long-term health. As a responsible pet owner, understanding the early signs of diabetes in dogs can make all the difference. Keep reading as we walk you through what to look out for, how to respond, and how Pet Control HQ’s pet diabetes kit to monitor your dog or cat’s blood glucose level can support your pet’s wellbeing.

What is Diabetes in Dogs?

Diabetes mellitus occurs when a dog’s body is unable to produce or properly use insulin – this results in high blood glucose levels, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. While any dog can develop diabetes, certain breeds, older dogs, and overweight pets are more at risk.

How to Detect Diabetes in Dogs – Here are the Common Warning Signs

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is my dog diabetic?”, knowing the symptoms to watch for is key. The following diabetes warning signs in dogs often appear in the early stages:

Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): If your dog is drinking significantly more water than usual, it may be a sign their body is trying to flush out excess glucose through urine.
Frequent Urination (Polyuria): A diabetic dog often needs to urinate more frequently. This may lead to accidents indoors, even in otherwise house-trained pets.
Increased Appetite (Polyphagia): While their body struggles to absorb glucose, dogs with diabetes may appear hungrier than usual – despite potential weight loss.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Even with a healthy or increased appetite, dogs with diabetes often lose weight as their body starts breaking down muscle and fat for energy.
Lethargy or Low Energy: You may notice your dog is less enthusiastic during walks or playtime. Fatigue and lack of interest in activities can be subtle but important symptoms of diabetes in dogs.
Cloudy Eyes or Vision Issues: Cataracts are a common complication in diabetic dogs, often causing cloudy eyes or signs of impaired vision.
Recurring Infections: Skin infections, urinary tract infections, or slow-healing wounds can sometimes point to underlying diabetes.

If your dog is exhibiting any combination of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your vet. Early diagnosis and intervention can dramatically improve your dog’s quality of life.

Monitoring Your Dog’s Blood Sugar at Home

While veterinary diagnosis is crucial, at-home monitoring can play a vital role in ongoing diabetes management. Pet Control HQ’s Blood Glucose Monitoring Kit for dogs and cats allows pet owners to track glucose levels quickly, easily, and accurately from home. Designed with dual-coded test strips for dogs and cats , and requiring only a small blood sample, it’s a reliable way to stay proactive between vet visits. Our lab-accurate glucose meters are perfect for:

Detecting irregularities early on
Supporting diabetic pets with daily monitoring
Reducing the stress of constant clinic visits

Supporting Your Dog with the Right Tools

In addition to blood glucose kits, Pet Control HQ offers a range of pet health essentials designed to help you care for your pet with confidence – from ultrasonic dental scalers that support overall dental hygiene to indoor pet treadmills that help keep diabetic dogs active and healthy. Our commitment is simple: to provide pet owners with professional-grade, vet-trusted tools that make at-home care accessible and stress-free.

Stay ahead of your dog’s diabetes with Pet Control HQ

Knowing how to detect diabetes in dogs can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your pet’s health. By watching for early symptoms, seeking veterinary advice, and using reliable at-home monitoring tools like those available from Pet Control HQ, you’ll be well equipped to give your dog the best chance at a happy, healthy life. Explore our full range of pet health products and discover how simple it can be to take control of your dog’s wellbeing from the comfort of home.