High blood sugar is also known as hyperglycemia, meaning a dog has abnormally high levels of glucose (sugar) in their blood. When the glucose levels rise, like after eating or during stress or activity, insulin is released into the bloodstream to help maintain normal sugar levels.
Insulin is a hormone that’s produced by a dog’s pancreas and transports glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Low insulin levels can lead to high blood sugar, as can the body’s inability to properly use insulin.
Since hyperglycemia can have several different causes, your dog may exhibit a variety of clinical signs. If the cause is temporary, like stress or after eating, you likely won’t notice any issues. However, hyperglycemia caused by a chronic condition such as diabetes (Trusted Source) or Cushing’s disease can lead to noticeable symptoms. Some of the more common signs that mean your pooch has high blood sugar include:
🚨 If you notice any of these signs in your dog, you should take them to a vet immediately.
While you may think the only reason dogs have high blood sugar is diabetes, there are many other conditions that can elevate glucose levels. Some of the most common causes of hyperglycemia in dogs include:
While any pet can develop hyperglycemia, some dog breeds are more likely to have high blood sugar, including:
Middle-aged and older dogs are more at risk for developing hyperglycemia, and it’s more common in female dogs than in males.
Based on your dog’s clinical signs, your vet will likely suspect hyperglycemia, but they’ll want to confirm their diagnosis. Diagnostic tests used to detect hyperglycemia include:
Once your vet verifies that your dog has high blood sugar, they’ll recommend additional testing to determine the cause. They may suggest performing a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, a lipase test, abdominal X-rays or ultrasound, or testing for Cushing’s disease.
Treating your dog’s high blood sugar depends on the condition causing it.
Diabetes mellitus treatment. If your dog has diabetes, they’ll be treated with a combination of daily insulin injections and diet modification. A diet low in fat and carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber may be recommended to help your dog maintain an ideal weight and glucose level. Diabetic treatment will be lifelong, with routine blood glucose curves and physical exams to see how your dog is metabolizing their insulin.
Pancreatitis treatment. If your dog is having a pancreatitis flare-up, they’ll likely need hospitalization to receive intravenous fluids, pain medication, and possibly antibiotics. A low-fat diet can help minimize future episodes. Keep in mind that pancreatitis can be a life-threatening condition, so get your dog to your vet immediately if you notice pancreatitis symptoms.
Cushing’s disease treatment. Most cases of hyperadrenocorticism are caused by a pituitary tumor. These cases generally respond well to one of several drugs that lower the body’s cortisol production. However, if your dog has an adrenal gland tumor, radiation or surgery may be needed instead. In either case, your dog will require lifelong treatment and periodic monitoring of their condition.
Steroid usage treatment. If your pup needs to be on steroids to manage another chronic condition, their dose may need to be adjusted, or another treatment option found to bring their blood glucose to a normal level.
Dietary management. If your dog’s blood sugar skyrockets after eating, you’ll need to find a lower-sugar diet that doesn’t affect their glucose level as much. Also, you’ll need to closely monitor how much your dog eats and measure out appropriate portions. No more filling the food bowl when it’s empty!
Stress management. Some dogs are highly sensitive to stress in their lives, which can cause hyperglycemia. Although high blood sugar may be temporary, it can cause detrimental effects on their body. Try to limit stressful situations as much as possible for your dog if they have stress-induced hyperglycemia.
🚨 Never attempt to lower your dog’s blood sugar abruptly. Hypoglycemia can prove fatal much more quickly than hyperglycemia can.
If your dog has diabetes or another condition that causes chronic hyperglycemia, here are some tips to help manage their high blood sugar:
Give your dog a special diet recommended by a vet — Prescription diets that are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates can help prevent major fluctuations in your dog’s glucose levels. Talk to your vet about the best diet for your pooch.
Follow your vet’s diet recommendations — Although your pup may be begging for your pizza crust or lick of your ice cream, excess fat, sugar, and carbohydrates can throw blood glucose levels out of whack. Ask your vet which foods are safe to give your dog as treats and stick to those. Also, be consistent when feeding your dog. Feed them the same food, same amount, and same treats at the same time each day to help regulate their blood sugar.
Never change your dog’s insulin dosage without consulting a vet — If your dog begins drinking and urinating excessively, they may have a problem other than hyperglycemia. Never adjust your dog’s insulin dosage without first consulting your vet, even if you check their blood glucose at home.
Have your female dog spayed — To avoid gestational diabetes in your female dog, or the potential for hyperglycemia during her heat cycle, have her spayed at the appropriate time.
Stay on top of your dog’s oral health — Periodontal infections can cause your pup to develop insulin resistance, so brush their teeth daily and schedule regular dental cleanings with your vet.
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Stick to a daily exercise regimen — Exercising with your pooch every day can help them maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity, a major cause of hyperglycemia.
If your dog has high blood sugar, they’ll likely drink and urinate excessively. And, despite eating more, they may lose weight. In some cases, your dog will develop recurring infections, such as skin and urinary tract infections, or they may become extremely lethargic. If your dog’s blood sugar remains high without treatment, they can develop cataracts.
First, your vet must determine why your dog’s blood sugar is high. If it’s because of diabetes, insulin and an appropriate diet can lower their blood sugar. Other conditions, like pancreatitis, infections, or Cushing’s disease, need to be treated first to help lower blood glucose levels. If your dog is diabetic and has a high blood sugar reading, never give them more insulin than your vet prescribed. Instead, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian before adjusting the dosage.
A simple blood test can measure the glucose levels in your dog’s blood. A urinalysis can also be helpful, as it can detect excess glucose that has spilled over into the urine.
A dog who does not receive treatment for hyperglycemia will eventually go into ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition that requires emergency treatment to correct. There is no timeline for this process, but, in general, a dog with untreated diabetes will pass within two to eight months after diagnosis.
