What Are the Causes of Canine Diabetes?

Diabetes is not just a human disease. Dogs along with other animals can develop it as well.There are many causes of diabetes in dogs such as steroid administration, old age, reproductive hormones, immune deficiencies, heredity and as an offshoot from other diseases. Whatever the cause of a dog's diabetes, it is important that it is treated by a veterinarian.

  1. Hereditary

    • Canine diabetes can be hereditary. If you have access to your dog's parental vetrinary records you can be aware of whether or not this is the cause. If the dog's parents have diabetes there is a good chance he will also develop canine diabetes at some point, according to the Dog Diabetes Guide.

    Other Diseases

    • Canine diabetes can be a symptom of another disease. According to the Dog Diabetes Guide and petwellbeing.com, diseases that effect the pancreas such as Cushings, immune deficiencies and pancreatic infections will produce higher levels of insulin in the body and cause diabetes. The petwellbeing.com site warns that if your dog is suffering from such a disease, it is wise to seek veterinary attention about the matter immediately as you may be able to prevent the development of diabetes.

    Reproductive Hormones

    • Reproductive hormones that may be present in an unspayed or an un-neutered canine may increase glucose levels and cause the dog to develop canine diabetes, according to petwellbeing.com and Shauna S. Roberts, Ph.D. Female dogs are more at risk of this happening when they are between the ages of seven and nine, according to petwellbeing.com.

    Steroids

    • Regular steroid shots can cause under-production of insulin due to its negative effect on the pancreas, which will then cause diabetes, report the "Dog Diabetes Guide," and Roberts, Ph.D. Unless absolutely necessary, it is best not to expose your dog to steroid medications.

    Old Age

    • Dogs who are middle aged to old aged are more likely to develop diabetes than younger dogs, according to Roberts.

    Poor Diet

    • Diets that are high in fat may inflame the pancreas and cause diabetes. Obesity is another possible cause of diabetes, Roberts said.