AAHA Updates Canine Diabetes Management Guidelines

The American Animal Hospital Association has released its 2026 Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs, updating recommendations for Veterinary teams diagnosing, treating, and monitoring canine diabetes mellitus.

The guidelines provide step-by-step information on diagnosis, insulin therapy, dietary management, glucose monitoring, diabetic ketoacidosis, and common treatment challenges. Charts and algorithms address insulin selection and starting dosages, treatment adjustments, hypoglycemia, and dogs requiring high insulin doses.

The update reflects advances in diabetes management, particularly greater access to affordable continuous glucose monitors and increased understanding of long-acting insulins. Formulations including insulin degludec and glargine U-300 may allow once-daily dosing for some dogs.

For the first time, AAHA has separated its canine and feline diabetes guidelines to reflect differences between the species. The canine guidelines also emphasize communication with pet owners about monitoring, follow-up appointments, treatment adjustments, expectations, and the long-term commitment required to successfully manage a dog with diabetes.