Outline diagnostic criteria and initial management goals for a dog with new-onset diabetes mellitus.

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The key idea is recognizing how diabetes in dogs is diagnosed and how to start treating it. New-onset canine diabetes is suggested by persistent high blood glucose with glucose in the urine, often accompanied by symptoms like excessive thirst and urination and weight loss. The initial management aims to restore and maintain normal glucose control while preventing complications, especially diabetic ketoacidosis. The best approach is to begin insulin therapy at a baseline dose and adjust it based on monitoring and response, combined with a consistent feeding plan and dietary modification to improve glycemic control and support any necessary weight management. Educating the owner on how to administer insulin, monitor blood glucose, recognize signs of hypo- or hyperglycemia and DKA, and arrange follow-up care is essential for success.

The other options don’t fit because they don’t reflect the typical diagnostic picture or treatment plan for new-onset diabetes in dogs. Hypoglycemia would not characterize the initial presentation of diabetes; glucagon is not the appropriate first-line therapy for begun insulin-dependent diabetes; normal glycemia argues against diabetes; and addressing infections alone does not address the diagnostic criteria or the core initial management goals.