Guide to what causes dog diabetes, the symptoms, ways to prevent & treat diabetes in dogs
- Last updated on March 27, 2023
- By: Caroline Stowe
Diabetes is a common, but serious health condition that can affect your beloved canine companion. It’s estimated that nearly 1 in 500 dogs will be diagnosed with diabetes during their lifetime.
For dog pet owners, it’s important to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes so that you can take steps to prevent it in your pet.
If left untreated, diabetes in dogs can cause major issues with their health. Let’s take a look at diabetes in dogs, what causes it, and how you can help your pup stay healthy and avoid this condition.
What Is Dog Diabetes ?
Diabetes in dogs, or canine diabetes mellitus, is a medical condition in which the body of the dog is unable to properly process glucose, leading to an excess of sugar in the bloodstream.
This can be caused by either an insufficient production of insulin, or an inability of the cells in the body to respond appropriately to insulin.
Insulin is an essential chemical for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. When these levels get too high, it can lead to serious health issues for your furry friend. Without proper treatment and management, dog diabetes can lead to more serious problems such as blindness and heart disease.
Signs of Diabetes in Dogs
Early signs of this disorder may include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, fatigue, and a ravenous appetite. Other indicators can include an increase in skin infections or the development of cataracts and other eye problems. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to visit your veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment.
How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Diabetes ?
Figuring out if your dog has diabetes can be difficult as the symptoms may not be obvious.A veterinarian can diagnose diabetes through a series of tests including a physical exam, blood tests, and urinalysis.
Your vet will test your dog’s urine and blood glucose levels to determine if they have diabetes. If these tests come back with abnormal results, your vet may recommend additional tests such as a CBC (complete blood count), serum biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. Your vet may also recommend an abdominal ultrasound to look for any possible underlying causes of diabetes.
Once the diagnosis has been made, your vet will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your dog. This may include medications, dietary changes and/or insulin injections. It is important to keep in mind that diabetes management requires ongoing monitoring and care to ensure your dog’s health and wellbeing. Regular veterinary visits are essential for keeping track of your pet’s health status.
Types of Diabetes in Dogs
Type 1 Diabetes in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment
Type 1 dog diabetes depends on insulin. In this condition, the pancreas is not able to produce enough hormone of insulin. This prevents the cells in the body from taking up glucose and metabolizing it properly. This leads to a high buildup of glucose, also known as blood sugar, in the bloodstream.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes in dogs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, lethargy, and changes in appetite. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as dehydration and pancreatitis.
Treatment typically involves a combination of dietary modifications and regular injections of insulin under veterinary guidance.
Type 2 Diabetes in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Type 2 Diabetes in Dogs, does not depend on insulin. In this condition, the body is not able to use insulin properly or it produces insulin in less amount. In this form of diabetes, the body is still capable of producing enough insulin but it cannot effectively utilize it for energy production.
Common symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes in dogs include an increase or decrease in appetite, excessive urination, and drinking, weight loss or gain, and fatigue.
If left untreated for prolonged periods of time the dog may regain his health temporarily but eventually suffer from long-term complications such as kidney disease or blindness due to cataracts caused by uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Treatment for type 2 diabetes includes a combination of diet modifications and a regular dosage of oral medications (such as Glipizide) that help stimulate the body to produce more insulin naturally while helping manage blood sugar levels better.
In both types of canine diabetes, owners must provide careful monitoring and treatment to ensure that it does not progress into more serious complications such as vision problems, urinary tract infections, or even organ failure due to unregulated glucose levels for long periods of time.
Watch the video below to learn more about Diabetes Mellitus In Dogs.
What Causes Dog Diabetes ?
The main cause of diabetes in dogs is a combination of genetics, diet, and lifestyle.
Genetics plays a major role as certain breeds are predisposed to developing insulin resistance or pancreatic issues that can lead to diabetes.
Other factors like obesity can also contribute to the development of this disease if they are not managed properly.
In order for your dog to stay healthy, you must be proactive about keeping its weight at an optimal level while providing nutritious meals on a regular basis.
Prevention Tips for Dog Pet Owners
Fortunately, there are some simple steps that dog owners can take to help reduce their pup’s risk of developing diabetes.
The best way to prevent diabetes in dogs is through proper diet and exercise — just like humans! Make sure your pup has a balanced and nutritious diet that includes lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
High-quality food should be fed according to the recommended amount based on your dog’s age and size. You should also provide plenty of exercise for them every day — getting out for walks or runs with your pup is a great way to get them moving!
Finally, regular check-ups with your vet are key; they can monitor your pup’s health over time and catch any potential problems early on before they become serious illnesses like diabetes.
Some extra tips include:
- Regular exercise on a daily basis;
- Avoiding treats or table scrap
- Keeping an eye on their weight
- Getting regular checkups with their veterinarian
- Monitoring them for any unusual behavior or changes
- Providing plenty of fresh water throughout the day
- Keeping up with vaccinations according to their vet’s recommendation schedule
Risk Factors of Diabetes In Dogs
There are several risk factors that make certain dogs more prone to developing diabetes than others.
These include being overweight, having an inactive lifestyle, age (older dogs are more likely to develop diabetes), breed (some breeds such as Beagles and Dachshunds are predisposed to getting diabetes), gender (females are more susceptible than males), diet (eating too much sugar or carbohydrates can increase risk), certain medications (steroids used for treatments like allergies or arthritis may contribute and a family history of diabetes (if one of the parent dogs has had diabetes).
Conclusion
Diabetes in dogs is a serious but manageable condition that can be prevented with the right diet and exercise regime along with regular visits from the veterinarian.
Pet owners must remain vigilant about their dog’s weight management as obesity can greatly increase its risk of developing diabetes mellitus.
With some dedication and effort on your part, you can help ensure your pup lives a long and happy life free from this disease!
The good news is that there are many resources available today—from nutritionists to veterinarians—that can help you create an effective plan for preventing diabetes in dogs so you don’t have to go it alone!
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Author:
Caroline Stowe
- Updated on March 27, 2023
Disclaimer: This article doesn’t intend to replace professional veterinary advice, nor should it be used as a substitute for veterinary services, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on this website, including information and opinions expressed herein, are intended for general informational purposes only. In case you have concerns or questions regarding your dog’s health and diet requirements, please consult your veterinarian before doing anything that might affect it.
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