Almost all dogs that develop diabetes do so due to their metabolism. The disease manifests mainly through elevated blood glucose. Diabetes mellitus in dogs is caused by impaired insulin secretion of the pancreas, insulin resistance failure, or both.
What is diabetes mellitus in dogs?
- What is diabetes mellitus in dogs?
- Who is susceptible to diabetes mellitus?
- What causes diabetes in dogs?
- Symptoms of diabetes
- Symptoms after diabetes
- A diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in dogs
- Treatment of diabetes in dogs
- Adjusting to healthy eating
- Managing diabetes
- The emotional and financial impact
- Prevent diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is traditionally classified into three types of disease:
- Type 1: The pancreas is unable to produce or secrete insulin. This is the most common type of diabetes in dogs.
- Type 2: The pancreas is capable of producing insulin but is impaired. Therefore, it does not make enough to meet the body’s needs. This frequently occurs in overweight and obese pets.
- Type 3: This rare form of the disease is known as diabetes insipidus or water diabetes. Large amounts of diluted urine mark it.
If diabetes is diagnosed early and treated promptly, your pets can live a long, happy life,
If the disease is not treated immediately, the condition worsens. The disease also leads to cataracts and urinary tract infections, malnutrition, ketoacidosis, dehydration, and ultimately death.
Who is susceptible to diabetes mellitus?
Canine diabetes can occur at any age (from 18 months on); however, it mainly occurs in middle-aged (aged 5 and over) to senior dogs. Diabetes is more common in overweight or obese dogs.
Female dogs are twice as likely to develop diabetes.
Dog breeds such as Dachshunds, Poodles, Schnauzers, Cairn Terriers, and Springer spaniels are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Other dogs frequently developing diabetes include Cocker Spaniels, Shepherds, Samoyeds, Collies, and Boxers.
What causes diabetes in dogs?
- The pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin.
- Diabetes can also be classified as insulin antagonist or insulin resistance. Either condition prevents the body from properly using insulin.
- The use of steroid drugs, sex hormones, and pregnancy can cause secondary diabetes. It also can be a complication of other medical conditions, such as Cushing’s disease.
- Environmental factors and inadequate diet are the leading causes of diabetes mellitus in dogs.
- Other genetic disorders, such as being overweight or chronic pancreatitis, can cause diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes
- The first three diabetes signs are excessive thirst, unexplained increased appetite, and excessive urination.
- Feeling exhausted or lacking energy: Pets will become entirely apathetic and no longer eager to run, walk, or participate in games. Watch for signs of lethargy; for example, is your dog sleeping more than usual or refusing to do things it typically enjoys, like going for walks or playing fetch?
- Weak back legs: Watch for signs your dog favors his back legs or moves unnaturally.
- Breath that smells or has an unusual chemical odor.
- Fruity or sweet-smelling urine.
- Some other manifestations include weight loss, weight gain, restlessness, tremors, and thin or dull hair.
Symptoms after diabetes
Eye issues: Diabetes mellitus in dogs can cause cataracts or cloudy eyes, leading to blindness if not treated promptly.
High blood glucose (Hyperglycemia) causes water to diffuse onto the lens, causing disruption and swelling and changing the eye’s lens.
Kidney failure (chronic or acute): Sugar retention in the dog’s blood spills into the urine and damages the kidneys. The dog’s kidney becomes overworked, and the kidney’s nephron or filters cannot handle the sugar, causing kidney dysfunction.
Other common symptoms include urinary incontinence or the loss of bladder control, vomiting, urinary tract infection, chronic skin infections, and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness and coma due to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
A diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in dogs
The diagnosis of diabetes is generally relatively simple and is based on three criteria:
- Clinical signs
- Increasing levels of glucose in the blood
- Glucose in the urine
Normal blood sugar levels for humans are 80-120 mg/dl and can rise to 250-300mg/dl for people with diabetes.
However, for diabetic dogs, blood glucose levels are higher and can rise to 400-600 mg/dl. Some diabetic animals will have extremely high blood glucose, up to 800 mg/dl.
Treatment of diabetes in dogs
Diabetes in dogs can be treated, but it is most successful when caught early. Treatment depends on the type of disease and its specific characteristics.
Treatment options include insulin therapy, regular exercise, and adjusting to an appropriate diet.
You’ll need to monitor your dog’s blood sugar levels and may need to administer a daily insulin dose.
Adjusting to healthy eating
Work with your veterinarian to develop an eating plan for your dog. This plan will likely include meals at set times and few or no treats. If your dog requires insulin injections, feed him before giving the shot.
Most vets recommend a high-fiber diet that is easier to digest and helps stimulate insulin secretion. Increasing daily exercise will also improve your dog’s response to insulin treatment. Consult your vet to determine the right amount of exercise for your diabetic dog.
Monitor your dog’s water intake to ensure he’s drinking enough but not too much water.
If you’re concerned your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t have, you can take steps to make it throw up.
Managing diabetes
If you have a diabetic dog, providing proper care and management at home is important.
Here are some tips for pet owners on managing and caring for a diabetic dog at home:
Diet
Work with your veterinarian to create a balanced diet for your diabetic dog. Feeding your dog consistent meals at the same time each day can help stabilize their blood sugar levels.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for managing diabetes in dogs. Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical activity, but be mindful of their energy levels and overall health.
Medication
Administer insulin or other prescribed medications as directed by your veterinarian. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and timing to control your dog’s condition.
Monitoring
Monitor your dog’s behavior closely and monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. Watch for signs of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia and contact your vet if you notice anything unusual.
Regular vet visits
Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s condition and make any necessary adjustments to its treatment plan.
Provide a stress-free environment
Stress can affect blood sugar levels, so minimize it in your diabetic dog’s environment. Create a calm and comfortable living space for your pet.
Remember, every diabetic dog is unique, and it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a tailored care plan for your furry friend.
The emotional and financial impact
Managing diabetes in dogs can have a significant emotional and financial impact on dog owners.
The diagnosis of diabetes can be emotionally challenging as it requires considerable dedication and lifestyle adjustments to ensure the well-being of your dog.
Pet owners may experience worry, guilt, and stress as they navigate the process of managing their dog’s condition.
On the financial side, the costs associated with managing diabetes in dogs can add up. This may include regular veterinary visits, medication, special diabetic pet food, and possibly even insulin injections.
Additionally, there may be expenses related to monitoring the pet’s blood sugar levels and potential complications that could arise from the condition.
Overall, managing diabetes in dogs requires a considerable investment of both time and money and pet owners must be prepared for the emotional and financial responsibilities.
Prevent diabetes
Diabetes comes from many different and complex causes. An appropriate diet and regular exercise, as well as avoiding excessive weight or obesity, will help reduce diabetes mellitus risks.
Regular veterinarian check-ups are crucial for the early detection and monitoring of any health issues in our pets.
Just like humans, animals can also develop various health problems over time, and regular check-ups allow veterinarians to assess their overall health and catch any potential issues before they become more serious.
Early detection of diseases or conditions like diabetes mellitus can significantly improve prognosis and treatment options.
With regular check-ups, veterinarians can also monitor ongoing conditions and ensure that your dog receives the appropriate care to maintain its well-being.
Therefore, scheduling and attending regular veterinarian check-ups for our pets is essential to being a responsible and caring dog owner.
Jane Abir has been a freelance writer for wewpet.com since 2019. In addition to her love for pets, she loves music and participates in many social activities to donate to charity. You can contact her by email at janeabirdot@gmail.com.