Does Your Dog Have Diabetes?

According to the 2016 State of Pet Health Report from Banfield Pet Hospital, diabetes in dogs increased by nearly 80% during the years from 2006 to 2015. Although diabetes can develop at any age, it is most common in middle-aged or senior dogs. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for diabetes in dogs, but there is good news - dogs with this condition can live fairly normal lives if the disease is diagnosed early and the dog receives daily care to control the disease. Here are some information and tips that will help you discover and control the disease.

Understanding diabetes in dogs

Dogs can suffer from two types of diabetes: prediabetes, insulin deficiency or insulin-resistant diabetes. Type 1 - also known as diabetes mellitus - is the form that dogs usually get. It becomes difficult for the dog's pancreas to produce enough insulin. This makes the cells unable to absorb glucose and thus damages the organs. It is worth noting that dogs of mixed breeds are more likely to have the disease than pure breeds. In terms of gender, females are more likely to be infected as well as neutered males. 

Diagnosing diabetes in dogs

In order to find out if your dog has diabetes, your vet will test him to see if glucose and ketones are present in his urine. If present, the next step would be to measure the dog's blood glucose concentration. The most common problems in dogs that indicate diabetes are cataracts, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, retinal disease, or nerve disease.

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs

Many dog ​​owners will notice symptoms of illness before visiting the vet, which include :

Increase in thirst

Increase in urination

Increase in appetite

Weight loss

Excessive weight can also increase a dog's chances of developing diabetes, as obesity makes cells more resistant to insulin.

Treating diabetes in dogs

Most dogs with diabetes need two injections of insulin per day which are given directly under the skin with a very thin needle, don't worry they won't be painful for your dog. Treatment may vary according to the doctor's instructions.

Diet and exercise

In addition to the daily insulin dose, your veterinarian may recommend your dog a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber. Fiber slows the entry of glucose into the blood, and you can also find formulated dog foods for dogs with diabetes.

Exercise can also play a role in managing your dog's diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. As with food, exercise should be done consistently at the same time daily and at the same level of effort. Please be careful, Excessive exercise can lead to dangerously low blood glucose levels. So try to strictly follow your vet's instructions.

Generally, caring for a dog with diabetes requires a financial and personal commitment. You should weight your dog regularly and monitor their hunger, thirst and urination levels, as excessive excess can indicate elevated glucose levels. It is also essential to follow up with your veterinarian to constantly control your dog's condition to ensure optimal care.