Diabetes in Dogs- What You Need to Know

A lot of people in Kitchener own dogs, but much like humans, dogs also suffer from numerous chronic diseases, and one of them is diabetes. It happens in dogs when their body is not able to perform its most essential function- food into energy conversion. And sadly, canine diabetes is becoming more common in dogs.

A report suggests that the number of cases went up almost 80 percent from 2006 to 2015. About 99 percent of dogs suffering from diabetes have diabetes mellitus, which is often called sugar diabetes.

There are two types of it present in dogs: Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which is more prevalent in dogs and similar to the kind of diabetes seen in children, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. If your dog shows signs of diabetes, it is better to take your dog to an animal hospital in Kitchener.

Causes of Canine Diabetes

When a dog has diabetes mellitus, the insulin-producing cells are destroyed, which leaves the dog not able to regulate blood sugar properly. It is said that pancreas inflammation (the organ near the stomach that produces insulin) has a role in causing diabetes in dogs.

While it is unclear what really causes the endocrine system of a dog to go haywire and stop blood sugar regulation, there are a few known risk factors: diabetes mellitus generally happens in dogs who are in their middle age, and females are affected twice as often compared to males. There is likely a genetic component to the disorder.

The following breeds are also at significant risk:

• Dachshunds
• German shepherds
• Cocker spaniels
• Labrador retrievers
• Doberman pinschers
• Pomeranians
• Golden retrievers
• Miniature schnauzers
• Terriers
• Samoyeds
• Toy poodles
• Keeshonden

Additional risk factors include:

• Having recurrent pancreatitis
• Being overweight or obese
• Taking certain medications, like progestogens and steroids, for a prolonged period.
• If female, not being spayed
• Having a condition that causes insulin resistance, such as acromegaly and Cushing’s disease

Dog Diabetes- Signs

Dogs with diabetes tend to eat more, drink more, and urinate more. Other prevalent signs include:

• Muscle and weight loss (they can also appear obese)
• Lethargy
• Poor coat quality
• Decreased strength in their legs
• Blindness

Diabetes can present as a medical emergency as well, known as DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). Dogs with DKA turn very weak, dehydrated, and depressed and may possess severe metabolic abnormalities. If you see any of these signs, take your dog to an animal hospital right away.

Dog Diabetes- Diagnosis

After noticing any of the signs mentioned, you need to take your dog to a vet. The vet will perform a thorough physical exam, urinalysis, and blood work and go through medical history in order to diagnose canine diabetes. Such tests will conclude if your dog has diabetes and, if they do, how severe it is.

Treatment for Dog Diabetes

The aim of treatment of diabetes in both dogs and humans is management. The objective is to make the blood sugar levels as normal as possible, with fewer peaks and dips, which helps minimize the risk of your dog going through the worst diabetes consequences, such as kidney failure and diabetes.

Two of the most effective therapies for dog diabetes are switching to therapeutic food and insulin injections to help with management. Most vets suggest feeding diabetic dogs high-fiber foods along with a reduced-fat meal plan to help prevent obesity.

For obese and overweight dogs, it is advised to change their food and put them on exercise more to help them reach a healthy weight.

When it comes to insulin, the needs can vary. Your vet might give different doses, types, and frequencies until the disease is well managed. The vet will guide you through the administration, storage, and handling of the insulin, too.

Regular Visits to a Vet is Vital!

In order to diagnose diabetes, a vet is required. After the treatment has started, regular visits become vital as they need to evaluate the blood glucose levels of the dog. Such visits tend to be more frequent after the diagnosis to make sure the dose of the insulin is correct.