Dog With Diabetes – Symptoms and Treatment Tips
Did you know that your dog is susceptible to getting diabetes? It’s true. Older dogs are found to be at increased risk, as well as certain breeds, such as poodles, Old English Sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, Daschunds, Miniature pinscher and schnauzer, and Beagles.
Diabetes is marked by the non production of insulin, causing blood glucose levels to rise in the blood. Insulin must be given to lower high glucose levels. For dogs, insulin made especially for them can help your dog live a normal happy life.
Two forms of Diabetes:
Diabetes Insipidus: Is the the lack of the anti-diuretic hormone called Vasopressin. Vasopressin controls how the kidneys absorb water.
Diabetes Mellitus (DM): Is insulin insufficiency. It is the most common and the most dangerous for dogs.
Diabetes is comprised of two types:
Type 1 – Is insulin dependent diabetes. The pancreas is not making insulin at all. Type 1 is seen mostly in younger dogs.
Type 2 – Is non insulin dependent diabetes. The pancreas is making insulin but the body is resistant to it. This type is mostly seen in older dogs.
Bigger dogs have a higher risk for diabetes than smaller dogs. It is also an autoimmune disease that dogs can inherit from their parents.
Symptoms – If you notice that your dog is:
Eating more
Drinking more
Weighing less
Diagnostic Testing:
If your dog is showing symptoms of this disease, a visit to the vet is in order. The vet will conduct blood tests to check your pet’s glucose level. He will also do a urinalysis to check for kidney function and urinary tract infection. If your pet is positive for diabetes, changes in diet and getting more exercise will aid in reducing the symptoms and prevent complications.
Treatment:
Fido will most likely be put on a diet that is high in fiber and protein. Fats and carbohydrates will be restricted. Depending on the severity of your dog’s disease, you may need to feed him prepared meals instead of what is regularly eaten. Proper nutrition given the same time each day will help to keep glucose levels as normal as possible. Insulin is given after meals, and it is important to not limit your pet’s fluid intake. Let him have his fill.
Exercise:
Regular daily exercise at the same time each day helps to keep blood glucose down, thus preventing a detrimental affect of up and down glucose levels. Glucose need to be consistently within normal levels.
Hormonal changes in your female dog puts her at higher risk for diabetes. Consider having her spayed prevent any undue complications of diabetes in dogs.