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The classic early warning signs of diabetes in dogs were all present when I took my twelve year old dog into the Veterinarian’s clinic. He was lethargic, unsteady on his feet, drinking large amounts of water, and experiencing incontinence for the first time in his life. I knew something was seriously wrong.
After blood work and a physical examination, the veterinarian said that my dog had developed type-two canine diabetes. After a brief discussion, we decided to try and regulate his blood sugar level with diet modification and insulin twice daily. My vet suggested I feed my dog a high fiber diet and make sure that he gets appropriate exercise.
At first, it was rough going. Weekly checkups revealed my dog’s sugar levels continued to bounce from one extreme to the other. Determined not give up, I monitored his urine samples at home for sugar content and with my vet’s guidance, adjusted insulin injections as necessary. Gradually, we began to see improvement.
After just a few months my dog was once again his frisky self. You would never know by watching him race about that he had a serious health problem. A special diet, proper amounts of insulin and regular exercise have worked together with my dog’s routine veterinary care to turn the tide. As a result, I can look forward to many more happy years with my dog. The key is educating yourself. Know the risk factors as well as the early signs and take your dog to the vet right away if you suspect he has diabetes.
What Is Canine Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your dog’s body cannot normally use glucose. Glucose is what the body uses as the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Insulin is what controls the level of glucose in the blood. If there is not enough insulin or your dog’s body is unable to use the insulin, the glucose levels in the blood are not maintained properly. If not enough glucose is transported into the body’s cells, the cells do not get the energy they require and the body will start breaking down fat and muscle tissue, which the liver will convert to sugar to support the body’s cells.
Risk Factors For Canine Diabetes
Diabetes in dogs can occur at any age but it seems to develop most commonly between 4 to 14 years of age. Diabetes occurs most frequently in female dogs. There are also certain breeds that seem to be more prone for developing the disease. There are certain risk factors that can play a role in dogs developing diabetes.
- Obesity
- Hyperadrenocorticsm (overactivity of the adrenal gland)
- Pancreatitis
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin infections
- Long term use of corticosteroids
Symptoms Of Canine Diabetes
The earlier your dog is diagnosed, the better his chance of having a long, healthy life. As a dog owner, you know your dog better than anyone else. Noticing the early signs of canine diabetes is the most important thing you can do. If you see any of the following signs, you should take your dog to his veterinarian to be examined:
- Unusually high consumption of water
- Increase in appetite
- Weight loss (even though there is an increase in appetite)
- Decrease in appetite
- Incontinence
- Extreme changes in eyes (i.e. cataracts)
- Lethargy
- Lack of coordination
- Vomiting
- Chronic or recurring infections (including skin infections and urinary infections)
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How is Diabetes Diagnosed In Dogs?
Your dog’s veterinarian may suspect that your dog has diabetes from the information you provide and the symptoms you describe. Diabetes is diagnosed by a blood test. The vet will be looking for consistent hyperglycemia and glucosuria. Your vet may run additional bloodwork and even take a urine sample to rule out any chance of a urinary tract infection.
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How Is Diabetes Treated In Dogs?
Once it is confirmed that your dog has diabetes, your vet will prescribe insulin for your dog. You will need to learn how to give your dog his insulin through injections. Your veterinarian will teach you how to do this. It is important to take your dog for regular checkups as occasionally, your dog’s medication will need to be adjusted. Your dog will need regular blood and urine testing done by your vet. You will also need to closely monitor your dog’s weight, appetite and the amount he is drinking and urinating.
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How To Prevent Diabetes
The best preventative measures against serious health problems in the family dog remain simple and practical: regular veterinary check ups, and a healthy diet. Exercise is also very important. Among other benefits, exercise helps increase the body’s effective use of insulin.
If caught early, dogs can live a long and healthy life with diabetes.
