Could Your Dog Have Diabetes? – What Are the Signs and Symptoms

Diabetes is not just a human disease. It is also prevalent in canines. In general, the most afflicted with diabetes are older dogs and certain breeds such as Poodles, Old English Sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, Daschunds, Miniature Pinscher, Schnauzer and Beagles.

Diabetes is characterized by the non production of insulin and high glucose levels. In order to remedy this, insulin must be administered. There is insulin produced which is specifically for canine use.

Two forms of Diabetes:

Diabetes Insipidus: Is 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.

Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that can be passed from parent to puppies. In addition, big dogs have a higher risk for onset of diabetes than smaller dogs.

Symptoms:

You may notice that your dog is:

Eating more Drinking more Weighing less Diagnostic Testing:

If you believe your dog is exhibiting signs of diabetes, it is very important to seek the assistance of a local veterinarian. The veterinarian will perform blood tests to check glucose levels as well as a urinalysis to look for kidney function and the possibility of a urinary tract infection. If a positive diagnosis for diabetes is found, you will have to make changes to your dog’s diet as well as implement a daily exercise regimen. These steps will help alleviate symptoms of the disease as well as aid in preventing possible future complications.

Treatment:

The most common form of treatment is to place your pet in a high fiber and protein diet. Fats and carbohydrates will no longer be allowed. This may require you to feed your dog prepared meals. If you feed your dog at the same time every day, this will help keep your dog’s glucose levels in normal range. If insulin is required, it is given after meals. It is very important to note that you must allow your dog to have all the water they want.

Exercise:

Giving your dog a regular daily exercise regimen performed at the same time daily assists in keeping glucose levels down as well as aiding in preventing glucose fluctuation. This is highly beneficial in keeping your dog’s glucose consistently within the normal range.

Hormonal changes in your female dog put her at higher risk for diabetes. Consider having her spayed to prevent any undue complications of diabetes.

Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and featured health writer on Clivir.com where you can find her class about Diabetes and Diet and other lessons including Diabetes Causes.