Treatment of Diabetes In Dogs

When it comes to canine diabetes, the stated prevalence varies from 0.3% to 1.3%. This condition is caused by a deficiency or excess of the insulin hormone. Dogs are more likely than humans to develop insulin-dependent DM, which is the same as type 1 DM. Hence, treatment of diabetes is a serious concern.

Of this form of diabetes, the beta cells in the pancreas, which synthesize and secrete insulin, are thought to be attacked by the immune system. However, the pancreas' vacuolar atrophy or pancreatitis may also be to blame. When beta cells in the pancreas are lost, insulin levels in the blood fall dramatically.

Types of Diabetes In Dogs

There are two types of diabetes in dogs.

● Maturity-onset diabetes

Type 2, also called maturity-onset diabetes, occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin for one reason or another. This type of DM is more common in older pets. It can affect both humans and animals.

● Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus

As mentioned earlier, juvenile Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the other form. JDM is also called insulin-dependent DM. This form of condition is more common in younger dogs but can affect pets at any age.

Symptoms of Diabetes In Dogs

The good news is that if your canine displays the following symptoms, he or she does not necessarily have diabetes:

Decreased Appetite

Some owners, once they learn that their canine may have DM, will think that every symptom their pet has is because of diabetes. However, this is not necessarily true.

The symptoms of diabetes only appear when the blood glucose concentration becomes high enough to cause tissue damage or other ailments like ketoacidosis. Some owners may confuse other conditions for diabetes. Decreased appetite is one of the symptoms.

This is especially true for older pets who are failing to keep their weight, losing fur, or having reduced appetite.

Excessive Thirst and Urination

Increased urination can point to other conditions aside from diabetes. To fare, the animal may have Cushing's Disease or an infection somewhere else in its body that is forcing the kidneys to produce more urine.

On the other hand, if your animal is thirsty all of the time and constantly drinks water, it may have diabetes. Some dogs with this condition will even wake up in the middle of the night or early morning just to drink water.

The urine of diabetic pets may contain glucose. This sweet-smelling fluid is the result of the body breaking down fat for energy instead of using insulin to do so. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to dehydration, ketoacidosis (ketones in the blood), and even death.

Slow Healing Wounds

Another symptom that might confuse some owners is slow-healing wounds. Other than diabetes, poor circulation and low white blood cell count can also cause this problem.

Weight loss (in some cases)

Some pets with this condition, whether it's type 1 or 2, will display weight loss. This happens when the pancreas stops producing insulin and cannot regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. The cells no longer absorb sugar from the blood.

When the levels of glucose increase over time, other body tissues such as fat and muscles can break down and produce glucose. This is where the weight loss comes from.

Diagnosing Diabetes In Dogs

The veterinarian will diagnose diabetes by testing your canine's urine for glucose. The vet may also test your pet's blood sugar levels. If these tests are positive, he or she needs insulin injections ASAP to avoid complications like ketoacidosis.

Treatment Of Diabetes In Dogs

Diabetes treatment for dogs has increased greatly over the years. There are many treatments available that can help manage this disease and give your pet a good quality of life.

In fact, a large number of veterinary hospitals have been concentrating on finding the best treatment options to help their patients live happier and healthier lives.

● Insulin Treatments

This is the most popular type of treatment for diabetes.

If you're like me, and not a vet in training in your past life, insulin sounds scary. But it's actually nothing to be worried about here. Veterinarians use synthetic insulin when treating diabetic pets because it's easier to control than animal-based insulin.

Insulin will help your canine break down sugar into usable energy that it can use for its daily activities. Without insulin, blood glucose levels would be so high that the cells in your pet's body cannot function.

● Exercise And Diet

Working out is helpful for pets with diabetes because it helps regulate their blood glucose levels throughout the day.

It's also important that diabetic pets eat healthy foods that are low in carbohydrates. High-carb foods can increase blood sugar levels. They should get the right amount of exercise and rest as well.

The owner's job is to make sure their dog takes its insulin shots and eats a nutritious diet at all times so the pet will stay healthy.

Prognosis For Diabetes In Dogs

The prognosis is great when owners are committed to their pet's diabetes management. Pets will live long, healthy lives if they get the right treatment and exercise regularly. They may even outlive other dogs who don't have this condition.

As with human diabetics, it's important that diabetic dogs know what to look out for and how they can stay healthy. If you have a dog, make sure you teach it the things it needs to do to avoid becoming sick from diabetes. Letting them roam around outside without supervision can be dangerous as well.

In some cases, pets with this condition will become so weak that they need assistance to move around. That's why training is so important, especially for older dogs who might be a little slower to learn new things.

It's Not The End

Diabetes in dogs doesn't mean the end of your dog's life because there are still many options available for treatment of diabetes in dogs to help manage the disease and give them a good quality of life. If you have a dog, learn all you can about this disease so you know how to properly look after your pet.

Diabetes is not very common in pets but it does happen. It's important that owners are aware of the symptoms and know how to take care of their diabetic dogs before they get sick. Now that you're more knowledgeable, you'll be able to spot the signs early so you can help your dog live a happier and healthier life.

As always, if your pet is having any of the symptoms listed above, take them to your local vet ASAP. With proper treatment, they will go on to live very happy lives just like any other healthy dog!