People are not alone in the fight against diabetes. Dogs can get diabetes as well. Dog owners who have a dog with canine diabetes may need to learn how to manage the disease with medication and alterations to the dog’s diet.
Dogs get diabetes when the their bodies develop a tolerance to the insulin that the pancreas produces. This type of diabetes is also called diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes in dogs is much more common in female dogs than male dogs. Though dogs of any age can get diabetes, the disease is most commonly diagnosed in dogs between the ages of seven and nine.
Any breed of dog can get diabetes but poodles, miniature schnauzers, golden retrievers, keeshonden, dachshunds, Cairn terriers, and German shepherds are most prone to getting dog diabetes. Pulis, miniature pinschers, and beagles may also have a greater risk than some other dog breeds.
If a dog owner notices signs of diabetes in dogs such as an increase in drinking, eating, and urination, the dog should be tested for diabetes. Of course, the dog should be examined by the veterinarian any time that a dog exhibits behavioral changes not just these signs of dog diabetes.
Diabetes that is left untreated in dogs can result in weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, coma, and even death. With proper diagnosis and treatment, diabetes can be successfully managed in dogs and have a minimal impact on their overall health.
Dog owners may need to give daily insulin injections to diabetic dogs. If the dog is overweight, the dog owner may need to encourage the dog to get more exercise by walking the dog more frequently and playing with the dog.
The veterinarian may recommend a special dog food for the dog to help the dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight and help keep blood sugar levels within normal range. Dog owners may need to feed diabetic dogs on a schedule rather than letting the dog food out for the dog to eat at any time.
Diabetes is a relatively common disorder in dogs. If the owner has noticed diabetes symptoms in the dog, blood or urine tests may be conducted to confirm a diagnose of dog diabetes. The veterinarian may also perform a physical examination of the dog.
Most dogs that are diagnosed with diabetes will need to begin treatment with insulin injections. Dogs that have been recently diagnosed with diabetes are likely to need further blood tests periodically to check blood sugar levels so that the proper dose of insulin can be determined.
The type of insulin necessary and the dosage may vary during the dog’s treatment. The dog owner should notify the vet immediately if the dog’s diabetes symptoms appear to worsen or if new symptoms emerge.