Nobody wants a poorly dog. And let’s face it, when you buy a dog, the thought of any illnesses further down the line is something that most of us don’t anticipate.
To discover that our pooch has a disease can be heartbreaking and traumatic. But fear not, the effects of diabetes in dogs are very similar to those of an adult and are much easier to manage than you first think.
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If you have recently discovered, or suspect that your dog has diabetes, know that lots of dogs with this condition live a normal, long and active life.
Although Diabetes is incurable, depending on the severity of the condition, diabetes in dogs is easily managed through time, commitment, medication and the managing of your dog’s diet.
What is Diabetes and How Does It Affect Dogs?
Diabetes Mellitus (or “sugar diabetes’) is the most common form of diabetes in dogs and it occurs when the body fails to respond to the hormone insulin.
As you would guess, this type of diabetes affects your dog’s blood sugar level.
The organ held responsible for not doing its job properly is the pancreas – the small organ near the stomach. When a normal dog eats her food is broken down into tiny components, one of those components is carbohydrates.
The carbohydrates are turned into simple sugars, one of those being glucose.
When everything is working as it should be, the pancreas releases insulin which helps turn the glucose into fuel inside your dog’s cells.
This fuel is what gives your dog energy to lead an active daily life.
When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, the glucose fails to get into your dog’s cells and builds up to a dangerous unhealthy level, this can lead to other conditions in your dog health such as cataracts.
The Two Types Of Dog Diabetes
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Type 1. Insulin-deficiency diabetes:
The condition I explained above is the most common form of diabetes. Because the pancreas is unable to deliver the much-needed insulin, extra help is needed to regulate the blood sugar levels.
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Type 2. Insulin-resistance diabetes
This is when the pancreas produces some insulin, but the dog’s body resists the insulin, causing high blood sugar levels. This type of diabetes is most commonly found in older, obese dogs and cats.
4 (easily missed) Symptoms Of Diabetes In Dogs
Luckily, there are lots of signs that might point you in the right direction when diagnosing your dog with Diabetes. Bear in mind that these symptoms won’t necessarily occur at the same time.
If you are concerned about your dog’s health and notice any of the below signs, take her to a vet straight away.
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Increased urination
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Excessive thirst
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Weight loss
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Increased appetite
If left untreated, diabetes can advance and you may notice these symptoms:
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Sweet-smelling breath
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Lethargy.
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Dehydration
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Urinary tract infections
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Kidney failure
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Cataracts
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Skin infections
Remember, your dog’s cells aren’t receiving the glucose that they need so your dog will become very tired, and hungry no matter how much she has eaten.
If you notice these signs, take her to the vets immediately.
Are Some Dogs More Prone To Developing Diabetes Than Others?
As with humans, Genetics plays a big role in the chances of a dog developing diabetes, however, there are some dog breeds that are more prone to the disease than others, these are :
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Beagles
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Bichons Frises
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Cairn Terriers
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Dachshunds
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Fox Terriers
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Keeshonds
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Poodles
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Pugs
Dog Diabetes And How To Treat It
Although the first few weeks after your dog diagnosed with diabetes may incur some disruption in your life, your vet will set about creating a management plan for you both, and things will settle down rather quickly.
Trips to your local cafe, everyday activities and outings, holidays with your dog will all be able to resume normaly as you move forward with your dog’s treatment plan. This will typically include:
- A balanced diet including high-quality protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates to help slow the absorption of glucose. The use of natural remedies such as including turmeric in your dog’s diet has been proven to be beneficial to dogs with diabetes.
- Moderate, consistent exercise to help maintain glucose levels. Be sure to keep walking with your dog to keep her health at optimum levels.
- Obesity is a common cause of diabetes in dogs. Using a tracking device such as FitBark 2 to monitor your dog’s sleep and activity is the best way to keep track of how much exercise your dog is getting, give you peace of mind.
- Daily insulin injections under the skin. The idea of giving your dog shots every day can be intimidating but don’t worry, it’s really not that hard.
- Glucose monitoring at the vet’s office or at home
Consider investing in an indoor kennel or crate for your dog so that she can be with you throughout the day while feeling safe and secure.
You have the option of a metal collapsable crate or else a specialised indoor pet kennel that doubles as a piece of furniture.
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What About A Natural Cure For Dog Diabetes?
As you know, I am a great believer in natural remedies for dogs. I wanted to share this video with you. For those that suspect that their dog may have Diabetes, I think you will find what this man has to say to be very interesting.
Don’t Worry. Diabetes in Dogs is Common. You Can DO This.
If you have been told that your dog has diabetes please don’t panic.
Although there will be the initial flurry of visits to the vet when your dog is first diagnosed with diabetes, this will quieten down once you have established a good routine and management plan.
You can do it.
With the right treatment plan, you and your dog will go on to live a normal, happy and long life together. Leave a comment below and tell us of anything you find helps your dog’s diabetes condition.
Most helpful and good that it is a NZ site. Just found out my spoodle/labradoodle has diabetes..he is normally healthy and fit and so vet described him as a healthy diabetic, but his diagnosis was a shock..he is 11 years old so was worried, but I believe I can get to grips with the injections and we are working on all the rest. Do you have dietary advice or can your recommend something to read. He has a very good diet on the whole already, but need to know what to modify? Thanks Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer.
There are a couple of books that I’d recommend (both from Amazon, sorry, not sure if they’d be in stock in NZ but you could maybe get a bookstore to order them for you?)
The first is: Living With a Diabetic Dog https://amzn.to/3GVjWN3
And for diet, check this book out: Diabetic Dog Diet Cookbook. https://amzn.to/3JBR91U
Hope this helps!
I understan insulin can be costly . where can I get it at a low cost ?
I’m not sure Ruben. Maybe speak to your vet?