Dogs and Diabetes

Do Dogs get Diabetes?

Something which is becoming increasingly common in dogs is diabetes. Research shows that 1 in every 500 dogs is diagnosed with the disease. It is important to understand what diabetes is and how it affects and it is also necessary to take preventative measures to protect the health of your dog.

There are two different forms of diabetes in dogs:

• Diabetes Insipidus

This is caused by a lack of the hormone that controls water resorption by the kidneys.

• Diabetes Mellitus

This is caused by the lack of insulin which is similar to the human disease. This is the more common of the two types.

There are particular signs to look out for when attempting to establish if your dog has diabetes, such as:

• Increased thirst
• Increased frequency of urinations
• Lethargy
• Poor body condition
• Sudden blindness
• Weight loss, even when your dog has a good appetite

 

It is essential to seek medical assistance when noticing any of the above factors. The veterinary care should include diagnostic tests which will determine the underlying cause of the high blood sugar as well as help to guide subsequent treatment recommendations. Some of the tests that will be performed by your vet will include:

• A physical examination and complete medical history.

• A urine analysis in order to check for glucose and signs of urinary tract infection.

• Serum biochemical profile in order to determine the blood glucose concentration and to exclude other potential causes of the same symptoms.

• A complete blood count.

• Abdominal x-rays or abdominal ultrasound if complications of concurrent diseases such as inflammation of the pancreas are suspected.

 

The treatments for diabetes in dogs are:

• One or two daily insulin injections in order to control blood glucose. These injections are delivered under the skin using a small needle. A majority of dogs become quickly accustomed to the treatments. Your vet will show you how to correctly use the insulin as well as injection techniques.

• Correctly managing your dogs’ weight. A diet that is high in fiber along with regular exercise can help to control diabetes.

• Spaying is generally advised is female diabetic dogs which will reduce the effects of estrogen on diabetes and insulin.

• Additional medication may be required if there are complications such as urinary tract infections. However, particular drugs such as steroids should be avoided in diabetic dogs.

• Prepare for regular adjustments to therapy during the early course of treatment. Vets generally prefer to begin the treatment process with a low dose of insulin and slowly adjust the quantity in order to avoid overdosing.

 

It will be your responsibility, as the dog's owner, to administer the prescribed medications, including insulin, as recommended by your vet. The usual regime is to administer insulin to your dog twice a day, at twelve hour intervals and if possible at the same time every day. It is also important to develop a weight management and feeding plan. Equally important is to have regular feeding times.

At all times it is important to observe your dog’s thirst and frequency of urination. If these remain at an increased level, then your vet may wish to adjust the dosage of insulin.

Insulin overdose can cause your dog to have low blood glucose which will potentially result in disorientation, weakness, or seizures. If any of the aforementioned are recognized, then offer food to your dog immediately and contact your vet.

Whilst there is no known way to prevent diabetes, it is known that - just as with humans - obesity is a common factor in developing the desease so correctly managing your dogs’ weight can reduce the likelihood of him developing the disease.