Diabetes is a serious condition in both humans and dogs. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, one out of every 300 dogs is diagnosed with diabetes. Many of these dogs are middle-aged or senior. The good news is that diabetes is manageable and, in some cases, even reversible.
Being informed is important so that you know what steps to take to ensure your pup’s health and happiness. Here’s everything you need to know about canine diabetes – symptoms, causes, complications, prevention, management, and care.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body makes too little insulin or has an abnormal insulin response. Diabetes prevents your dog’s body from regulating blood sugar levels properly.
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications that can seriously impact your furry friend’s quality of life. However, with proper care and management, diabetes in dogs can be controlled and even reversed, and your pup can live a long and healthy life.
Symptoms of diabetes in dogs
If you’re concerned that your dog may be showing signs of diabetes, knowing what symptoms to look out for is essential. Here are some common signs of diabetes in dogs:
- Excessive thirst: Dogs with diabetes may drink more water than usual as they try to flush out excess sugar.
- Increase in urination: Because of the increased water intake, dogs with diabetes may need to urinate more frequently.
- Sudden weight loss: Despite increased hunger, dogs with diabetes may experience weight loss due to the inability to use glucose for energy.
- Increased appetite: Despite eating regularly, dogs with diabetes may still feel hungry due to their body’s inability to utilize glucose properly.
- Frequent infections: Dogs with diabetes are prone to developing frequent infections, especially urinary tract infections.
- Tiredness, lethargy, or lack of energy: Dogs with diabetes may be less active and more lethargic than usual.
- Loss of eyesight: High blood glucose levels in dogs damage the blood vessels in the retina. These damaged blood vessels can swell and cause blurry vision. Most dogs with diabetes will quickly see changes in vision and the formation of cataracts (cloudy lenses).
- Vomiting and diarrhea: These can be signs of more advanced diabetes as the body struggles to deal with excess sugar.
Get in touch with your vet if you notice any of these symptoms of diabetes in your dog. Early detection and treatment of diabetes can help your dog live a healthier and happier life.
What can put a dog at risk for diabetes?
Several factors can put a dog at risk for diabetes, including:
- Age: Older dogs are more prone to developing diabetes.
- Genetics: Some breeds, such as Beagles, Cairn Terriers, and Poodles, are more susceptible to developing diabetes.
- Obesity: Overweight dogs are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
- Diet: A diet high in carbohydrates and sugars can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
- Physical inactivity: Dogs that are sedentary or lack exercise may be at an increased risk for diabetes.
- Pancreatitis: Dogs with a history of pancreatitis, which can damage the pancreas, may be at a higher risk for developing diabetes.
- Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as Cushing’s disease or an underactive thyroid, can increase the risk of diabetes.
It’s essential to monitor your dog’s health and take preventative measures to reduce their risk of developing diabetes.
What are 3 severe complications of diabetes?
Similar to humans, uncontrolled diabetes in dogs can lead to a range of serious health complications. Here are three severe complications of diabetes:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: This is a life-threatening complication that can occur in dogs with uncontrolled diabetes. When the body does not have enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, it breaks down fat for energy, producing ketones as a byproduct. High levels of ketones in the blood can cause a buildup of acid in the body, leading to diabetic ketoacidosis. Symptoms of this condition include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and a fruity odor on the breath. Diabetic ketoacidosis requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Diabetic neuropathy: This is a type of nerve damage that can occur as a result of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels that supply the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. Over time, diabetic neuropathy can cause weakness, muscle wasting, and difficulty walking. Neuropathy can be painful and can affect a dog’s quality of life. Management of diabetes, including blood sugar control and supplementation with vitamins and antioxidants, may help prevent or slow the progression of neuropathy in dogs with diabetes.
- Cataracts: Dogs with uncontrolled diabetes are at an increased risk of developing cataracts, which can cause cloudiness and blindness in the eyes. High blood sugar levels can cause changes in the lens of the eye, leading to cataracts. Treatment may involve surgical removal of the cataract, but prevention through effective management of diabetes is the best approach.
Keeping your dog’s blood sugar levels within a healthy range can help prevent or delay the onset of complications from diabetes. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes, such as feeding a healthy raw food diet, regular exercise, and medication management.
Monitoring and managing your dog’s diabetes
If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to monitor and manage the condition carefully to ensure they remain healthy and happy. You should work closely with a vet to develop a diabetes management plan that includes regular blood glucose monitoring, insulin therapy (if needed), dietary changes, and regular exercise.
Here are some tips for monitoring and managing your dog’s diabetes:
- Regular veterinary check-ups: Your vet will work with you to develop a diabetes management plan tailored to your dog’s needs. They will also help you monitor your dog’s blood glucose levels and adjust their treatment plan as necessary.
- Blood glucose monitoring: You may need to monitor your dog’s blood glucose levels at home using a glucometer. Your vet can show you how to do this and help you interpret the results.
- Diet: Feeding your dog a whole food balanced diet is essential for managing diabetes. A change in diet coupled with exercise may even reverse your furry friend’s condition. Your vet may recommend a special diet or feeding schedule to help regulate your dog’s blood glucose levels. A raw, high-protein diet will help prevent problems with insulin production and weight gain.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help regulate your dog’s blood glucose levels and promote overall health. However, discussing an exercise plan with your vet and monitoring your dog’s blood glucose levels during and after exercise is important. Regular exercise reduces blood glucose levels, reduces weight gain, and also regulates hormone fluctuations.
- Insulin therapy: If your dog requires insulin therapy, it’s important to administer insulin as directed by your vet. Your vet will also teach you how to recognize and respond to signs of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
- Medications: Your dog may require other medications to manage their diabetes, such as drugs to regulate their appetite or insulin resistance.
- Regular monitoring: Monitoring your dog’s blood glucose levels, appetite, water intake, weight, and overall behavior is crucial for managing diabetes.
By following these tips and working closely with your vet, you can help manage your dog’s diabetes and ensure they remain healthy and happy.
How long can a dog live with uncontrolled diabetes?
Untreated or uncontrolled diabetes in dogs can significantly reduce their lifespan and quality of life. The exact lifespan of a dog with uncontrolled diabetes depends on various factors, such as the severity of the disease, the age, and the overall health of the dog.
Generally speaking, dogs with untreated or poorly managed diabetes may live anywhere from a few months to a few years. However, with proper treatment, dogs with diabetes can lead long, healthy lives.
Can diabetes cause sudden death in dogs?
While diabetes in dogs can be a serious condition, it’s not usually a direct cause of sudden death. However, if left untreated or uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to complications that can be life-threatening.
Prevention matters
No pet parent wants the news that their beloved pup has diabetes. This is why prevention and a healthy lifestyle are so important. One of the best things you can do to help keep diabetes from occurring is to address your dog’s diet and exercise regime.
A raw food diet provides all of the necessary nutrition for dogs. Good food and healthy exercise will reduce the risk of obesity and help your pup balance blood sugar, reducing the risk of diabetes. So, get off the kibble and get moving!
