Did you know dogs can suffer from diabetes? In fact, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, one out of every 300 dogs is diagnosed with this medical condition. Now for some good news: With proper treatment and healthy lifestyle choices, diabetic pets can enjoy long and happy lives. In this article, we’ll dig into what diabetes is, common risk factors, symptoms, and care tips.
What is Diabetes in Dogs?
Like with people, diabetes in dogs is all about glucose and insulin. Let’s take a closer look …
Glucose is a type of sugar that provides the body with energy. All cells use glucose as their main source of energy, but it needs the help of insulin to get into those cells. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and it helps regulate the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. In dogs with diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin that is produced is not effective at regulating blood glucose levels. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia (AKA high blood sugar). This can cause a range of symptoms, which we’ll look at in just a minute.
In people, you’ve probably heard diabetes be classified as either Type I or Type II. These classifications are the same in dogs.
- Type 1 diabetes occurs when your dog’s body is unable to produce insulin, meaning glucose can’t get into the body’s cells to be used for energy. Most diabetic dogs have Type 1 diabetes, and it usually requires lifelong treatment with insulin shots.
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when your dog’s body cannot properly use insulin. So, while there is insulin production, the body essentially becomes resistant to it. This may be seen in older, obese dogs. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “People with this form can often be treated with an oral drug that stimulates the remaining functional cells to produce or release insulin in an adequate amount to normalize blood sugar. Unfortunately, dogs do not respond well to these oral medications and usually need some insulin to control their disease.”
Risk Factors
Any dog can develop diabetes, but here are some risk factors:
- Age: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “diabetic dogs are usually 4-14 years of age and most are diagnosed at roughly 7-10 years of age.”
- Sex: Unspayed female dogs are reportedly twice as likely as male dogs to have diabetes.
- Obesity: According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 54 % of dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese. While this should be taken seriously for a number of reasons, today we’re focused on diabetes… and obesity can contribute to insulin resistance.
- Medications: According to AVMA, “The long-term use of medications containing corticosteroids is also a risk factor for diabetes.”
- Certain Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism, Pancreatitis, and Cushing’s disease can all make a dog more prone to developing diabetes.
- Breed/Genetics: Certain breeds and types of dogs are at higher risk. They include Poodles, Beagles, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Cairn Terriers.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss despite increased food intake
- Cloudy or reddened eyes
- Weakness or lethargy
- Urinary tract infections
- Recurrent skin infections
- Slow healing of cuts and bruises
If you suspect that your dog has diabetes, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosing Diabetes in Dogs
Diabetes in dogs is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical exams (to evaluate symptoms), blood tests (to measure your dog’s blood glucose levels and identify any abnormalities), and urine tests (to help identify the presence of glucose in the urine). If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
How to Care for a Dog with Diabetes
Dogs with diabetes require ongoing monitoring and care.
- Diet: A healthy and balanced diet is extremely important for dogs with diabetes. Your veterinarian may recommend a special diet to help regulate your dog’s blood sugar levels. A high-fiber diet is often recommended.
- Ask your vet about digestive enzymes, which can help your dog absorb more nutrition while putting less strain on the body.
- Ask your vet about the benefits of probiotics!
- Regular Exercise: Your veterinarian will likely recommend daily exercise since it can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall health in dogs with diabetes.
- Insulin Therapy: Most dogs with diabetes will require insulin therapy to regulate their blood sugar levels. According to AVMA, “Your veterinarian or veterinary technician will teach you how to give the insulin injections, which involve a very small needle and are generally very well tolerated by the pet. It is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, your veterinarian may periodically need to adjust your pet’s treatment regimen based on the results of monitoring.”
- Regular Monitoring: Routine monitoring and testing of your dog’s blood sugar levels is essential to ensure that their diabetes is being properly managed. As quoted above, your vet may need to adjust your dog’s treatment from time to time.
