Diabetes in dogs can develop after the age of 4 or may be an inherited condition and manifest earlier in the life of the pet. Typically, diabetes occurs when the dog is between the ages 7 to 9. A diabetic dog will show a few symptoms which you shouldn’t ignore. Common diabetes symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination and weight loss.
Canine Diabetes Causes
Canine diabetes occurs when there is a high concentration of glucose in the blood that cannot be properly assimilated. The insulin is the substance that helps assimilating the glucose; insulin is produced by the pancreas.
The glucose will remain in the blood or is eliminated in the urine.
Diabetes may occur due to a hereditary predisposition, obesity, hormonal imbalance, frequent infections, pancreas problems or tumors, old age or due to an imbalanced diet that contains carbohydrates in excess.
Diabetes Symptoms
The behavior of a diabetic dog will change and you should be able to detect these signs without a problem. The most visible symptoms of canine diabetes include:
- Increased thirst - your dog may drink almost twice as much as usual; however, the dog may also be dehydrated
- Increased urination - you may not notice this if your dog is used to urinate outside, but accidents may happen and your dog may urinate in the house due to the incapacity of controlling his bladder
- Increased appetite - some diabetic dogs may eat more than usual
- Weight loss is frequent in diabetic dogs - the weight loss may be dramatic despite the fact that the dog eats and drinks more
- Eye cataracts may also occur as diabetes symptoms, but only when the disease is more advanced
- Lethargy - your dog is less active than usual, even if he tends to eat more
- Halitosis or bad breath is present in dogs with diabetes
- General weakness
Diabetes Detection
The typical symptoms of diabetes can point to this diagnosis, so the vet will run some blood and urine tests.
The tests will show a high concentration of glucose in the blood as well as the urine. The urine may also contain ketones, which can point to diabetes ketoacidosis, which is a more advanced case of diabetes.
The vet may also check the pancreas for any abnormalities or tumors, which may cause diabetes.
Treatment for Dog Diabetes
The treatment of canine diabetes includes insulin shots, which should be administrated on a regular basis. Your vet will establish the most suitable frequency for administration of the insulin shots.
Your dog should also follow some dietary restrictions and exercise in order to lose some weight and help create a balance of glucose in the blood.
If detected early, diabetes can be treated and the insulin shots may be discontinued. If left untreated, diabetes can cause frequent eye infections and even blindness, nervous system problems, pancreatitis and kidney problems. Early death may also occur if the dog does not receive insulin treatment.
Diabetes may be prevented in some cases, so you should watch your pet’s diet and weight.