Diabetic dogs have a deficiency of insulin or an excess of glucose in the blood flow, and they require treatment with insulin. The lifespan of a dog with diabetes will depend on several factors. However, if the condition is controlled and the dog is under constant monitoring, he may live a full life. Diabetes is a life threatening disease only if it is not identified and controlled.
Dog Diabetes
Dog diabetes is a disease that can be of two main types. The dog's body may have an excess amount of glucose which needs to be metabolized or the body doesn't produce sufficient amounts of insulin, which is responsible for metabolizing the glucose. Either way, the dog requires a supplementation of insulin to be able to lead a normal life. Injections should be administered as soon as the condition is detected.
Detection of Diabetes and Prognosis
The diabetes should be detected as early as possible and in this case, the dog can have a normal life. In some cases, an early detection of diabetes, accompanied by weight loss and a change in lifestyle, may reverse the diabetes and the dog can live a healthy life. If the condition advances, it can cause blindness and other severe complications, so watch out for symptoms such as bad breath, increased appetite and thirst accompanied by weight loss, and increased frequency of urination.
Diabetic Dogs' Life Span
The life span of a diabetic dog may depend on a few factors:
- The severity of the disease
- The early detection
- The treatment and whether the insulin dosage is suitable
- Diet and lifestyle
Severity of Disease
The disease can be genetic, and it can also be caused by obesity or a poor diet. The diabetes can be milder or more severe, depending on how great the insulin deficiency is. If the diabetes is more severe, the life span of the dog may be reduced, as complications may occur even if the dog is under treatment.
Early Detection
If the diabetes is detected in the early stages, the dog's life span will not be modified. If detected later, the disease may affect the dog's life span.
Treatment
The treatment plays an important role in maintaining the dog's condition. Diabetes cannot be cured, but insulin management will guarantee that the glucose is always properly assimilated. The treatment should be constantly adjusted, according to the evolution of the diabetes. If tests are performed on a regular basis and the treatment dosage is adjusted accordingly, the dog can live a normal life. The treatment should be always administered on time. If you fail to administer the shots, the dog may develop complications.
Diet and Lifestyle
The diet and lifestyle of the dog will influence the evolution of the diabetes and possibly the dog's life span. If the dog's diet is modified, reducing fats and carbohydrates, the dog has great chances of improvement and living a full life.