As with humans, it is possible for your precious dog to develop two different forms of diabetes mellitus. In both cases, your pet is unable to metabolize sugar properly, which can lead to a number of additional health problems if not cared for properly.
Understanding Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs
One type of diabetes, known as type 2 diabetes mellitus, occurs when your dog’s pancreas makes enough insulin for the body, but the body can’t use the insulin properly. Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which is responsible for approximately 99% of canine diabetes cases, occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the dog’s body. If your dog has this type of diabetes, he will need regular insulin injections to keep the disease under control.
Recognize diabetes in your dog
Although diabetes mellitus generally affects older dogs between the ages of 7 and 9, it is possible for younger dogs to be affected by the disease. In fact, juvenile diabetes can affect dogs less than 1 year old.
Some signs to watch out for that could indicate diabetes in your dog include:
o Increased frequency of urination
o Increased thirst
or lethargy
o Unexplained weight loss
or sudden blindness
o Poor body condition
It’s also worth noting that certain breeds of dogs are more prone to developing diabetes, which means you should be particularly vigilant for signs of the condition in these breeds. Breeds that are at higher risk for diabetes include:
australian terrier
or Bichon Fries
cairn terrier
Fox terrier
or Keeshond
poodle
or samoyed
or schnauzer
spitz
Dogs with certain conditions are also more likely to develop diabetes. Some of these conditions include:
or Cushing’s disease
Obesity
or recurrent pancreatitis
Dogs taking medications such as progestins and glucocorticoids are also more likely to develop the condition. So, if your pet suffers from any of these conditions or is taking any of these medications, be sure to closely monitor his blood sugar levels and work with your veterinarian to ensure you’re feeding your dog the proper diet.
canine diabetes treatment
Successful treatment of canine diabetes involves taking a holistic approach of medication and dietary changes. Most dogs with type 1 diabetes will need to receive one or two injections of insulin per day to control blood glucose levels. However, dogs with type 2 diabetes can be treated with oral medications.
You can also help manage your pet’s diabetes by feeding a diet rich in fiber and providing plenty of opportunities for regular exercise, as weight management is key to managing the condition. Female dogs can also benefit from spaying, as estrogen can have an effect on insulin and diabetes.
Most importantly, be sure to work closely with your veterinarian to keep your pet healthy. It’s not uncommon for your pet’s needs to change as they age, so medication changes may be necessary. By closely monitoring your pet’s health and discussing your pet’s needs with your veterinarian, you will ensure that you provide your pet with the best possible support.
