Diabetes In Dogs

Is your dog at risk for diabetes mellitus?

In the canine world, all is not about bones and treats. Dogs can get diabetes just like people do, which makes it ultra important for dog owners to be aware of this possibility.

Diabetes is characterized by the non production of insulin, causing blood glucose levels to rise in the blood. Insulin must be given to lower high glucose levels. For dogs, insulin made especially for them can help your dog live a normal happy life.

Two forms of Diabetes:

Diabetes Insipidus: Is the the lack of the antidiuretic hormone called Vasopressin. Vasopressin controls how the kidneys absorb water.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM): Is insulin insufficiency. It is the most common and the most dangerous for dogs.

Diabetes Mellitus comes in two types:

Type 1 - Is insulin dependent diabetes. The pancreas is not making insulin at all. Type 1 is seen mostly in younger dogs.

Type 2 - Is non insulin dependent diabetes. The pancreas is making insulin but the body is resistant to it. This type is mostly seen in older dogs.

Bigger dogs have a higher risk for diabetes than smaller dogs. It is also an autoimmune disease that dogs can inherit from their ancestors.

Symptoms:

You may notice that your dog is:

1. Eating more


2. Drinking more


3. Weighing less

How can I know my dog has diabetes?

If your beloved canine is showing symptoms of this disease, you must get him to the vet as soon as possible, where blood tests can be performed to check your pet's glucose level. He will also need a urinalysis to check kidney function and to check for infection of the urinary tract. If your dog is found to have diabetes, changes need to take placc including diet and exercise.

Treatment:

Making sure your dog is on a diet that is high in fiber and protein, in addition to restricting the fats and carbohydrates. Depending on the severity of your dog's disease, you may need to feed him prepared meals instead of what he is used to eating. Proper nourishment should be given at regular intervals at the same time each day. Insulin injections are given after meals. Your vet will properly advise you on giving your dog insulin injections. It is also important to not limit your pet's fluid intake. If he wants to drink, let him drink.

Exercise:

As with diabetes in humans, canine diabetes also calls for increased exercise. Regular daily exercise at the same time each day helps to keep blood glucose down, thus preventing a detrimental "yo-yo" affect of up and down glucose levels. Glucose levels need to be within normal levels on a consistant basis.

If your dog is female, her hormone fluctuations will have an affect on her glucose levels. Consider having her spayed and continuing regular visits with the vet to prevent any undue complications of diabetes in dogs.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT