Dogs mostly suffer from two types of diabetes – one is insulin deficiency diabetes, and the other is insulin-resistance diabetes. The first form of diabetes is called Type I. this type of diabetes occurs when a dog’s pancreas becomes unable to produce enough insulin.
It makes the cells in a dog’s body unable to absorb a sufficient amount of glucose, ultimately damaging the organs of the body. Mostly mixed breeds are more prone to this disease than purebreds. In respect of gender, female dogs are more prone to Type I diabetes.
How to diagnose a dog’s diabetes?
To find out whether your furry friend has diabetes or not, your veterinarian will conduct a blood test to see the level of ketones and glucose in the urine. After this initial test, if it is confirmed that the dog has diabetes, the veterinarian will start treatment. The most common problem in a diabetic dog is cataract, kidney, nerve, retina, and so on.
What are the most common dog diabetes symptoms?
There are many dog owners who often notice some common symptoms in dogs before they bring their pup to a veterinarian. These symptoms include –
· Increase urination
- Increased thirst
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
When a dog is provided with steroid drugs for a long period of time, it gradually increases the risk of diabetes. Besides this, excessive weight also increases the chances of developing diabetes. The diabetic symptoms in dogs have been classified into three stages. These are –
· Early signs
When a dog starts drinking water often and urinating frequently, it can be an early sign of diabetes. They may start losing weight even after eating normally. You may also notice a sudden increase in appetite, but it is still losing weight.
- Advanced signs
The advanced signs include lethargy in dogs, bristly furry and rough coat of hair, non-healing sore or infection, depression, vomiting, lack of interest in any type of activity, loss of appetite, and so on.
- Severe signs
At this stage, damage of body organs takes place due to unregulated diabetes for a long period of time. Higher levels of blood sugar cause seizures, urinary tract infection, enlarged liver, strokes, cataracts, severe weakness, abnormal or trouble in breathing.
How to treat dog diabetes?
Once your dog is diagnosed with blood sugar, a blood sugar concentration curve will be used to measure the glucose level in the body and that too repeatedly in a few hours gap. The results dictate the appropriate dose, glucose level, and dosing schedule. Dogs with high diabetes need two insulin injections on a daily basis.
These insulin injections are given under the skin with the help of a tiny little needle so that your pup doesn’t feel much pain. Proper treatment must be started at the earliest to treat this disease. It may even cause organ damage and blindness if it becomes too late.
Diets and exercise for diabetic dogs
Along with diabetic medicine and injection, your veterinarian doctor will suggest to your dog a proper diet that is high in fiber and low in fat. Fiber reduces the glucose level in the blood and causes your dog to eat less. Consistency in feeding must be maintained. It is a crucial component that helps in treating this disease. Besides this, your veterinarian doctor will suggest exercise for your dog on a daily basis.
Diabetic dogs must be taken for a walk either in the morning or in the morning. To give your dog a secured and safe yard where they can enjoy playtime, you can opt electric dog fence. This type of fence helps in creating a boundary line so that your dog does not cross it or no intruders can enter your property.
Make sure you feed your dog every day at the same time and the same amount. Along with this, daily exercise must be practiced as it helps lower the body’s blood sugar level. However, it should be noted that overdoing exercise can cause your dog’s blood sugar level to drop dangerously.
Conclusion
A diabetic dog requires both financial and personal commitment from its owner. You should keep an eye on your dog’s hunger, thirst, and urination. If you notice any abnormality in these things, it is a clear sign of a high glucose level.
However, if you are wondering about the treatment cost of this disease, you will be glad to know that the cost of its treatment is minimal. Your veterinarian will continuously monitor your dog’s progress to make sure that he is being cared for optimally. Early detection is a must to treat any type of disease.