Diabetes in Dogs: symptoms, Detection, Cure, Prevention, Diet

Diabetes in dogs can develop asymptomatically , that is, affecting the body without giving any apparent signs. As you can understand, this complicates his diagnosis. In this article we have tried to summarize the main aspects that will help you prevent and treat this chronic disease in your pet.

Diabetes in dogs: what is it and how does it develop?

In humans and pets, diabetes mellitus can manifest itself in two different ways . Type “one” diabetes occurs when the body is directly unable to produce insulin.

Type “two”, on the other hand, is characterized by a metabolic disorder that leads to inappropriate use of the insulin produced. In other cases, even to a deficit in its production.

When the body loses control

In these cases, the body becomes unable to control its blood sugar (ie the level of sugar in the blood). As a result, a huge amount of glucose stops generating energy, which gets “stuck”.

If the glucose does not reach the bloodstream, the animal goes into a kind of “hunger state”. The direct consequence  is the increase in food consumption which leads to rapid weight gain. What appears to be “endless hunger” may actually be a symptom of diabetes.

Risk factors for diabetes in dogs

Type 1 diabetes is related, in almost 100% of cases, to genetic inheritance . Type 2, in dogs, carries with it important risk factors associated with:

  • Lifestyle sedentary .
  • Overweight .
  • Unbalanced power supply.
  • Genetic inheritance .

Diabetes in dogs: prevention and treatment

Most dogs with diabetes develop type 1 . In these cases, it is almost impossible to talk about prevention. These animals should be given daily injections throughout their lives, like normal treatments for chronic diseases .

The breeds of dogs that show the greatest genetic tendency to present this disease are:

  • Poodle (French poodle).
  • Beagle.
  • Dachshund.
  • Golden retriever.
  • Miniature Schnauzer.

Some dogs can develop type 2 diabetes due to the accumulation of the risk factors mentioned above. In these cases, prevention is essential to preserve the health and well-being of the animal. Normal habits, such as providing balanced nutrition and regular exercise, are very effective in fighting diabetes.

The treatment is very similar to the first type and involves the administration of insulin . But positive changes in the pet’s routine can lead to a decrease in the daily dose. As well as helping to improve the quality of life and increase its longevity .

How to find out if your dog has diabetes

Like humans, dogs can also suffer from diabetes, a dangerous disease that considerably worsens the quality of life and which, if not treated properly, can be fatal.

Since it is such an insidious disease, much of the chances that the dog can regain a satisfactory quality of life, lies in an early diagnosis.

Here are the most common symptoms of diabetes in dogs.

Thirst continues

It is one of the main symptoms of diabetes. When glucose levels are extremely high, severe dehydration occurs which leads the dog to drink continuously .

You will then notice that your dog will urinate a lot more and in abnormal places , because he will not be able to restrain himself.

Such unusual behavior of your dog requires an immediate visit to the vet . Let the animal drink as much water as it wants, since it is a physiological necessity.

Sleep and weakness

In some cases they are a bit difficult to spot, however sleep and weakness are two of the symptoms that help you most understand when your dog has diabetes.

This pathology leads the dog to want to sleep more than usual, due to exhaustion and the fact that its cells cannot absorb the sugar that is introduced with food.

While awake, the animal’s movements are slower and its attitude is a constant state of numbness , which deprives it of interest in the face of any stimulus.

As mentioned for thirst, it is important to let your little friend rest , since he is only doing what his body asks of him.

Insatiable hunger

If your furry friend is suffering from this disease, you will notice that suddenly will have much more hunger and begin to ask for more food ; this change is due to the fact that your body is no longer able to metabolize sugar properly.

The dog will not just consume larger quantities of food, but will continually try to eat anything, however educated it has not. This need, in the long term, causes the animal to become malnourished, which eventually leads it to lose a large part of its appetite.

It is important to consult your vet right away, especially in the initial phase of severe hunger, because this will allow you to diagnose the disease more quickly.

Other symptoms

When your four-legged friend suffers from this disease, he may have other symptoms. Among the most common are :

  • Strong feeling of lethargy
  • Vomiting (which may contain traces of blood in more advanced cases)
  • Coma
  • Cataract
  • Sudden blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy
  • Neurological disorders
  • Enlargement of the liver
  • Greater susceptibility to infections

When your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, a veterinary check-up is required as soon as possible to determine blood glucose levels and ensure that diabetes has not affected any vital organ.

Which breeds are most prone to diabetes?

Although all dogs can suffer from diabetes, some dogs , due to individual physical characteristics, breed or age, are more exposed.

Females, for example, are more likely to suffer from diabetes than males , in an astonishing three to one ratio.

There are also some dog breeds more predisposed to this disease, including:

  • German Shepherd
  • Golden Retriever
  • Keeshond
  • Poodle

Remember that if diabetes is not detected in time, the complications will be greater and the chances of the dog recovering in good health decrease .