SolveYourProblem Article Series: Diabetes
Diabetes Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

My Dog Has Diabetes, What Do I Do?

If your dog has been diagnosed with canine diabetes, you may be wondering what you did wrong. The answer is probably nothing at all, although if your dog is overweight, this may have contributed to the onset of diabetes. Canine diabetes is most commonly seen in female dogs around or after middle age, but it can occur in young dogs and male dogs.

Has your dog been diagnosed with canine diabetes: YES / NO ?

Unlike humans, dogs very rarely have type 2 diabetes. They almost always develop type 1 which is insulin-dependent and not reversible. This type of diabetes develops quickly (over a few weeks at most). It is caused by damage to the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

When a dog has diabetes, its body is no longer able to regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will be very thirsty, consuming noticeably more water than usual. It will also need to urinate more often. If a previously well trained dog is suddenly unable to control its bladder in the house, this might be a sign of diabetes.

The dog may lose weight, or it may eat more without gaining weight. As the disease progresses, cataracts (cloudy looking eyes) may develop. If you notice any of these canine diabetes symptoms, it is time for a trip to the veterinarian's office.

What signs of canine diabetes is your dog exhibiting: ____________________.

What questions do you have for your vet: ____________________.

If your dog has type 1 diabetes, you cannot control your dog's diabetes with diet alone. Nor can tablets help, as they do with type 2 diabetes. The damaged cells in the pancreas cannot recover.

The only time when canine diabetes can actually be cured or reversed is in rare cases when temporary diabetes has been caused by medications or other medical conditions such as Cushing's disease. Females may also develop transient canine diabetes while in heat or pregnant. In these cases the diabetes may be cured by treating the underlying condition or spaying a dog whose diabetes appears to be hormone-related.

However, the good news is that diabetes in dogs can be managed successfully. Thirty years ago, 50% of diabetic dogs would die within 2 months of diagnosis. But now, treatment has improved so much that most are now able to be treated at home and will live as long as a non-diabetic dog.

Treatment means giving insulin to the dog after each meal. This can be done by injections or through an insulin pump. Most dogs will be put on a schedule of two meals a day, 12 hours apart, with the amount of food carefully measured and an insulin dose adjusted to the amount of food.

Have you implemented this treatment schedule (if necessary): YES / NO ?

Blood glucose levels must be monitored regularly. The dog must be watched for any signs of hypo and hyperglycemia.

Hypoglycemia occurs where the insulin dose is too high, or the dog has had more exercise than usual or is not eating enough. It may be lethargic, weak, trembling, have dizzy spells or seem confused or depressed. There may be seizures. A dog with hypoglycemia should be fed or, if the dog is unconscious or refusing food, you can rub something sugary like honey or syrup on the gums or under the tongue. Try feeding again when the dog is beginning to recover (normally within a couple of minutes) and contact your veterinarian.

Hyperglycemia is the opposite of hypoglycemia. It is not so dangerous but it is important to see the veterinarian so that blood sugar levels can be checked and the insulin dose or feeding regimen re-evaluated. The symptoms of hyperglycemia are like the first onset of canine diabetes.

Do you monitor your dog's blood glucose levels (if necessary): YES / NO ?

# # # # #

by SolveYourProblem.com : 2011

> Home > Diabetes Articles : Main Page