If you have a dog who has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is completely understandable to have questions about what this means and how they can be supported.
There are plenty of problems that can arise and you can often wonder if you need to do things differently in order to better support your pet.
The good thing is that the team here at Pawsome Vets are here to help you every step of the way, whether that is from the point of diagnosis, or for further support throughout managing the disease.
Let’s take a closer look at diabetes in dogs, looking at the symptoms, treatment and common questions, along with how we can support you as a practice.
What Is Diabetes In Dogs?
Dogs need sugar obtained from their diet as an important source of energy for the body. In order for the body to process this sugar, an organ called the pancreas releases insulin, which then helps to move sugar from the bloodstream into the cells.
There are two types of diabetes in dogs.
Diabetes Mellitus:
This is the most common type of diabetes found in animals. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas does not function correctly and fails to release insulin in order to regulate blood sugar levels.
When there is not enough insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells effectively to provide energy. Despite having plenty of glucose in the bloodstream, the body begins breaking down fat and protein stores for energy, which can lead to weight loss.
This in turn triggers your pet to eat more, often with a ravenous appetite. The body eliminates the excess glucose found in the blood by excreting it in the urine, causing your pet to urinate more frequently.
Diabetes Insipidus:
This type of diabetes is characterised by the production of large amounts of urine, resulting in excessive thirst. Some pets can produce so much urine that they become incontinent or even dehydrated, despite the fact that they are drinking so much.
Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a problem with the antidiuretic hormone, which usually tells the kidneys to conserve water and concentrate urine.
This type of diabetes is extremely rare in pets.
Diabetic Dog Symptoms
There are many different symptoms that can be associated with diabetes and our experienced team of veterinary surgeons can help you reach a diagnosis, as well as creating a bespoke treatment plan.
Common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Poor coat condition
- Slow wound healing
- Recurrent infections
These symptoms alone cannot diagnose diabetes and are paired with diagnostics including bloods and urine samples. If your pet is experiencing these symptoms, it may not be diabetes.
Book an appointment as soon as possible for a consultation by giving us a call on 01623 203529.
How Can I Help My Dog With Diabetes At Home?
Diabetes Mellitus requires ongoing checks with our veterinary surgeons, but there are a variety of different things that you can do at home to keep them supported.
1. Diabetic Dog Food
In some instances, we may advise your dog to be fed a prescription diabetic dog food. This helps to better support blood glucose control.
The diets are formulated to help reduce fluctuations in blood sugar levels, as well as delivering high-quality, controlled carbohydrates.
2. Understand Hypoglycaemia
If your pet stops eating, receives too much insulin or exercises too much, this can sometimes cause blood glucose levels to drop, also referred to as hypoglycaemia.
This can cause symptoms such as:
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Shaking
If you have a diabetic dog and they are showing these symptoms, it is important to contact us as soon as possible.
3. Book Routine Vet-Checks
Our team will need to see your dog for routine appointments. This often entails:
- Monitoring blood glucose levels
- Urine sampling
- Adjustments to insulin doses
- Monitoring for secondary problems such as cataracts and infections
After diagnosis, our vets will be able to guide you through the process and be able to advise you on how often your pet will need to be examined.
4. Keep A Consistent Routine
A predictable schedule with feeding and insulin administration prevents fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
We recommend feeding them at the same times every day, avoiding giving treats in between meals. It’s also super important that all family members understand your dog’s feeding plan and insulin administration times.
Insulin should always be given exactly as prescribed. If you accidentally miss a dose, or have given a double dose, contact us immediately.
5. Take Advantage Of Nurse Clinics
Our experienced nurses are also here to help you. Nurse clinics offer a way for you to have peace of mind between your routine vet consultations.
During a nurse consultation, we can check your dog’s weight and body condition score, as well as teaching you how to inject insulin if your pet has been recently diagnosed.
Our nurses have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to diabetes, so will be able to support you throughout the process.
6. Encourage Regular Exercise
Although too much exercise can cause problems, regular gentle exercise can help the body to use glucose more effectively. Aim for regular daily walks with similar levels of activity each day.
Avoid sudden bursts or increases in exercise, as this can affect blood glucose levels.
7. What Not To Feed A Dog With Diabetes
Dogs with diabetes should avoid sudden changes to their diet and high-sugar treats, as these can make blood glucose levels harder to manage.
Avoid:
- Sugary treats
- Table scraps
- High-calorie snacks
- Foods that have not been discussed with your veterinary team
If you are unsure whether a food or treat is suitable for your diabetic dog, always speak to your veterinary team first.
FAQs
Do Dogs With Diabetes Have A Shorter Lifespan?
Early diagnosis and good control are key to treating diabetes. With the correct treatment, many diabetic dogs live normal, happy lives.
Is A Dog In Pain With Diabetes?
Diabetes is not usually a painful condition. If the disease is poorly controlled, secondary complications can sometimes make them unwell, making routine veterinary consultations important.
What Can I Give My Dog Naturally To Lower Blood Sugar?
The best way to treat a dog with diabetes is with insulin prescribed by a veterinary surgeon. A controlled diet, exercise and a set routine are the best ways to manage diabetes.
