There is a big misconception that dogs are not prone to diabetes which is completely wrong rather dogs catch it very often especially if your feeding habits are wrong.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use insulin properly. This results in high levels of blood sugar, or blood glucose, which can damage the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels over time.
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
The body doesn't use insulin properly, or the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or managed with healthy lifestyle choices and regular veterinary checkups. Risk factors include being overweight or obese, not getting enough exercise, and genetics.
Note: Dogs generally have Type 1, dogs with type 2 Diabetes are very rare.
Factors Leading to Diabetes
- Obesity: One of the major reasons for diabetes is obesity. Overweight dogs are more likely to have reduced insulin sensitivity.
- Genetics: Some breeds are more vulnerable to developing diabetes, including Samoyeds, Miniature Schnauzers, Cairn Terriers, and Yorkshire Terriers.
- Age: Diabetes is more common in middle-aged to older dogs, usually over 5 years old.
- Gender: Unspayed female dogs are twice as likely to develop diabetes as male dogs.
- Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, or altered growth hormone levels can increase the risk of diabetes.
- Pancreatitis: Chronic inflammation of the pancreas can damage insulin-producing cells.
- Autoimmune disease: The immune system can mistakenly attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Drugs: Long-term use of certain drugs, especially corticosteroids, can increase the risk of diabetes.
Clinical Signs
- Polyuria - Increased frequency of urination as your dog will pee a lot but in small quantities. You might notice that the urine of your dog has become sticky and there are ants around it because of the excretion of glucose in it.
- Polydipsia - There will be an increase in thirst levels, and your dog will be consuming more than usual water.
- Polyphagia - Dogs with diabetes start consuming more food; even after this, they feel hungry, since glucose cannot enter the cells for utilization.
- Weight Loss- When a dog doesn't have enough insulin or can't use it properly, their blood sugar levels increase. This causes the body to break down fat and protein for energy, resulting in weight loss.
- Cataracts - When a dog has diabetes, the amount of glucose in their blood increases, which can overwhelm the lens' normal metabolic pathway and lead to the formation of bilateral cataracts.
- Weakness - Dogs with diabetes can develop muscle weakness because their muscles aren't getting enough glucose.
Action Plan
If you suspect any of these signs, immediately consult a veterinarian. Clinical diagnosis including blood tests will be performed to confirm diabetes and then treatment will begin according to the situation. The treatment protocol will include insulin dosage, a balanced diet, and an exercise schedule for weight management. Diabetes can be managed if you follow your doctor’s advice completely. Remember, diabetes is reversible in some cases, but not always.
How to Prevent Diabetes?
- Feeding Guide: Take care of what you are feeding your dog, make sure that you are not giving him excess feed. Maintain a strict diet from the puppy stage only, don’t wait for things to go out of hand. Keep treats occasionally. Make a strict rule of not feeding anything that has added sugars and salts in it as it predisposes your dog to obesity.
- Physical Health: Make sure you are taking your dogs for regular walks to manage their body weight. Exercise helps to keep physical as well as mental wellness.
- Veterinary Visit: Pay regular visits to your vet and keep a close eye. If you notice any of the above signs, immediately take your dog for a check-up.
- Observation: After your dog turns 5 years old, closely observe your dog as at this age the probability of getting diabetes increases.
With the right knowledge, support, and care, diabetes is entirely manageable. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to help your dog thrive. Always consult your veterinarian for a treatment and care plan. Early detection and proactive management are critical. Stay informed and patient throughout the treatment.
