Civilization diseases do not stop at our dogs. Canine diabetes mainly affects animals between the ages of five and nine years. On average, one in 100 dogs will develop diabetes. Here you can find out how to recognize diabetes in dogs and what treatment methods are available.
What does diabetes mean in dogs?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which cells are unable to absorb sugar from the blood and turn it into energy. Normally, the hormone insulin is produced in the Langerhans’ islet cells of the pancreas. Insulin opens the entry gate in the cell wall like a key opens the front door. The sugar gets inside the cell and is converted into energy.
If the body has too little insulin or if the hormone cannot be absorbed by the cells, the energy metabolism is impaired. The sugar content in the blood rises sharply.
Symptoms: How to recognize diabetes in dogs?
The dog’s body needs energy for all processes. If too little of this energy is available, the hunger center in the brain reports: Hunger, I need food. The existing body mass is used to generate energy. The dog is losing weight despite eating large amounts. The fur is shaggy and lackluster.
Since the sugar in diabetic dogs cannot be taken up by the cells, it is excreted in the urine. Large amounts of water also get into the urine at the same time as the sugar molecules. The dog suffers from a constant feeling of thirst and urinates copiously several times a day. Since the blood circulation in the tissue is disturbed, wounds heal very poorly. The susceptibility to infections increases.
If a dog has diabetes, it is always hungry. As soon as he has emptied his bowl, he asks for food again. Nevertheless, you can clearly see his ribs. The animal is becoming increasingly emaciated. Since the dog drinks a lot, he often has to urinate. You will probably also notice that the urine is very light in color and smells slightly fruity. The dogs are also often tired. They don’t like to play as much and don’t want to go on long walks.
If you notice such symptoms in your dog, you should definitely have it checked out by a veterinarian.
How do you recognize diabetes in dogs?
The typical symptoms of diabetes in dogs are emaciation, constant hunger, severe thirst, and excessive urination. The urine smells fruity.
Common causes of diabetes in dogs
Diabetes in dogs can be congenital or acquired. The development of the metabolic disease is promoted by the dog’s obesity, lack of exercise and unhealthy food containing sugar and grain.
Type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the islet cells are damaged and destroyed by various factors. The pancreas can no longer produce sufficient amounts of insulin. Damage to the pancreas can result from inflammation or injury. If the immune system reacts incorrectly, the body’s own defense cells may begin to destroy the tissue of the pancreas. Since the destroyed tissue can no longer regenerate, lifelong therapy is required for this form of diabetes in dogs.
Type 2 diabetes
In the type 2 form of diabetes, insulin is present in sufficient quantities. However, the hormone cannot dock to the cells and ensure the absorption of sugar. This is also referred to as “insulin resistance” of the cells. This form of diabetes in dogs can go away with treatment.
Iatrogenic diabetes in dogs
Diabetes in dogs can also be triggered by medication. High doses of cortisone lead to a strong feeling of thirst. The dogs are constantly suffering from hunger and thirst. They pass large amounts of urine. This form, also known as diabetes insipidus, disappears after the cortisone is stopped.
Other causes of diabetes in dogs
Unneutered bitches are more likely to suffer from diabetes because progesterone, a sex hormone, promotes the development of diabetes in dogs. The symptoms are particularly noticeable during heat and pseudopregnancy. Other hormone disorders, such as Cushing’s syndrome and pancreatic tumors, can also cause diabetes in dogs.
Some dog breeds are born with diabetes. The puppies are either born with a severely atrophied pancreas or the gland regresses in the first few weeks of life. Dog breeds affected by canine congenital diabetes include Spitz, Miniature Poodle, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Pug, and Miniature Schnauzer.
Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes in dogs
The diagnosis is made in the veterinary practice by a blood test and a urine test. The blood is drawn by the vet in the morning when the dog is still fasting. The level of glucose in the blood is measured. In healthy dogs, the glucose value is between 63.1 and 109.9 milligrams per deciliter of blood. Sick dogs produce the wrong amount of glucose. In diabetes mellitus, the morning urine is also changed. The specific gravity is reduced. A large amount of sugar is excreted in the urine.
During the treatment, the dog receives insulin so that the sugar is available again for the cells to produce energy. The individually necessary dose is determined by checking the sugar level in the blood. The insulin must always be given in the form of an injection. An insulin pen can be used for this. An overdose of insulin causes hypoglycaemia. The dog sways and suffers from convulsions and needs to be fed immediately to keep it from going into a coma.
Underdosing insulin does not reduce existing symptoms. Unfortunately, it is not possible to treat dogs with tablets that lower the sugar content in their blood. The treatment by the vet, which is monitored by regular checks of the blood sugar level, must always be supplemented by an appropriate diet and exercise program.
What happens if diabetes in dogs is not treated?
If diabetes is not treated in dogs, the animal has too little energy available. The increased sugar content in the blood reaches the brain. The dog falls into a diabetic coma and in the worst-case dies.
The healing process in the course of treatment
Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured. The treatment must be lifelong. Through the therapy, the dog receives the insulin it needs and can lead a completely normal dog life.
In type 2 diabetes, which is less common in dogs, treatment can improve cells’ resistance to insulin over time. The dose of medication is lowered. In some cases, it is also possible to discontinue the medication completely. It is important that this is always done in consultation with a veterinarian.
Good to know: Facts about diabetes in dogs
What can a dog with diabetes eat?
The dog needs food with easily digestible protein, a high fiber content and a low sugar and grain content. After eating, the blood sugar level should only rise slowly so that the dog is supplied with energy for several hours.
30 minutes before feeding, the injection is given with insulin. It is important to stick to regular feeding times to avoid sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels. It is best to divide the food into two meals a day. There must be a break of at least seven to eight hours between morning and evening feeding.
Treats cause fluctuations in blood sugar and should be avoided at all costs. As a reward, you can use diet dry food for diabetic dogs.
What can a dog with diabetes eat?
The feed should contain a high proportion of roughage and plenty of easily digestible protein. Diet food is well suited for dogs with diabetes.
Which dog breeds are particularly affected by diabetes?
Small dog breeds are more likely to develop diabetes. Diabetes is more common in the Lhasa Apso, Pug, Yorkshire Terrier, or Miniature Poodle than in larger dog breeds. In general, however, the disease can occur in all dogs, especially if they are overweight.
The life expectancy of dogs with diabetes
If the blood sugar level is checked regularly and the treatment adjusted, the dog can get as old as a four-legged friend who does not suffer from diabetes. In order to enable the fur nose to have a good quality of life into old age, examinations by a veterinarian must be carried out at regular intervals. This is the only way to detect other diseases for which there is an increased risk in good time.
