Diabetic Dogs Need Extra Care
Yes, diabetic dogs can be found in many homes. If you observe any of these behavioral symptoms in your dog, you should talk to the veterinarian sooner rather than later.
Increased thirst and urination: A diabetic dog may drink more water and urinate more frequently. Sometimes the dog might just wet themselves while sleeping.
Weight loss: A diabetic dog may lose weight even though they are eating more than usual.
Lethargy: A diabetic dog may seem tired or less active than usual. An active dog most often would bring a toy by themselves and force you to play. If this does not happen, you should check what is happening with the dog.
Increased appetite: A diabetic dog may have an increased appetite but still lose weight.
Poor coat condition: A diabetic dog often tend to have a dry, dull coat and shed more than usual.
Recurrent infections: A diabetic dog may be more prone to infections, such as urinary tract infections or skin infections. Recurring ear infections are also common. Rubbing their ears on a wall or the sides of the furniture is a sign of an infection. You should check if the ears are red inside or show any other signs of infection.
If diabetes in dogs is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and may be life-threatening. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It requires ongoing management to prevent complications.
Complications In Diabetic Dogs
If diabetes is left untreated, the high levels of glucose in the blood can damage the body’s organs and tissues.
Kidney damage: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
Nerve damage: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to pain and numbness in the limbs.
Vision loss: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss. Vision loss is hard to detect at first. Since the dogs know the location of things inside the house, you might not see them bumping into them immediately. It is also because the loss of vision is gradual.
Heart disease: High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
Infections: High blood sugar levels can make it harder for the body to fight infections.
You should consult with a veterinarian as soon as you notice any symptoms of diabetes in your dog and follow the treatment plan as prescribed by the veterinarian to help manage the condition and prevent complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve the quality of life for your dog and can help to prevent serious complications.
The Role of Insulin
Besides dietary restrictions, the veterinarian often prescribed insulin shots for the dog. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body and is essential for the proper functioning of the body’s cells and organs.
The amount of insulin that a diabetic dog needs can vary based on several factors, including the dog’s size, age, and overall health. It is important to follow the dosage and frequency of insulin injections prescribed by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will be able to determine the appropriate amount of insulin based on the dog’s individual needs and blood sugar levels.
Excess insulin in a diabetic dog can have serious consequences. If a diabetic dog receives, too much insulin can lead to hypoglycemia, characterized by low blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia in a dog may include lethargy, weakness, tremors, seizures, and loss of consciousness. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.
Insufficient insulin in a diabetic dog can also have serious consequences. For example, if a diabetic dog does not receive enough insulin, it can lead to hyperglycemia, characterized by high blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia in a dog may include increased thirst, urination, weight loss, and lethargy. If left untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to complications such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Diabetic dogs need to receive the appropriate amount of insulin as a veterinarian prescribes. The dosage and frequency of insulin injections may need to be adjusted based on the dog’s needs and blood sugar levels. It is also important for the dog to receive a consistent diet and to follow a regular exercise routine to help manage blood sugar levels.