Diabetes dog treats
Dogs can have two types of diabetes: diabetes mellitus and, more rarely, diabetes insipidus. While diabetes mellitus is not very common in our four-legged friends, diabetes mellitus is a common health condition that affects many dogs.
Fortunately, this disease is not incurable and can be treated very well if detected early enough. Here's some information to help you better understand diabetes in dogs, and to help you spot the signs that should alert you to this condition.
What is diabetes in dogs?
When we talk about diabetes in dogs, we are often talking about diabetes mellitus, a common disease that causes a disorder of insulin production in the dog's body. This condition causes difficulty in managing blood sugar levels, resulting in constant hyperglycemia.
While diabetes can be treated, it is important to remember that it is a life-threatening disease if left untreated. There are three types of diabetes mellitus commonly found in dogs:
• Type I diabetes is caused by a genetic defect that limits insulin production. This type of diabetes is rarer than the others and affects puppies and is sometimes called "juvenile diabetes".
• Type II diabetes is caused by an insufficient action of insulin, although it is correctly produced by the body. This type of diabetes is also known as "fatty diabetes".
• Type III diabetes, or "lean diabetes", is caused by insufficient insulin in the blood. It is often the result of aging or a progression of type II diabetes, or, more rarely, of a shock.
Diabetes insipidus, on the other hand, is not related to a blood sugar management disorder, but has hormonal causes. It gets its name from the similarity of its symptoms to those of diabetes mellitus.
What causes diabetes in dogs?
Type I diabetes is caused by a genetic malfunction of the pancreas and occurs in puppies. It is caused by a significant and early defect in the production of insulin, a substance that regulates blood sugar levels.
Type II diabetes occurs most often in dogs between 6 and 10 years of age and is caused by a dysfunction of the dog's cells that do not respond well to the insulin secreted by the pancreas. Finally, type III diabetes is most often the result of type II diabetes that has led to the exhaustion of your dog's pancreas.
In fact, it is possible to isolate three common causes of diabetes mellitus in dogs: hormonal dysfunctions, genetic abnormalities (rare) and pancreatic pathologies.
Which dogs are prone to diabetes?
Certain factors greatly increase your dog's risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are major enemies of canine health and greatly predispose dogs - and all other animal species - to diabetes mellitus.
It should also be noted that Type II diabetes is more common in females than in males, especially when they are not spayed or neutered. Finally, some breeds are more likely to be affected by diabetes, such as the Puli, Cairn Terrier, Keeshond and Miniature Ninscher.
Other breeds, without being really predisposed, are overrepresented among the population of dogs developing diabetes mellitus. These include the Poodle, Beagle, Labrador, Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel, to name only the best known.
What are the symptoms of diabetes in dogs?
The different symptoms of diabetes mellitus vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages of the disease, owners often notice weight loss in their dog, which is paradoxically accompanied by an increased appetite.
Also, the dog tends to drink and urinate more, and may also appear listless and depressed. The appearance of cataracts is also symptomatic of diabetes, and medical tests usually reveal liver failure.
In a more advanced stage, the dog may begin to lose its appetite and become dehydrated. This is often associated with severe weakness and vomiting. If the diabetes is not treated at this stage, serious complications may develop, undoubtedly leading to the death of the animal.
How is diabetes treated in dogs?
Diabetes mellitus is incurable, but lifelong treatment will allow your dog to lead a completely normal life, without affecting his physical abilities or longevity. The preferred treatment is usually insulin therapy, which consists of daily injections of insulin into your dog's body.
This type of treatment can be performed by the owner, after precise instructions have been given by a veterinarian. It is sometimes possible to replace the insulin injections with oral hypoglycemic medication depending on the type of diabetes diagnosed and its stage of evolution.
In the early stages, your dog's diabetes treatment should be closely monitored with a blood glucose curve to ensure that it is working properly and not endangering his life.
How can diabetes be prevented in dogs?
The risk of Type II - and therefore Type III - diabetes mellitus can be greatly reduced by providing your dog with a healthy lifestyle.
A balanced, stable diet of quality foods will help reduce the risk of obesity, a major factor in the development of diabetes in dogs. It is also important to maintain a certain level of physical activity to prevent your dog from becoming overweight, which could jeopardize his health.
Diabetes cannot be permanently cured, but it can be very well treated to allow a dog to live his life unhindered. If you have noticed any of the symptoms described in this article in your dog, don't delay in visiting your veterinarian!
The earlier the disease is treated, the less likely it is that complications will develop.
