Diabetes is a disease that can have serious effects — both for humans, and for the dogs that they love. Canine diabetes, however, doesn’t have to hurt your pet. With the right diet and lifestyle, your pooch can live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Canine Diabetes Overview
Most diabetes in dogs suffer from type 1 diabetes, which means that their pancreas is incapable of producing insulin. In most cases, the disease is due to genetics or other factors outside your control, although obesity can also be a contributing factor. Try to keep your dog at a healthy weight to reduce the risk of diabetes. Additionally, female dogs are more likely to suffer from diabetes, and golden retrievers are more likely to be diabetic at a young age.
Warning Signs
Your dog may be diabetic if it has the following symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Change in appetite
- Increased thirst or dehydration
- Lethargy
- Cataract development and Blindness
- Sweet-smelling breath
- Lethargy
- Chronic infections in the urinary tract or skin
- Vomiting and other digestive issues
- Increased urination
If you suspect that your dog has diabetes, consult your vet. He or she will usually perform a physical examination, conduct urinalysis, and do blood work to check for the disease.
Treatment
If your dog has been diagnosed as diabetic, then there are a few simple steps to take that can help keep it healthy. One major one is to ensure your dog gets enough to drink and gets regular exercise. In addition, your vet will help you create a proper diet for the animal, typically one that is high in fiber and low in fat. In most dogs, insulin injections will be necessary to help regulate blood sugar; your vet can show you how to perform these.
Although diabetes in dogs is a serious condition, it doesn’t have to ruin your dog’s life. With the right treatment and a healthy lifestyle, a diabetic dog can live normally.