– Excessive thirst – Increased urination – Weight loss – Increased appetite – Lack of energy
– Insulin-deficient diabetes results from a damaged pancreas and necessitates daily insulin shots. Insulin deficiency is the most common form of diabetes in dogs. – Insulin-resistant diabetes appears when the pancreas can produce some insulin, but the dog’s body can’t use it properly, preventing cells from absorbing glucose. It occurs more often in older, obese dogs.
To diagnose diabetes in dogs, vets will likely order blood tests in order to assess the amount of glucose in your dog’s blood. They will also test for the level of liver enzymes and electrolyte imbalances.
The daily treatment for diabetic dogs includes monitoring blood glucose levels and administering insulin injections. Make sure your dog maintains a healthy diet, or they may face hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) during treatment.
Treatment for canine diabetes is lifelong. At first, it may feel taxing, with frequent visits to the hospital and major lifestyle changes. However, you and your pooch will likely grow accustomed to it over time, and your vet will help you create a plan so that most of your dog’s care can take place at home.
It may not be possible to prevent diabetes in dogs in all cases, but there are still steps you can take to preserve your dog’s health. Take your dog to the vet regularly for blood work to stay on top of warning signs, and provide your dog with an active lifestyle and a healthy diet to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Prepare for your vet visit by knowing your dog's medical history. Blood and urine tests may be ordered to check glucose levels for diabetes diagnosis. Your vet will create a treatment plan involving diet, insulin administration, and glucose monitoring.
While diabetes in dogs is not curable, it doesn't have to hinder their quality of life. Regular insulin injections, glucose monitoring, and dietary changes are necessary, but with proper care, your dog can still enjoy activities, play with toys, and be a loving companion.
A number of factors can contribute to the development of diabetes in dogs, but diabetes is ultimately the result of damage to the pancreas – making it difficult for cells to take up glucose, which they burn for energy.
A glucose curve is essentially a chart of the amount of glucose in your dog’s blood over the course of a day. Vets may recommend using them to test how your dog is responding to insulin to develop the best care and feeding plan for their needs.