Diabetes in Dogs

Similarly to people, dogs can also suffer from diabetes. This metabolic disease consists of the pancreas producing too little insulin, which means that the carbs are not processed very well. The resulting excessive blood sugar content can cause organ damage over time. There can be changes in the eyes and even blindness, damage to the nerves, kidneys and heart disease, these only being some of the possible consequences of untreated diabetes.

Diabetes results from a disturbed interaction of the glands that produce hormones and the autonomic nervous system. The insufficient insulin secretion in the pancreas leads to the carbohydrates contained in the diet not being burned completely, causing the blood sugar level to rise and the sugar to be eliminated through the urine. The symptoms of diabetes develop gradually over a long period of time.The
first disease symptoms such as increased thirst, intense hunger, reduced capacity and increased urine output occur gradually and can easily be overlooked. The so-called diabetes can be detected very easily through laboratory tests. Typical features include increased blood sugar levels and the presence of sugar in the urine. Diabetes reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, thereby increasing the dog’s susceptibility to disease.

For dogs, the diagnosis of diabetes has a number of consequences. First of all, they probably need a lifetime supply of regular insulin, which may be adapted to the changes in hormone levels. The blood sugar levels in a diabetes affected dog must be checked and adjusted constantly just like with people. Only then can long-term damages be delayed or avoided. Some accompanying therapeutic measures must be adhered to if a dog suffers from diabetes.

The most important is the attitude of the animal and then reaching the optimal body weight. A strict discipline with regard to feeding, the feed amounts and the timing of feeding is to be developed and maintained. The medicinal properties of the insulin preparation, in particular the duration and the effective date, must be included in this concept, too. The mental and physical stress of the sick animal should be minimized. For example, unusually burdensome walks are to be avoided. The weakening of the immune system by diabetes affects the health status of the dog. In particular, the urinary tract is susceptible to infection. Therefore, regular blood counts and urine tests are advisable.

About every other dog suffering from diabetes also presents cataract, a massive weakening of the eyesight, and even experiences blindness. The correct setting and continuous monitoring of diabetes can slow the formation of turbidity. There is no regression method once the dog presents cataract. Only surgical treatment can help the animal with its sight in this stage. In contrast to human diabetics, complications of the renal nerves are extremely rare in sick dogs.

The monitoring of the blood glucose levels can be done at home. The so-called home monitoring involves drinking and urine, the amount of sugar in the urine and blood being monitored in the long term. The occurrence of a hypoglycemic shock (hypoglycemia) due to low blood sugar levels is also possible in dogs suffering from diabetes. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are severe hunger, restlessness, tremors and convulsions disturbed by movement patterns that can lead to a coma.

A hypoglycemic shock is an emergency and thus must be countered immediately. This can be through food availability, the instilling of a sugar solution into the cheek pouch of the dog or delivery of sugar cubes under the tongue. If these methods are not successful, you should go see a veterinarian right away.