10 Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs
Diabetes can be a challenging condition to manage, especially in pets that cannot verbally communicate how they feel. Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes in...
Diabetes can be a challenging condition to manage, especially in pets that cannot verbally communicate how they feel. Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes in dogs can help pet owners manage their dog’s disease more easily, avoiding severe complications that could become life-threatening.
Diabetes – more formally known as Diabetes mellitus – is when a dog’s body does not make enough insulin or has an abnormal reaction to insulin. Insulin is responsible for transporting glucose (sugar) into the body’s cells for energy. With diabetes, however, glucose builds up in the blood because there is not enough insulin to move it into the cells, or the insulin is not effective. Without this source of energy, the cells can starve.
In dogs, diabetes is more common in middle-aged or older pets, as well as obese dogs. Females are more likely to develop diabetes than males, but their risk is reduced if bitches are spayed. While any dog can develop diabetes, some breeds are more susceptible to the condition, including cocker spaniels, dachshunds, German shepherds, golden retrievers, Pomeranians, terriers, toy poodles, keeshonds, and Samoyeds.
A dog with diabetes can show a variety of symptoms. While these symptoms are similar for different conditions, the top 10 symptoms of diabetes in dogs are:
Though several of these symptoms could indicate a wide variety of conditions or diseases, if a dog starts to show multiple indications of diabetes, especially if the dog has risk factors for the disease, it is best to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
While there is a genetic component to diabetes and it may not be possible to completely prevent the disease, it is possible to lower the risk and make it easier to manage for any dog. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight and providing proper exercise is essential, and the dog’s diet should be nutritious, without a lot of unhealthy, high-calorie fillers. If the dog has other health conditions, it is important to avoid long-term steroid use, which could make diabetes more complicated. For female dogs, being spayed can dramatically lower the risk of diabetes.
Staying alert to a pet’s health is the best way to monitor and manage diabetes in dogs. When symptoms appear, fast treatment can make a great difference in controlling the disease and ensuring your pet has a long and happy life.
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Diabetes can be a challenging condition to manage, especially in pets that cannot verbally communicate how they feel. Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes in...
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