Dog Diabetes: Facts and Figures
Like humans, dogs can acquire diabetes too. Dogs
with diabetes need utmost care and support because
it is a life-threatening disease that every pet
owner should be very concerned about.
There are two types of diabetes, and dogs may
acquire either of these types if they’re not cared
for properly. The two types are diabetes insipidus
and diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is an endocrine
disease that is brought about by the malfunction of
the endocrine glands.
Diabetes insipidus is characterized by the lack of
vasopressin. Vasopressin is an anti-diuretic hormone
whose job is to control the kidney’s absorption of
water.
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin
deficiency. It is a condition where the dog’s body
can’t metabolize sugar well. This is the more common
and more dangerous type of diabetes that dogs can
possibly acquire.
Diabetes mellitus is further divided into two
groups, Type I and Type II diabetes. These types are
very similar to the types that affect humans.
Type I diabetes occurs during the early years of the dog’s
life. It is also referred to as juvenile dog
diabetes.
Type II diabetes is characterized by the dog’s dependency on
insulin and it is normally observed in senior dogs
and those that have passed their middle years.
Aside from older dogs, bigger dogs are more susceptible to dog diabetes
than smaller breeds. Obese female dogs are
even more prone to diabetes. Once the pancreas fails
to secrete the right level of insulin needed by the
dog to utilize all of the glucose produced by the
body, the problem occurs.
Diabetes in dogs is a hereditary disease. It is also considered
as an autoimmune disease that may lead to further
system malfunctions. Early diagnosis is very crucial
so that the dog’s disease can be reversed. To
determine if your dog has diabetes, a sugar blood
test is required. A veterinarian can conduct this
test, so try to schedule a visit as soon as
possible. Once diabetes is diagnosed in your pet,
regular monitoring is necessary to make sure that
your pet remains in good condition despite the onset
of the disease.
The management of dog diabetes starts with a proper
diet. There are foods that your dog should eat in
order to help this condition. On the other hand,
there are certain foods that can possibly make your
dog's diabetes become worse. When your dog is
suffering from diabetes, regular visits to the vet
are essential. You may also be required to start
using prepared meals instead of giving your dog its
regular food.
Certain medications may be required for dogs
suffering from the worst cases of this disease.
Insulin injections are very important because they
can extend the life of your pet and allow it to live
normally despite having diabetes.
Diabetes can lead to a variety of diseases,
particularly heart ailments. Diabetes can induce the
abnormal flow of blood in your pet’s body, thereby
causing a range of circulatory complications.
Provide your pet with the right level of care and
attention so as to ensure its perfect health at all
times.