Dog diabetes is a disease that doesn’t have many external causes. This means most of the causes of this disease can’t be prevented or controlled.

One of the main reasons why dog diabetes develops is heredity. This means that if the dog’s parents have diabetes, it is very likely that the offspring will also inherit the same problem.

As such, it is very important for a breeder to check the medical history of the dog to be bred. It is essential that dogs used for breeding undergo a full check up so that a breeder can be assured that the dog is not suffering from underlying health conditions that may affect its puppies.

Aside from heredity, other risk factors for dog diabetes are infectious diseases and viruses. It is possible that your dog’s condition is triggered by an entirely different disease, which it may have suffered a long time ago. Certain diseases, especially the ones affecting the pancreas, may trigger abnormal production of the hormone insulin. Once this happens, it will be much harder for your pet’s body to manage glucose or blood sugar levels. This is when diabetes occurs. An example of a health condition that can trigger diabetes is Cushing’s disease.

The use of steroids in your pet may also be a factor. Dogs that are given steroid shots on a regular basis may eventually develop diabetes. Steroids can also affect the normal functions of the pancreas, thereby causing under production of insulin.

Canine diabetes usually surfaces when a dog is seven to nine years old. Female dogs are at higher risks than male dogs, because of the changes in their reproductive hormones every time they get pregnant. Other breeds that are prone to developing this disease are miniature pinschers, cairn terriers, and keeshonds. These dogs have a genetic structure that is more prone to developing dog diabetes than other breeds. The same is true with dachshunds, poodles, beagles, and miniature schnauzers.

Diabetes is a common occurrence in dogs. It is suffered by one out of every ten dogs in the world. Its prevalence is slowly increasing over time, which is also true of diabetes in humans.
This autoimmune disease is a critical condition that has to be addressed immediately. Diabetes can slowly affect the entire body system of your dog and eventually cause its death.
Diabetes strikes like a silent killer. It rarely produces symptoms and yet, its ill effects can extend to an irreversible condition inside the body. This is the reason why diagnosing canine diabetes early on is very important. When discovered at a much later time, veterinarians may have limited options when treating your pet.

However, today’s advanced medications are reaching the peak of research. Sooner or later, a permanent cure for the disease will surface. For now, medications are administered to help your pet to live a normal life despite acquiring the disease.