Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs



In today's day and age, “diabetes” is a very common disease not only in humans but also in pets. It is more common in older pets, but it can also affect puppies, kittens, and pregnant pets. However, the disease is manageable if detected in the early stage and investigated properly.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), also known as "sugar diabetes" and what is commonly known as "diabetes" in general, is the most common kind of diabetes in dogs and occurs due to metabolism problems. Keep reading to know more about DM, what impacts it can have on your dog's health, and what you can do to help your fluffy friend.

There are two types of canine diabetes mellitus (DM):

       Insulin-deficiency DM (Type-1): This happens when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (usually stemming from pancreatic damage). This is the most common form of diabetes found in dogs, and it necessitates daily insulin injections as well as dietary supervision.

       Insulin-resistant DM (Type-2):  It happens when the pancreas produces insulin, but the cells in the body do not respond to it. Excess body fat is the leading cause of these interfering hormones, and therefore, Type-2 DM is more common in overweight dogs.

 Symptoms of Diabetes mellitus in Dogs

The most common signs/symptoms of DM in dogs are:

       Increased Urination/Thirst

If your dog's blood sugar level is high, glucose in the urine cannot be absorbed back into the bloodstream by the kidney, pulls more water, and results in more volume of urine. As a consequence of this, your dog may urinate and drink a lot more water than usual. There are also many other diseases causing more urination and water intake, so it's an indication to take your pooch to a reputed veterinary hospital.

       Vomiting

Having high blood glucose levels for a long, it affects all the body organ systems including the digestive system, and can cause your dog to vomit frequently. Therefore, it can be a result of chronic &/or advanced DM, as well as other serious diseases. Consult your vet right away to get the right directions regarding your pet’s health.

       Increased Appetite with Weight Loss

Does your dog eat constantly but still lose weight? This may be due to DM, where the body cannot use the blood sugar as energy at the cell level due to the problem with insulin or its function, even though there is plenty of, or actually too much, blood glucose exists there. The body is confused there is a lack of energy and tries to take it more by eating, but it doesn’t help and causes weight loss.

       Weakness or Lethargy

For cells to function properly, glucose needs to be taken into the cell for use with the help of Insulin. DM makes it impossible for your dog's body to use sugar as a source of energy. Your pooch may feel weak, lethargic, and sleep more than usual if he/she doesn't get the right amount of energy.

       Other Health Issues

Cataracts, seizures, and recurring infections are some examples of the secondary conditions of DM in dogs. Although these symptoms can be a result of aging change or other factors as well as DM, therefore we need to work up appropriately so that we know the cause and treat it specifically.

How is diabetes mellitus treated in dogs?

Your veterinarian will prescribe medications and ongoing treatments if your dog has been diagnosed with DM after a thorough examination and testing.

General treatments for DM in dogs include:

       Daily insulin dose with fine adjustment of dosage according to the condition

       Regular exercise to prevent spikes or sudden drops in glucose levels

       Vet-recommended diet to prevent unstable blood sugar level

       Monitoring your dog's overall health and symptoms closely

       Routine veterinary checkups for monitoring of above treatments

What if your dog is diagnosed with DM? Don't be afraid. With professional veterinary assistance, you and your pet can have many more happy years together.

Are you looking for the best animal hospital in Delhi for your pooch? DCC Animal Hospital can be the right option for you. Here, experienced veterinarians provide prompt and expert solutions to your concerns. Contact https://dccpets.in/ to know more.

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