American Diabetes Month: Diabetes and your dog

Diabetes, in Dogs?

There is a common misconception that diabetes only effects humans, not pets like cats and dogs. But the sad truth is that the same behaviors or genetic predispositions that cause humans to have diabetes can also cause diabetes to develop in dogs. It’s also not as uncommon as you think.

As time goes on, diabetes in dogs (also known as canine diabetes or canine diabetes mellitus) is increasing, with 1 in every 500 dogs testing positive for diabetes (BdDiabetes.com). With the number of dogs in the United States reaching over 74.8 million (and that’s only the number of dogs that have homes) according the Humane Society, approximately 149,600 of those dogs are afflicted by diabetes.

What is Diabetes in Dogs?

Like diabetes in humans, diabetes in dogs means that there isn’t enough insulin being produced by a dogs’ pancreas, making it is difficult for a dogs’ body to absorb blood sugar. Insulin is what helps the body break down sugars and create glucose -- a type of sugar that can be absorbed by the body’s cells.

Without insulin, the body is not able to break down sugars that are eaten, causing that sugar to remain in the blood stream without being absorbed by cells. When sugar accumulates in the bloodstream, the body tries to flush it out by passing the sugars through urine, leading to symptoms that can range from mildly uncomfortable to fatal if not promptly and properly treated.

How Does is Happen?

According to DogSymptoms.net, the two most common reasons that dogs become diabetic is because they are either overweight, or because they have a genetic predisposition to diabetes. The breeds most susceptible to developing diabetes are Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, and Dachshunds.

Female dogs and dogs between the ages of 5 and 9 are also more susceptible to developing diabetes, often due to the inactivity that comes with the older stages of a dogs’ life. Diabetes is rarely seen in puppies unless they develop Juvenile onset diabetes mellitus (PetEducation.com).

What are the Symptoms?

While the symptoms of diabetes will vary from dog to dog (depending on age, breed, and overall health), these are some symptoms to watch out for:

Breath has a metallic odor
Dehydration
Depression
Excessive thirst
Increased appetite
Increased urination
Loss of strength
Loss of vision
Trouble breathing
Vomiting
Weight loss

If you dog is experiencing any of the symptoms above, talk to your vet immediately.

Treatment

While diabetes in dogs has the potential to be fatal if not treated, dogs with diabetes can live a fulfilled and happy life if their diabetes is properly treated.

While some of the most important changes for dogs with diabetes should be in their diet and activity level, the most important form of treatment for a dog with diabetes is daily shots of insulin.

According to the doctors on PetEducation.com, dogs who have diabetes “must be carefully monitored with blood and urine sugar tests to help determine the proper amount of insulin. Daily feeding must be on a regular schedule to provide a consistent supply of sugar so that insulin remains at the required level.”

PGAA.com echoes the sentiment, telling the owners of diabetic dogs that they “need to be strict about what you feed your dog. Foods high in fiber and protein, with restricted fats and carbohydrates are best. Feed your dog at the same times every day as what they eat, and when they eat it, will effect its sugar/insulin levels.”

PGAA.com goes on to talk about an exercise schedule for dogs with diabetes, saying that owners with diabetic dogs should “set up an exercise program and stick to it. If you decide to walk your dog, or play catch for 20 minutes every day, you need to be consistent. Exercise will affect the "sugar" levels in the dogs blood stream -- and you don't want that level "up" one day and "down" the next. The "up and down" isn't good for the dog. If your dog is overweight, you'll have to put it on a diet to lose weight slowly.”

What if You Can’t Care for Your Dog and they Currently Have/Develop Diabetes?

There is no denying that caring for a dog with diabetes is not only a lot of work, but expensive. If you discover that your dog has diabetes and you know that you are unable to care for them, please consider giving them up for adoption, or contacting one of the organizations below to see if you can receive some help (both physical and financial) in caring for your diabetic dog or finding a good home for them.

PetsWithDisabilities.org
Angels4Animals.org
CareCredit.com (look under “Veterinary” on the drop down menu)
IMOM.org
ThePetFund.com
Doberman911.org
HandiCappedPets.com

If you know anyone who has a dog with diabetes, please send them this article or direct them to some of the external sites we have listed. Or, even better, send this article (the link is: http://www.examiner.com/x-1492-DC-Pet-Care-Examiner~y2008m11d19-American-Diabetes-Month-Diabetes-and-your-dog ) or the sites listed in this article along to all of the pet lovers in your life to raise awareness about the warning signs of diabetes in dogs. We can’t emphasize how important early detection and prevention of diabetes in dogs really is -- it is the difference between a dog going blind, becoming catatonic, having kidney failure or living a healthy life.

To learn more about diabetes in dogs, please visit the sites below: