Diabetes in dogs, symptoms, causes, and treatment

Just like in humans, diabetes in dogs is increasingly becoming common. It is estimated that 1 in 200 dogs develop diabetes. Here is more on the canine diabetes symptoms, risk factors and the treatment. Read on for natural remedies and supplements for diabetes in dogs.

Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes is a hormonal disease. It happens when either the pancreas does not produce insulin or when there is an overproduction of glucose releasing hormone- glucagon.

Diabetes in dogs is known to occur due to the lack of either hormone insulin or inadequate response to insulin. When the dog eats, the digestive system breaks down the food into different components such as glucose which in turn is carried to the cells of the dog by insulin. Insulin is a hormone which is secreted by the pancreas.

If the dog is not able to produce insulin or is not able to utilize it regularly, the blood sugar levels elevate. The result is hyperglycemia which if not treated can lead to a complicated health issues for a dog.

Diabetes in dogs can be managed, and the dogs lead healthy lives.

Types of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes is classified into two;

• Type 1 which is characterized by the lack of insulin.
• Type 2 described as having impaired insulin production along with an inadequate response to the hormones.

The common type of diabetes which dogs are prone to catch is;

Video: Dog Diabetes: How to Heal Naturally for Pennies

Type 1, which occurs when the pancreas of the dog is not able to secrete adequate levels of insulin. The dogs with this kind of diabetes are advised to be given insulin therapy so as to survive.

Which Dogs are Prone to Diabetes?

Research shows that the obese dogs and female dogs are mostly prone to developing diabetes in life, probably as the dog grows old at the age of 6-9 years of old. Some breeds such as Australian terriers, standard and miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Poodles, Keeshonds, and Samoyeds.

Causes of Diabetes in Dogs

There is no proof to show what really causes diabetes in dogs. But it is believed that chronic pancreatitis, abnormal protein deposition in the pancreas, some medications, autoimmune diseases, genetics, and obesity can play a great role in developing diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

It is vital for you to investigate for following symptoms as they could be indicators that your dog has diabetes:

Excessive thirst

Your dog may drink water more frequently than he usually does. Therefore this should send a signal to you that there is a problem.

Weight loss

The dog can shed a lot of weight despite eating as usual. The weight loss occurs because the dog is inefficiently getting nutrients from the food it is eating.

Change in appetite

You may find the dog is getting hungry all the time. It is caused by the lack of body cells getting sufficient glucose they need even if the dog is eating the right portions of food.

Increase in frequency of urinating

The dog may have increased urination which is followed by an increase in thirst. The increase in urination happens because the body is trying to shed off excess sugar out of the body in the form of urine.

Weakness and fatigue

Diabetes can make the dog become inactive and sleep more than usual. The condition is known as lethargy.

Other symptoms:

• Frequent skin infections
• Sweet breath
• Sores or wounds that do not heal
• Hair loss
• Dull dry coat
• Cataracts- may lead to blindness

Video: diabetes in dogs life expectancy | diabetes in dogs |diabetes in dogs symptoms |blindness |mellitus

Diagnosis

For you to correctly diagnose diabetes in dogs, the veterinarian collect information about your dog’s clinical signs. The veterinarian also performs physical examinations on the dog by checking blood work and the urinary system.

Diabetes in Dogs Treatment

The treatment of diabetes can be based on the lab work- that is- how severe the symptoms are and other health issue complications. Each dog responds differently to treatment. For the dogs that require therapy, it should be administered.

• Some dogs may be severely ill by the time diagnosis is done. Therefore, intensive care for several days to regulate their blood sugar is required.
• The dogs who are a bit stable when first diagnosed may be able to respond to oral medication or even a diet. High fiber diet helps to normalize the glucose levels in the blood.
• Most dogs require insulin injection so as to be able to regulate blood glucose adequately. Once the dog’s individual insulin treatment is established, usually based on weight. Ask your veterinarian to show you on how to administer the insulin injections while at home.
• Sterilizing also known as spaying is also recommended mostly to the female dogs since their sex hormone changes which can affect blood sugar levels.

Home Remedies for canine Diabetes

There are alternative treatments that can be used as adjuvant treatments to insulin injections and a strict diet. These natural treatments not only help to moderate sugar levels, they also help support and strengthen the immune system.

Dogs with diabetes may not be able to properly consume and absorb nutrients. Natural treatments for diabetes in dogs aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Fenugreek Seeds for Canine Diabetes

This is a natural spice that is commonly used as a spice and herb. It is generally safe for dogs to eat but should only be given to diabetic dogs with the vet’s approval.

Use fenugreek to lower high levels of sugar. Hyperglycemia is common problem in dogs with diabetes. It contains essential vitamins A, B and C. It also has minerals such as Iron, Calcium and Potassium.

Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and use them in the morning to make tea. Give it in form of drops. You can also mix it up with your dog food.

Turmeric for Canine Diabetes

Curcumin- the active component in turmeric has strong medicinal properties which benefits dogs in a number of ways.

One of the benefits of giving turmeric to your dog is its ability to prevent damage from long term diabetes. It also helps in faster healing or wounds and prevent cataracts.

Turmeric is a high source of fiber and essential minerals such as iron and potassium which are good for dogs with diabetes. It also supports the liver, the cardiovascular and the gastrointestinal system.

Studies have shown that turmeric has benefits for dogs with cancer.

The dosage of turmeric for diabetic dogs depends on the size of the dog.

• Sprinkle turmeric powder on your dog’s food.
• Mix it with olive/coconut oil and add it to his food
• Add the herb to dog’s food while cooking
• Use turmeric to make dog treats such as cookies

Vitamins

Give vitamins that helps support your dog’s system. Vitamins B, C and E strengthen immune systems weakened by diabetes.

Other natural remedies for home management of diabetes in dogs include:

• Cinnamon
• Garlic
• Aloe Vera
• Dandelion leaf
• Alfalfa
• Brewer’s yeast
• Calendula

What you should know about treating diabetic dogs at home

It is vital to give your dog insulin at the right time every day and feed him regular meals. This ensures that there is an increase of nutrients in the blood to work hand in hand with the peak insulin levels. Which in turn lowers chances of blood sugars either raising or lowering.

Consult with your veterinarian for a good meal and schedule to feed the dog when administering medication. Avoid feeding your dog with a diet that is too high on glucose.

Dieting is necessary because random blood glucose checks are difficult to monitor and treat for the dog which is diabetic. The veterinarian will advise and demonstrate how and when to check your dog’s blood sugar levels.

Complications of Diabetes in Dogs

Untreated diabetes may complicate into health problems that may be difficult to treat. Complications such as blindness and urinary tract infections may be experienced. Diabetes may also complicate to coma.

Prevention

Adopt a proper diet and regular exercising routine as they can help in preventing diabetes in older dogs. Apart from other adverse health effects, obesity can also causes the body not respond well to the insulin.

Invest in a proper diet, exercise and weight control to prevent diabetes.

Reviews & Comments