The most typical cause of diabetes in dogs is chronic pancreatic illness.
Returning home after a long day at work, to a cute dog who wags its tail happily seeing you can possibly take away all your stress. But if you are unable to spend enough time with them and take them out for walks or exercises or ensure a proper diet for them, they too can develop stress and chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Diabetes not only affects humans but pets too. Dogs can also develop imbalance in their blood sugar levels. It is a common disorder where their body is unable to utilize glucose. The glucose level in the blood is managed by insulin, secreted by pancreas. So, beware of falling for their cute little puppy face and deciding to cut short on their walks. Many also offer them chocolates or sweets as treats, which are harmful and toxic for them, say veterinarians.
What causes diabetes in dogs
A dog is considered diabetic if the fasting blood sugar level is more than 120 mg/dL. Experts say there are many factors that can lead to the development of diabetes in dogs. Dr Pawan Kumar, founder and veterinarian at Cessna Lifeline Veterinary Hospital, Bangalore, says, “They are obesity, stress and chronic pancreatic disease. Pancreatic disease is the most common cause of diabetes in them as they cause fluctuations in the sugar levels. They (diabetic dogs) mostly develop insulin dependent diabetes, which cannot be treated orally with tablets like in humans.”
Side effects of some medications like steroids can also sometimes cause diabetes. Dr MV Jithin, Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, says, “It can affect the adrenal glands, causing hormonal imbalance. Also, they can develop diabetes due to tumor in the adrenal glands or if the glands do not develop well during the course of time.”
He shares that cases of diabetes are observed more usually in metropolitan cities as the owners try to adjust their lifestyles as per their convenience. “Lifestyle changes like physical inactiveness can cause gross disturbances in the body of an animal,” he says.
Can puppies have diabetes?
Dogs can develop diabetes at any age. More commonly, the condition is observed in adulthood, say experts. There are two types of diabetes in dogs – juvenile or primary or insulin-deficiency diabetes (equivalent to Type 1 diabetes in humans), which is caused due to pancreatic issues, and non-juvenile or secondary or insulin-resistance diabetes (equivalent to Type 2 diabetes in humans), common in older dogs with obesity.
Signs of diabetes in dogs
The early signs of diabetes in animals are similar to those in people. Additionally, they grow polyuria (excessive urine), polydipsia (extreme thirst), and polyphagia (excessive appetite). Diabetes may also be indicated by a significant weight loss.
Experts claim that any breed is susceptible to the ailment, although they have noticed more cases in Labradors, perhaps due to their greater population. Any breed can get diabetes, according to Dr. Kumar. He claims that genetics can also have an impact. “It’s very likely that a dog with diabetes will pass the disease to its offspring,” he says. Dr. Jithin asserts that additional research on the function of genes is necessary to fully comprehend the link.
Side-effects of diabetes in dogs
To lessen diabetes complications, early diagnosis is crucial. According to Dr. Kumar, puppies (6 months to 1 year old) are susceptible to developing cataracts, uti infections, and neurological conditions that damage their hind limbs.
If these conditions are not identified early enough, a pet can potentially suffer ketoacidosis, retinopathy, delayed wound healing, and kidney failure. According to Dr. Jithin, unlike in people where ketoacidosis is a side effect of low blood sugar, it can also happen in dogs when blood sugar levels are high. “Glucose levels are typically high in animals, and because they are not converted to energy, ketones are produced. The body suffers because of it, he claims.
How to treat diabetes in dogs
Diabetes in dogs is managed with insulin therapy administered intravenously rather than orally. The difficulty, according to veterinarians, is determining the proper insulin dose for the animal. According to Dr. Kumar, this happens occasionally so that the care can be standard. Short-acting and long-acting insulin injections must be given daily, once, or perhaps even three times a day, he continues.
Theoretically, the dose of insulin is 0.5 to 1 unit per kg of animal weight, but that may not be adequate, according to Dr. Jithin. “We suggest setting up a similar glucose monitoring system at home. Every two hours, the owner should prick their pet to monitor their blood glucose levels.
Can dogs recover from diabetes?
Endocrine problems are typically described as simply being controlled. However, if pancreatitis is the underlying cause of diabetes and is adequately treated in a timely manner, the condition may be resolved, according to Dr. Kumar.
The diabetes diagnosis and type have an impact on the recovery as well. Owners are advised by experts to carefully adhere to the doctor’s orders and monitor blood glucose levels on a regular basis.
Dr. Jithin says that it is preferable to refrain from offering pets chocolate and sweets. They are not recommended. Although they are carnivores, dogs have adapted to our way of life. Giving children candy occasionally is okay, but avoid making it a routine, he advises.
Preventing diabetes in dogs
The first step in managing diabetes is early identification. Dogs cannot recognize symptoms, according to Dr. Kumar, thus they are often missed. “Therefore, it is essential to get a routine checkup with the veterinarian every three to six months. Additionally, he advises spending quality time with them, playing with them, and encouraging them to exercise to reduce stress and obesity. After being diagnosed, owners should feed their dog a low-fat, low-carbohydrate diabetic diet. He claims that there are commercially accessible diabetic diets with high-quality proteins and omega fatty acids that are made especially for them.
Takeaway
- Pancreatic diseases are the most common cause of diabetes in dogs. They could also develop the condition due to obesity, stress and unwanted administration of medicines like steroids.
- Though the condition is more common in adulthood, dogs can develop it at any age.
- They are treated with insulin therapy.
- Regular checkups, a proper lifestyle with a good amount of exercises, and reducing stress can help prevent the condition in dogs.
- The condition can only be managed by regularly monitoring the glucose levels, adjusting insulin dosage accordingly and following a diabetic diet.
Also read-Avocado: The delicious protector of your heart
images source – google
