Canine Diabetes; what you need to know.

January 26, 2025

 

What is canine diabetes?

Canine  diabetes is a disease that's fairly common in dogs, especially older females. It causes your dog’s body to be unable to use the  energy from food the way it’s supposed to be used. Your dog can eat  nonstop and still not have enough energy to fuel body functions. 

Symptoms you might see that suggest you involve the vet.

It's important that you pay attention to what's going on with your dog.  Your observations can lead to the appropriate diagnosis so that your dog feels their best.  Some of the symptoms you might see in this instance are

• extreme urination
• extreme thirst
• weight loss, even with increased appetite
• lack of energy
• cataracts

While  these symptoms often show up when a dog has canine diabetes, they can appear  for other reasons. Your vet will help verify and make a diagnosis so your dog can receive the treatment they need.

When should you go to the vet?

If  you suspect something isn’t right with your dog, a vet visit is always  appropriate. They can check out your dog and diagnose any problems, like diabetes. This particular disease can have long lasting effects that can possibly be prevented with proper understanding and control of blood sugar. It's definitely worth the visit.

 

Is all canine diabetes the same?

If  your dog has diabetes, there are a couple of types to be aware of.  Depending on which one your dog has, your vet will help you come up with  a treatment plan to help them feel better.

The  more common form, insulin-dependent diabetes, is the condition in which  your dog’s pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to allow the sugars  from food to get processed. These dogs usually need insulin injections  every day.

The  other form, insulin-resistant diabetes, can sometimes be managed with  weight loss and diet. Their pancreas produces at least some insulin, but  the body doesn’t use it well, so the energy from food doesn’t get  processed right.

According  to Wikipedia, less than 1% of dogs suffer from diabetes. But if your  dog is one of them, you’ll want to know what you can do to help your dog  be more healthy. Read this post from AKC for more information about canine diabetes.

 

What can you do to help your dog live a healthy life?

Treating your dog’s diabetes is vital to their quality of life. Some of the steps you’ll need to consider are

• Insulin  injections will most likely be necessary every day. You’ll have to give  your dog the shots, but you can both learn to accept it as a daily  routine.
• Check glucose levels either daily or as needed.
• Your  dog will need to be on a specific diet that limits fats and has a good  source of protein and complex carbohydrates so that their body will best  use the food you give them.
• Exercise every day will help your dog’s body stay regulated.

With  your attention and the right follow-up from your vet, your dog will  most likely be able to live for years without any complications, even  with canine diabetes. This disease is manageable, especially if you’re  paying attention and taking control of the situation.

Do  you have a dog with canine diabetes or one that you suspect might have  it? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

For more information about other issues affecting older dogs, please read my posts Helping Senior Dogs Live Well or How Do You Know if Your Dog Has Dementia?