Canine diabetes is really common! 1 in 5 dogs have it. No dog is exempt from being able to develop this disease, but there are some that are more at risk of developing it. We tell you what these risk factors are and what to do if your dog has diabetes.
What is canine diabetes?
Diabetes is known about the body's inability to generate or take advantage of its own insulin, the hormone that converts glucose ingested into energy. Thus, high blood sugar levels are recorded.
Although there are several types of diabetes, which we refer to by canine diabetes is that of type 1, which is usually the most common in dogs. Diabetes needs treatment from the moment of diagnosis; a dog with diabetes can lead a completely normal life, but if that condition is ignored and not treated, it can have very serious consequences such as:
Falls
Urine infections
Inflammation of the pancreas
Cushing's disease
Kidney disease
Thyroid problems
Anemia
Coronary problems
With proper treatment of diabetes in dogs, your pet will greatly reduce the risk of these problems and lead a normal life.
Risks of canine diabetes
While no dog is completely free to be diabetic (you never know!), some dogs are at greater risk due to their circumstances. The most at-risk groups are:
Although diabetes is not only "an old age disease" and can occur at any age, it is true that most cases of canine diabetes occur between 7 and 9 years of age.
That's why it's very important to give your dog a healthy and balanced diet!
The best way to avoid your dog's diabetes as much as possible is to give it a healthy life. Don't over fuel it, encourage you to exercise and sterilize your pet. While you won't be able to completely negate the likelihood of the disease appearing, you'll drastically reduce your risk. A dog that takes care of himself is a healthy dog!
As for genetic predisposition to canine diabetes, the most prone breeds are:
Samoyed
Pug or carline
Keeshond
Beagle
Poodle
Dachshund (dog "sausage") in all its varieties
Pula
Miniature Pinscher
Bobtail
Alaskan malamute
German shepherd
Schipperke
Finnish Spitz
Schnauzer mini
Chow
West
Cairn terrier
Doberman
Golden retriever
Labrador retriever
Cocker spaniel
Anyway, remember that with a healthy life, the chance of developing diabetes is very low.
Symptoms of diabetes in dogs
How do you know if your dog has diabetes? The only way to detect diabetes from the outset is to perform frequent tests. This disease does have symptoms, but when it reaches a fairly advanced state. Well-developed diabetes in a dog may occur by:
Frequent and excessive urine
Too thirsty, your dog drinks a lot more water than usual
Excessive hunger
Even though he eats, even more than he should, he inexplicably loses weight
He's lethargic and not wanting to exercise or play
It is very important to start the treatment of diabetes in dogs as soon as possible to avoid serious squeal, so if you detect these symptoms in your dog, go to the vet as soon as possible!
Treatment of diabetes in dogs
Canine diabetes, like human diabetes, needs treatment for insulin injections. As you know, there is no cure for this disease, so treatment is life long
In addition, your diet and your pace of life will have to be adapted to this new circumstance. Do not worry! It may sound troubling, but with the treatment you need, a dog with diabetes will have a healthy and full life. In fact, your life expectancy will hardly be affected.
Find out how to choose the best diabetic dog feed.
Consulting a veterinarian with all your doubts and keeping track of canine diabetes will help you stay calm and better understand this disease. Don't be afraid of diabetes!