Know The Risks Of Diabetes In Dogs
Although it seems like a uniquely human disease, diabetes in dogs is quite common. It affects 1 in 5 furry. And although no dog is exempt from developing it, there are some risk factors. We’ll tell you what they are.
Canine Diabetes Information
In both people and pets, diabetes is a disease that presents when the body is unable to produce or use insulin, which is the hormone in charge of transmitting glucose to cells to transform it into energy. This factor determines whether there will be high blood sugar levels.
Although there are different types of diabetes, dogs often suffer from type 1 diabetes. It’s what develops when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin.
This condition, if not treated in time, can have consequences for the furry ones. For example:
- Cataract
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Kidney disease
- Cushing’s Disease
- coronary problems
- Anemia
- Thyroid Problems
Find out what are the risk factors for diabetes in dogs
Although many think this is a more common disease in older animals, diabetes in dogs can occur at any age. Anyway, the greatest number of cases occurs between 7 and 9 years of age of the dog.
However, there are other factors that imply a higher risk of developing this disease. For example:
- obesity
- Females who have not been neutered
- Genetic inheritance
Therefore, it is important that, in addition to offering a healthy and balanced diet to your furry, you do not overfeed it. Make sure he gets enough physical activity on a daily basis. Remember that sedentary lifestyle is a problem that affects both people and pets, especially those who live in big cities.
And unless you want your bitch to have offspring, it’s best to neuter her. This will save you from many inconveniences related to your pet’s health, including diabetes.
Dog breeds with greater predisposition to diabetes
There are also some breeds of dogs that seem to be more likely to develop diabetes at some point in their lives. Between them:
- Samoyed
- Pug (Carlino)
- Dachshund (sausage)
- beagle
- Poodle
- Keeshond
- Hungarian Puli
- Miniature Pinscher
- bobtail
- Alaskan Malamute
- Schipperke
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Finnish Spitz
- Chow chow
- West Highland White Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Doberman
- Golden retriever
- cocker spaniel
- German Shepherd
- labrador retriever
Learn to recognize the signs of diabetes in dogs
But how can you tell if your furry has diabetes? Unless you undergo some tests periodically, this disease only manifests its first signs when it is well advanced. Pay attention to the following signs that your pet may show:
- Too much urine (polyuria)
- Drink a lot of water (polydipsia)
- Are you excessively hungry (polyphagia)
- Lose weight (despite eating, even too much)
- Develops little activity (lethargy)
So, with the slightest doubt that your four-legged friend may be suffering from diabetes, take him to the veterinarian so that he can confirm the diagnosis and offer the appropriate treatment.
Among the tests to determine if a pet has diabetes are a complete blood count (CSC), a chemical profile, and a urine test. You can also measure your fructosamine level, which indicates how your blood glucose has changed over the past two or three weeks.
A hairy man with diabetes can lead a normal life
Most likely, a dog with diabetes will need insulin for the rest of its life. In addition, you must have a diet appropriate to your condition and perform physical activity as instructed by the health professional.
But don’t despair. A hairy diabetic who receives the correct treatment has a life expectancy similar to that of their healthy counterparts.
Permanent consultation with a trusted veterinarian will help you to give your pet the quality of life it deserves.
