Diabetes in Dogs

Dog diabetes is a severe health problem. This disease occurs because the sugar level in the dogs is not maintained appropriately. Your dog can be happy and healthy if you treat it with proper care and food. Here, you will find comprehensive information about this hormonal disease in dogs.

LeeAndPol offers homemade dog treats good for dogs with diabetes. Our dried pollock is thoroughly remove salt and bones over 24 hours, providing a safe treat that won’t disrupt your dog’s blood sugar levels!

What Is Diabetes in Dogs?

Diabetes severely affects dog’s health just like it affects people. It occurs when a dog’s blood has too much sugar. Normally, when a dog eats, the food is turned into sugar. This sugar provides the dog with energy. Insulin is a special hormone. It helps to move sugar into the cells of the dog. If a dog suffers from diabetes, then sometimes insulin fails to work or sometimes does not release the adequate quantity. This means sugar remains in the blood and does not give the dog energy. It makes the dog feel ill.

With good food and proper care, it is possible to maintain normal levels of blood sugar.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs?

Dogs with diabetes can show many symptoms. The most common diabetes symptoms in dogs are:

Excessive Thirst

High sugar makes diabetic dogs extremely thirsty. You will often see your dog going toward the water bowl multiple times. Their body will try to excrete the extra sugar, which can create more urine and induce more thirst in them.

If your dog tends to drink suddenly, they may have diabetes.

Urinating Often

Thirst comes with more urination. Diabetic dogs often need to go out more. Sometimes, they may have accidents indoors. Their body tries to remove extra sugar by making more urine. If your dog needs to go out often, see a vet.

Insatiable Appetite

Diabetic dogs become hungrier. They eat a full meal and still ask for more. It is because their body cannot use the sugar as energy. They feel hungry even after they have eaten. Look for signs of constant begging for food.

Weight Reduction

Even when they have an excellent appetite, dogs that suffer from diabetes may lose weight. The body cannot process food. If energy is lacking, the body starts depleting fat and muscle. This can cause weight loss.

If your dog eats food but stays thinner, it probably has diabetes.

Low Energy

Dog diabetes can cause a dog to feel tired. If your energetic dog is no longer energetic and seems tired, they may simply lack energy. Diabetic dogs sleep more and avoid any activities they love. This usually happens to senior dogs affected by diabetes.

Dehydration

Since diabetic dogs urinate often, they can easily lose water and suffer from dehydration. You would notice dry skin or gums. Dehydration is dangerous. Make sure your dog gets water. If you notice the nose or gums to be dry, check with the vet.

Vision Problems

Diabetic dogs may suffer eye problems. The mentioned eye problem is cataract. Cataracts cause dimness in the eyes. This may result in cloudiness in a dog’s ability to see. Dogs suffer from cataracts or bump into objects. Furthermore, they tend to be cautious while walking.

Weak Legs

Weak diabetic dogs may have legs that cannot stand, walk, or even balance. This happens to diabetic dogs due to damaged nerves. If your dog has weak legs, there is a possibility that their nerves are being affected by diabetes.

If not treated, serious problems face the dogs and reach up to emergency care.

What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?

Various causes can be responsible for diabetes in dogs:

Excessive Sugar Intake

Excessive sugar intake can put excessive strain on the pancreas by rapidly increasing a dog’s blood sugar levels. If your dog eats foods that have a lot of sugar constantly, the pancreas’ insulin production may weaken, causing difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of diabetes in dogs.

Steroid Medicines

Steroid medications can cause diabetes in dogs. When a dog takes steroids for a long duration, it raises the level of blood sugar. It affects the action of insulin. It becomes difficult to maintain the blood sugar level within the body.

Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease results in diabetes in dogs. This disease makes the body produce excess steroids. Steroids may stimulate diabetes when their amount exceeds normal. The disease interferes with how the body regulates blood sugar.

Genetics

Diabetes in dogs can be genetic. A diabetes condition can arise in any dog breed. Mixed dogs can develop diabetes along with pure ones. Then again, not all pure breeds are included in the risk. For instance, small Poodles, Bichon Frises, Pugs, and Beagles are more prone to diabetes.

Age

Age is one of the common risk factors for diabetes. However, it is not breed-specific and the risk is more associated with an aged dog, hence it is common for five-year-old dogs or more, and most of the middle-aged category and above are commonly diagnosed with diabetes.

Sex

The sex of the dog may also determine the risk of diabetes. Diabetes is more common in unspayed female dogs than in male dogs. Hormones may determine the risk of diabetes in female dogs.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Ongoing pancreatitis can likewise cause diabetes in dogs. Pancreatitis is the irritation of the pancreas. If pancreatitis recurs several times in the dog then damage may occur within the organ; it causes diabetes when enough damage is sustained.

Obesity

Obesity is the major risk for developing diabetes in dogs. It can cause what is termed insulin resistance when pets grow overweight. It simply states that your body does not perform well with this hormone. There is also a chance it will change the occurrence of pancreatitis. That sometimes makes the risk higher than diabetes in dogs.

Medical Conditions

Some other health problems can cause diabetes in dogs as well. Autoimmune diseases and viral infections can interfere with how insulin functions. Such conditions can prevent the body from regulating blood sugar properly.

LeeAndPol’s dried pollock treats are low-fat, high-protein, and sugar-free, making them a best option for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

How to Diagnose Diabetes in Dogs?

If your dog shows any of dog diabetes symptoms, their blood sugar levels must be diagnosed as soon as possible:

Physical Test

The vet starts with a physical examination. They look at the body of the dog and how it acts. They check for signs of diabetes in dogs, such as:

• Weight Loss
• Increased thirst
• More frequent urination

These signs enlighten a vet on whether things are somewhat wrong.

Blood Tests

The vet takes a blood sample afterward. This diabetes test in dogs estimates the sugar level in the blood. Assuming the sugar levels are excessively high, it might show that the dog is experiencing diabetes. The vet studies the results very closely to determine whether they are normal or too high.

Urinalysis

The vet examines the dog’s urine. This procedure is called urinalysis. The vet tests whether there is sugar in the urine. Under typical circumstances, a dog’s pee doesn’t contain sugar. However, assuming sugar is available in the dog’s pee, that implies the dog has diabetes.

Fructosamine Tests

Another test is the fructosamine test. This measures the dog’s blood sugar level over the past couple of weeks. This can aid in ascertaining if the dog indeed suffers from diabetes.

It assists in showing if the dog’s sugar level has been very high for an extended period.

Thyroid Tests

Sometimes, the veterinarian may touch the thyroid. The thyroid is one of the organs controlling body capabilities; assuming the thyroid organ is failing, glucose will probably get imbalanced. Checking the thyroid helps the veterinarian eliminate other problems.

Imaging Tests

The veterinarian must also perform image tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds. These scan inside the dog. They will help the veterinarian determine whether everything is normal inside. Sometimes, they will explain issues with the pancreas or other organs that cause diabetes in a dog.

How to Treat Diabetes in Dogs?

The treatment of diabetes in dogs is extremely important. Two possible treatments are insulin and diet change.

Insulin Therapy

Insulin is very essential for dogs which have diabetes. Dogs must be injected twice daily most of the time. Moreover, a veterinarian can consult you on how much insulin should be taken. The injections have to be administered to two different body parts of the dog to avoid lumps on its skin. This might require $40-150 dollars a month. This might cost as much as $2,500 each year to treat. Protection for your pets will assist with covering these costs.

Changes in Diet

It is essential to change your dog’s diet. Feed your dog good food. Good protein comes from lean meats. You can also give them vegetables like green beans and carrots. Avoid food with a lot of sugar or simple carbs.

Fixed Feeding Schedule

Feed your dog at the same time each day. It maintains the steadiness of dogs blood sugar level. Having small meals is helpful also because your dog already has food in their stomach at the time of administering the insulin. Always consult the veterinarian for special dietary advice.

Exercise Routine

Regular exercise is important for diabetic dogs. Moderate exercise helps keep glucose levels stable. A good exercise routine would help prevent big swings in blood sugar levels.

Take your dog for walks or play with them in the yard.

What to Feed a Diabetic Dog?

Feeding a diabetic dog is important. The proper food will help keep the blood sugar in check and maintain them in good health. Here are foods with detailed characteristics that are good for a diabetic dog:

Low Simple Carbs

• Simple carbs, like white rice or bread, raise blood sugar fast.
• Use complex carbs instead. Brown rice, oats, and sweet potatoes release sugar slowly, which is better for blood sugar.

Moderate Protein

• Protein supports muscle health, helping dogs use sugar better.
• Good sources of protein are dried pollock and chicken. Avoid fatty meats, as extra fat can cause weight gain, which is harder for diabetic dogs.

Low Fat

• Diabetic dogs need less fat. High fat leads to weight gain, which makes diabetes harder to manage.
• Try healthy fats, like those in fish oil like omega-3 or flaxseed, which are good for skin and coat health without too many calories.

High Fiber

• Fiber is good for diabetic dogs. It slows the rate of sugar absorption into the blood system. They may help to regulate your dog’s blood sugar levels.
• Dog’s owner should give whole grains, vegetables and some fruits to their diabetic dog.

No Sugary Ingredients

• Avoid treats or food with added sugar or sweeteners. Sugar raises blood sugar fast, which can be dangerous.
• Check food labels to make sure there’s no sugar or corn syrup.

Best Treats for Diabetic Dogs

Caring for a diabetic dog requires attention to their diet. Choosing the right treats can help manage their condition and keep them healthy. Here are some of the best options for diabetic dogs:

Lean Meats

Dried pollock is excellent treats for diabetic dogs. Dried Pollock carries proteins but has fewer calories and fats. Protein from lean meats without fats and carbohydrates will not raise blood sugar. Protein maintains the muscles firm. This is crucial for dogs suffering from diabetes since it may lose muscle mass if blood sugar is not kept within control. Other than this, it has certain amounts of omega-3, which helps the heart and minimizes swelling. For these reasons, it becomes an excellent snack for a diabetic dog.

Vegetables

Vegetables are healthy treats in a dog with diabetes as they are low in calories and rich in fiber. Fiber helps in blood sugar equilibrium as it ensures that such sugars absorbed after eating do not happen too quickly.

• Carrots: The carrots contain natural sugars, but they have lower in the glycemic index. They contain beta carotene and fiber, helping to maintain blood sugar.
• Beets: Beets contain betaine that will manage the glucose levels and is also good for the dog’s liver. Despite the fact that beets are very high in normal sugars, they really do contain fiber, which eases back the pace of assimilation of sugar into the circulatory system. And beets also have nitrates, which can improve circulation, and that’s better for your dog’s heart.
• Broccoli and Spinach: These green vegetables contain vitamins and minerals and small content of carbs. They are safe and nutritious for diabetic dogs.
• Green beans: These are almost calorie-free but high in fiber, help to control blood sugar levels, and have a very pleasing crunch to them.

LeeAndPol combines dried pollock with freeze-dried vegetables and fruits to create nutritious treats for your dog. All our products are sugar-free, making them an even better choice!

Conclusion

Diabetes in dogs requires special care. The signs, such as drinking too much water or peeing frequently, will help you point out problems early. Working with a vet is compulsory. They can give your dog insulin and advise on an appropriate diet for your dog.

With good care, your dog can live contentedly and stay healthy for a long time. Regular follow-ups with the vet are what keep your dog out of problems.

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