Introduction
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects the way your dog's body uses glucose or blood sugar. It can cause many health problems and even death if it isn't treated properly. So, how do you know if your pup has diabetes? Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
What is diabetes in dogs?
Diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body turn food into energy, and it's produced by beta cells in your pancreas. When you eat, your blood sugar levels rise. Insulin then signals other cells in the body to take up glucose from the blood for energy production.
When dogs are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM), their bodies don't produce enough insulin to regulate their blood sugar levels appropriately--and if left untreated for too long, this can lead to serious complications such as blindness or kidney failure. Once you have been diagnosed with DM at home, we recommend taking your pet to see a veterinarian immediately so they can check whether or not they also have Cushing's disease or hypothyroidism; these conditions may need treatment separately from DM itself!
What causes diabetes in dogs?
While the exact cause of diabetes in dogs is not well understood, it is believed that the disease results from a combination of factors. Diabetes occurs when your dog's pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by taking excess sugar out of your dog's bloodstream and putting it into cells where it can be used for energy. Insulin resistance occurs when there are too many glucose molecules floating around in the bloodstream because they haven't been taken up by cells yet; this can lead to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). If left untreated, uncontrolled hyperglycemia will eventually result in severe health problems such as blindness or even death if untreated long enough
How do I know if my dog has diabetes?
If your dog has diabetes, you will need to give her insulin shots at least once a day. The best time to administer the injection is before mealtime because this helps regulate blood sugar levels. You should consult with your veterinarian about how much insulin to give her and what time of day works best for her routine.
If you notice any symptoms of high blood sugar in your pet, such as excessive thirst or urination, or lethargy, call your vet immediately!
When can I take my dog to the vet?
If your dog's health or behavior changes, you should contact your veterinarian. Some of the signs that indicate a need for medical attention include:
- Weight loss (especially when combined with dehydration)
- Drinking more than usual
- Not eating at all for two days or more (this can be caused by nausea)
- High fever (over 104 degrees Fahrenheit) or low-grade fever for more than three days in an adult dog; high temperatures can also be accompanied by a rapid heart rate, panting, and restlessness (in puppies, these symptoms may be exhibited as well).
Other symptoms include lethargy or depression; increased thirst; increased urination; vomiting blood or other materials such as foam; black tarry stools; intestinal bleeding due to ulcers on the stomach lining; yellowish-brown mucus around eyes and nose area due to liver problems; diarrhea with blood in it -- this is called melena -- plus abdominal pain if the infection has spread into surrounding tissues/organs like kidneys
How is canine diabetes treated?
Diabetic dogs need to be monitored regularly. Their glucose levels should be checked at least once a day, and more often if they're not responding to the treatment plan.
Diabetic dogs should also be fed a special diet that helps control their blood sugar levels. The amount of carbohydrates in this diet will depend on how well you can control your dog's diabetes with insulin injections or oral medications alone--but most dogs require some sort of dietary intervention in addition to medication if they're going to live long lives with good quality of life.
In addition to monitoring your dog's blood sugar level and administering any necessary treatments (insulin injections, oral medications), you'll also want to keep an eye out for other ailments associated with diabetes:
Urinary tract infections are common among diabetic animals because urine contains excess glucose that bacteria thrive on; these infections may lead directly back into kidney failure if left untreated! If your dog starts showing signs like frequent urination, licking his genitals excessively, or straining during elimination despite having emptied his bladder completely prior/during/after peeing/pooping...it could mean something serious is up down there...so get him checked out ASAP! In some cases where these symptoms appear suddenly without warning--and especially when accompanied by fever--you might even want to consider taking him straight over into surgery right away before things get too far gone behind closed doors.Make sure you know how to recognize the symptoms of diabetes so you can get treatment right away.
Diabetes is a serious condition that can cause other health problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to get treatment right away:
- Increased thirst and urination (your dog may drink more water than usual or go outside frequently)
- Weight loss (your dog has lost weight without trying)
If you think your dog has diabetes, take him/her to the vet immediately! The vet will likely test for diabetes by checking your dog's blood sugar level.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these tips will help you spot the signs of canine diabetes in your pet. If you think your dog might have the condition, contact your vet right away so they can get started on treatment.