Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Canine diabetes is similar in many ways to human diabetes. Some breeds are particularly prone to this disorder, and may even get it genetically from their parents. Others simply develop it as they age, much like many people, due to a wide variety of health and lifestyle factors.

Function

Canine diabetes is a symptom of a dysfunctional hormone distribution system. When hormones do not carry messages from one cell to another correctly, bodily function is disrupted. The result is diabetes.

Types

There are two types of canine diabetes. One type prevents the kidneys from absorbing and filtering water correctly, which can result in too many contaminants not getting filtered out of your dog's system in his urine. This can result in serious illness if left uncorrected. The second type of canine diabetes occurs when your dog's system does not manufacture enough insulin, the hormone that plays a major role in turning sugar into energy for your body. This is the more common of the two types.

Significance

When your dog eats, his body digests glucose, the body's main fuel. In normally functioning systems, that glucose gets turned into sugar, which provides energy for your body's billions and billions of cells. However, if your dog has diabetes, then that sugar does not get transported to the cells, which causes there to be excess sugar in the blood and not enough energy for the cells.

Identification

Canine diabetes is generally characterized by excessive hunger and excessive thirst. Also, your dog will probably urinate a great deal more than is normal. If your dog has had diabetes since a young age, you may not have a good concept of how often he should be going to the bathroom, so if it seems excessive, then have him checked out. When a dog first develops diabetes, he may gain weight, but if it is left untreated, he will lose weight even if he is eating normally or more than usual, because his body will be forced to break down proteins and fats to get the energy it needs.

Prevention/Solution

If your dog already has diabetes, then she will almost certainly need insulin shots much like a human would. Some insulin shots last for up to 24 hours, while others only last about 4 hours. Your vet will determine which type is best for your pet.

Warning

Canine diabetes will eventually kill your dog if left untreated. However, dogs can live normal, happy lives with diabetes as long as their owners take good care of them and make sure that their diets and medications are administered appropriately. If you suspect your dog has diabetes, take him to the vet immediately for a checkup. If your vet administers a test for hyperglycemia (which occurs when sugar levels are too high in the blood), it may come back negative the first time. Ask for a second test if your dog does not improve, since these tests often show negative if the sugars are only slightly elevated.

Considerations

Certain breeds are particularly prone to canine diabetes. Miniature Pinschers and Cairn Terriers appear to have a genetic predisposition for diabetes. Other breeds including Poodles, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers and Beagles are prone to developing the disease later in life, so work with your vet to avoid letting your dog develop habits that could lead to this unpleasant illness.

Resources

• Learn more about canine diabetes prevention and treatment here.