What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Dogs With Diabetes?
Dogs will diabetes are likely to be middle-aged, overweight females. They may show excessive thirst and urinate often, or they may have no symptoms at all. Diabetes is treatable if caught early with diet, exercise and medication.
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Who gets it
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Diabetes is the most common of all the hormonal disorders in dogs. It strikes dogs between the ages of six and eight. Female dogs are more likely to develop diabetes than male dogs, and overweight females are particularly at risk. It is a hereditary disorder, so if either parent had it, chances are the offspring will develop diabetes as well.
Types
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Diabetes mellitus is classified as either Type I or Type II. Type I is rare and shows up early in a dog's life. It is milder than Type II and usually can be controlled with a strict diet and exercise rather than insulin injections. Type II shows up during a dog's middle age years and requires insulin injections.
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Symptoms
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Dogs with diabetes are lethargic and overweight. They drink a lot of water and also need to relieve themselves frequently. They also may have accidents in the house even if they have been housebroken for many years. Dogs with diabetes have decreased appetites and may try to avoid going outside on a daily walk or exercise period.
Warning
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Some dogs with diabetes do not have any symptoms at all, or their symptoms come on so gradually that the dog owner many simply think that the dog is changing as it ages. This is why the disease is often called a "silent killer" in dogs. By the time the owner figures out there might be something wrong, it is too late for the dog. It is a good idea to get your dog checked for diabetes every year, especially as he advances towards middle age. The test is a simple blood test and will not hurt your dog.
Treatment
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Treatment will vary depending on which type of diabetes your dog has and how advanced it is, but standard treatment includes a bland, homemade diet and daily, regular exercise. If the diabetes is severe enough, insulin shots will be required and will probably need to be given at home.
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Resources
- Photo Credit www.k9diabetes.com
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Comments
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k9diabetes
Jun 11, 2010
Unfortunately, I strongly disagree with many of the statements made in this article. Virtually all diabetic dogs have the equivalent of Type 1 diabetes. Cats have something like Type 2/II. You have Types I and II mixed up by the way. Type I requires injections. Type II not necessarily - human, canine or feline. To say that standard treatment of a diabetic dog is a bland homemade diet... where did that come from? Can you cite a reputable source for that information? Ideally, this article would be retracted - it is seriously flawed. And I formally request that you remove my dog's picture from this article. There is copyright notice at the site it was taken from and I did not grant permission for its use. Natalie
