Dogs are really a man’s best friend. We all wish that the dog years were similar to that of human years. The cute puppies grow up so fast and become a part and parcel of our families. Like us, adult dogs sometimes develop certain lifestyle diseases. One of the prime diseases that cause harm to the overall health of adult dogs is diabetes. It has been found that dogs of any age can be affected by diabetes. The early detection of the disease becomes mandatory to ensure proper treatment and the prolonged life of our furry friends.
How do dogs develop diabetes?
Diabetes, as we all know, develops when the blood sugar level abruptly increases in the bloodstream due to the anomalous functioning of the hormones. We also know that this lifestyle disease cannot be cured rather managed. With proper treatment and management, we can surely keep our pets healthier and happier. For this, every dog parent must know a few things about the disease.
The dogs eat the food we give them at home. They like to eat snacks and treats. In fact, many pet parents spoil their canines by giving unnecessary treats and sugar-containing food. The food taken by your dog is digested and absorbed in the digestive system. The glucose molecules are then absorbed in the cells, livers, muscles, etc. When the blood sugar is not properly converted and stored in these organs, the level increases causing diabetes.
Glucose is the essential energy source for dogs. It means they will also need a proper source of glucose to gain energy for the daily mischief and other activities. The insulin hormone is responsible for the conversion of the absorbed glucose into glycogen and its storage in the different organs. Hence, the reason for the development of diabetes mellitus in dogs is similar to that of humans.
Symptoms of diabetes in dogs
How can a pet parent understand that his/her dog is suffering from hyperglycemia? Humans display certain symptoms that tell us about elevated blood sugar levels. Similarly, dogs suffering from diabetes will also show a particular set of symptoms. Every dog parent should be aware of such symptoms and keep an eye on their pets. When you find such symptoms developing in your dog, you must take them to your vet and in case you need a second opinion get that as well to corroborate and to get it treated without any delay.
Here is the list of symptoms you should be aware of.
- Frequent urination or peeing
This is one of the biggest signs of diabetes mellitus. If you think your dog is not drinking water too much but peeing or urinating at a higher frequency, it can be a symptom of diabetes. Frequent urination, also called polyuria, is a major symptom of diabetes in dogs too. This happens when the blood glucose can’t be absorbed from the bloodstream properly from the kidney. The renal threshold in these two organs crosses the limit and water is drawn out more with glucose to make urine. confirm you retain a count of the number of times your pet is urinating.
- Dogs are drinking more water
When you become a dog parent, you will surely watch how many times your dog is drinking water. It is natural for dog parents to check on their drinking and eating habits. Hence, it is easier for dog parents to keep an eye on the frequency of drinking. Due to the escalation in urination, the dogs will feel thirsty. Due to the elevated thirst, they will try to drink water more than usual. This is where a dilemma exists. The owners misunderstand the fact that the dogs are peeing more and simultaneously drinking more. The top veterinarians suggest the dog parents observe the pattern and immediately contact the nearest pet clinic.
- Abrupt increase in appetite
An excessive increase in appetite will also be observed if your dog has developed diabetes. The technical term for the insatiable appetite is polyphagia. It means that your dog will always look for food or will eat ravenously when something is given. Even if he/she has eaten satisfactorily, he/she will still look for food. This happens due to the imbalance in the insulin level, the hormone responsible for controlling the blood sugar level.
The blood sugar will increase more. If you think your dog is eating excessively and throwing tantrums even if he/she is well fed, make sure you find a veterinarian near you and go for an immediate checkup.
- Abrupt loss of weight
Weight loss is often the symptom of anything. It can be due to cancer, liver disease, gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, or any major morbid diseases. It also can happen when a dog is diagnosed with diabetes. This disease results in the lack of glucose delivered to the prime organs such as the heart, muscles, brain, etc. Even if a dog is enjoying a normal appetite, he/she might start losing weight all of a sudden or gradually.
This happens when the cells cannot identify the presence of blood sugar and start depleting the glycogen sources in the storage organs (muscles and liver). Once the glycogen storage empties, the fat and protein in the cells of the tissues are being broken down to provide energy for survival. This causes an abrupt loss in weight.
- Cloudy eyes
This is another major symptom that can tell you that your dog is suffering from diabetes. Diabetes can cause cataracts in 4 out of 5 dogs. The eyes will turn out to be cloudy and the dogs will not be able to see or judge distances or other physical factors. The vets suggest that cataracts are long-term complications that point out the presence of hyperglycemia or diabetes.
The lenses in the eyes of dogs can easily absorb glucose from the fluid. The excess glucose absorbed is converted into sorbitol. Due to the presence of an excessive quantity of glucose within the bloodstream, the quantity of glucose absorbed in the lenses additionally increases. This extra glucose is then transformed into sorbitol. This compound absorbs water inflicting distortion and disruption of the fibers. The transparency of the fibers is lost resulting in cloudy vision.
- Vision deterioration
As we have discussed before, the development of diabetes can lead to clouded eyes and deteriorated vision. Cataracts cover the lenses and stop light rays from entering and falling on the retina. The reduced inflow of light rays from external sources causes partial blindness in the dogs.
You can identify the level of vision while playing with them indoors or outdoors. If your dog is unable to catch toys or any object the way he/she did before, do contact for consultation.
- Fur and skin less shiny and healthy
Improper appetite and nutrition can cause your dog’s fur and skin to lose the luster he/she had before. It also happens when the hair gets dehydrated. Excess loss of water due to frequent urination also causes the skin to dehydrate.
- Losing interest in interaction and activities
An enthusiastic dog losing the zeal to interact with the family members and not getting his daily dose of mischief can be a sign of lethargy. Lethargy can be the symptom of diabetes.
How can you cure these symptoms?
As mentioned earlier, the best method of treatment can help your dog make an excellent recovery when you observe these symptoms and consult an experienced vet near you. Dog parents will easily perceive any change in the activities and behavior of their pets. Keep an eye on and track such changes. Talk with the other dog parents to find a good veterinarian in your area.
The easiest way to reduce and control blood sugar levels is by controlling diet, exercising your dog regularly, and by giving insulin injections if required. The vet will consider all the factors and design a treatment plan for your dog. The plan varies from one pet to another. Stick to the plan strictly to help the vet control the diabetic condition of your pet. Eventually, you will observe that your furry friend’s health condition is improving. Be patient with the treatment and listen to the experienced vets.
Bring everything you have noticed under the supervision of a reputed vet first. Learn how you can make significant changes in your pet’s life. Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes in the treatment suggested. When the blood sugar level recedes, all these problems and symptoms will fade away. Different tests will reveal the present condition of your pet. Regaining your puppy’s health will be PAWSSIBLE if you follow what the experienced vets suggest!
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I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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