What is diabetes in dogs?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which your dog's body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it effectively. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Without sufficient insulin, blood sugar levels rise, which can lead to various health problems.
Recognize symptoms early:
The early signs of diabetes may seem subtle at first glance and become more frequent as the disease progresses. Look out for the following symptoms:
- Intense hunger and thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss despite normal or increased food intake
- Increased feed intake
- Fatigue and weakness
- Cloudy eyes
- Poor wound healing
- Vomit
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to see a veterinarian quickly.
How the veterinarian diagnoses diabetes
To diagnose diabetes mellitus in dogs, the veterinarian can perform various tests:
- Blood test : Measurement of blood sugar levels and fructosamine levels, which provides an overview of the dog's average blood sugar levels over the last 7-14 days.
- Urinalysis : Detection of glucose and ketone bodies in the urine.
- Further tests : Exclusion of other diseases that may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment: Happy life despite diabetes
Diabetes in dogs is not curable, but can usually be treated effectively. Despite a diagnosis, most four-legged friends have the prospect of a happy life. Treatment includes:
1. Insulin therapy
Your dog will need daily insulin injections, usually twice a day. Your veterinarian will determine the exact dosage and type of insulin. It's important to administer the injections regularly and at the same time.
2. Adapted diet
A special diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels. The following is recommended:
- Food with a low content of easily digestible carbohydrates
- High protein content to maintain muscle mass
- Reduced fat content
- Fixed feeding plan with two meals a day
3. Regular exercise
Moderate, regular exercise supports insulin action and helps control your dog's weight. However, avoid excessive exercise, especially if blood sugar is uncontrolled.
End-stage diabetes:
Untreated or poorly controlled diabetes can lead to serious complications:
- Ketoacidosis : A life-threatening condition in which the body produces ketone bodies, which can cause nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness.
- Cataracts : clouding of the lens of the eye, which can lead to blindness.
- Neuropathies : Nerve damage that can lead to weakness and coordination problems.
It is crucial to recognize symptoms early and to carry out treatment consistently to avoid such complications.
