Just like humans, dogs can suffer from diabetes and this often develops for much the same reason that it does in humans. It most commonly effects over weight, middle-aged dogs and results from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar or glucose levels.
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A dog that has diabetes is not able to breakdown food into glucose that can be used by the body for energy, which causes a lack of energy, excessive thirst and increased frequency of urination.
Although older, overweight, female dogs are at greater risk it can develop at any age and unfortunately is not curable but it is manageable.
The key to good management is first determining exactly how much insulin your dog requires and then this can be given daily via an injection at home. Balancing and measuring your dog’s food intake, insulin and exercise is imperative for keeping the diabetic dog healthy, happy and living a good quality of life. The diabetic dog is also at much greater risk of also developing cataracts.
There are two emergencies that can occur with the diabetic dog and both are insulin related. One is caused by too much insulin and the other, too little. Too much insulin will cause trembling and weakness and sometimes seizures however this can be quickly reversed by putting honey on your dog’s gums.
Not enough insulin causes the dog to metabolise its own fat reserves for energy causing a distinctive odour like nail polish remover, lethargy, vomiting and being off their food. This is a medical emergency and you must seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. This is also often the first sign that the dog has diabetes.